The CBB :: View topic - A Second Chance

#1: A Second Chance Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 3:22 pm

Hope it's more Shrek 2 than Speed 2!

Here goes...

It was a scorching hot day. The sun was beating down hard on the Gornetz Platz and the thermometers were edging into the nineties. At a small window on the second floor of the San a slim, elegant woman was staring out across the vista. She could just about make out her old school in the far distance, but she was paying it no attention; her thoughts today were somewhere else entirely.

The door opened and a tall, fair man came into the room. He chuckled as she turned to face him, a mixture of expectancy and apprehension written all over her face.

“You look like you’re waiting for your final sentence! Cheer up, it might never happen!” he teased.

Evadne glared at him. “Not funny Jack. Stop being an ass and just tell me.”

Jack looked at her and relented. “I think it’s safe to say that you will have some very good news to tell that husband of yours tonight,” he said, his face breaking into a broad smile.

“Really? You’re sure?”

“One hundred percent! In roughly seven months time you will be welcoming another little Watson into the world. Congratulations!”

Evadne said nothing as she tried to take in the news, and for a minute Jack was worried that she might cry. Finally, pulling herself together, she swallowed hard and gave him one of her familiar grins. “See, I told them they were wrong! Not able to have any more children indeed!”

Jack sobered slightly. “Yes, well, it does mean that you need to take extra care of yourself for the next seven months. I want you to go straight to your doctor when you get back to Geneva, and you’re to follow everything he says to the letter. I know you Evvy, you’re as bad a patient as Jo, and you can’t afford to take any risks.”

“I may be restless but I’m not stupid! I’ll spend the next seven months without getting out of my bed if I need to! Oh Jack, I can’t believe it. Thank you so much. I just had to find out before going home, I’ve been going spare not knowing if it was a false alarm.”

Jack smiled at her. “You’re very welcome Evvy. And I’m truly happy for you both, I really am. Now, how about we go and find that wife of mine. She’ll be chomping at the bit to know the news, and you and her need to set off for Interlaken quick smart if you’re going to catch your train.”

And with that he opened the door and ushered her out into the corridor.

#2: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 3:30 pm

Yay!!!!!
Jo, you're a star!!!

(Oh, and the next few posts are just as wonderful......)

#3: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 3:33 pm

and the next bit...

(You get the first two posts back to back to set the scene! Very Happy

)

Sir Edgar Watson shut the door of his office, threw his papers on the desk and sat down in his chair with a huge sigh. That was the third meeting he’d had this morning, and as usual they’d got nowhere, the bureaucrats just talking round and round in circles. He enjoyed his job, and derived huge satisfaction from being able to help people in the poorer countries of the world. But he was an idealist, and sometimes found his morals sorely tested by the penny-pinchers and paper-pushers who crowded the halls of the United Nations.

He looked at the photograph of his wife that he kept on his desk, and smiled to himself. She generally reduced his job down to “He farms or something” whenever anyone asked, which always made him laugh. His peerage and his position on the UN Food and Agriculture Organization always attracted sycophants and hangers-on, but she had not been impressed at all. Her utter lack of pretension was one of the things that had most attracted him to her in the first place.

Picking up the photo, his smile turned to a slight frown. She was due back from the Gornetz Platz this afternoon, where she had been visiting an old friend who had suffered an accident the previous month, and he was a little apprehensive. A bereavement during the war had cast a shadow over her life that she had struggled so hard to shake off; until, that was, a trip she had taken to Paris following her father’s death just over a year ago. He had never asked what had happened to cause the change, and she had never told him, but he was overjoyed that on her return the cloud finally appeared to have lifted, and their relationship since had been as perfect as he could have wished. But for a couple of days before she left on this recent trip she had been preoccupied and distant, and he was worried that the shadow had descended once more.

Not that it changed the way he felt about her. It just hurt him to know that he couldn’t take away her pain.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Dec 01, 2004 6:59 pm; edited 1 time in total

#4: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 3:58 pm

Yay, more Evvy!

But Miss A would be most upset with you guys, teaching the poor American even more slang. Laughing

What on earth is "going spare"? Is it like "going nuts" or "going around the bend"? Or is it more like, about to explode? Actually, I'd previously interpreted it as losing one's temper, but that doesn't fit the context. Confused

#5: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 4:01 pm

Similar to going nuts i'd say!

Thank you Josie! Looking wonderful already!

#6: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 4:31 pm

Great Josie. I do like Evadne!

Mexican Wave

I'd use going spare as about to explode - REALLY frustrated Rolling Eyes

#7: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 4:42 pm

Well I figured that being really frustrated is enough to send you nuts so... Rolling Eyes

#8: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 5:14 pm

Yipppeeeee *does a dance pf joy* I'm so glad this is back, thank you Josie Very Happy

#9: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 5:41 pm

Yay!! Thanks Josie, am really looking forward to more! Is nice to get to know Edgar too Very Happy

ETA: Whaaaaat??! Talk about Prunella being at work! I've lost 200 posts!!

Last edited by Laura on Thu Nov 25, 2004 6:50 pm; edited 1 time in total

#10: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 5:42 pm

Thank you Josie, this is superb already. So nice to know more about Evadne and to see that things seem to be working out for her.

#11: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 7:18 pm

Hurrah! Evvy's back! Thanks Jo Very Happy

#12: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 7:25 pm

Laura wrote:

ETA: Whaaaaat??! Talk about Prunella being at work! I've lost 200 posts!!

Sorry Laura, that would be me archiving rather than Prunella.... Embarassed

#13: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 8:23 pm

Yay more Evvy!
Looking forward to more of this!

#14: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 8:44 pm

Lovely to see more of this Josie! Laughing

(I think I've lost about 500 posts! Rolling Eyes

)

#15: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 8:50 pm

Lesley wrote:

(I think I've lost about 500 posts! Rolling Eyes

)

And I haven't even touched 'Ordinary Woman' yet....... Rolling Eyes

#16: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 9:43 pm

Hurrah! More Evvy

Love the way she describes Sir Edgar's job as "he farms or something"

Thanks Josie

Liz

#17: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 10:24 pm

Great to see this back.

#18: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 10:10 am

Going spare = going crazy or very frustrated, Kathy. And I guess spending so much time in the UK and being married to an Englishman she was bound to pick up some English slang - it is Evvy after all!! Wink

Two hours later, as the train pulled out of Interlaken station, Evadne waved goodbye to Jo and settled herself in the corner of the compartment. The only other occupant, an elderly man who had fallen asleep almost as soon as he sat down, was snoring gently, and smiling to herself, Evvy gazed out of the window as the suburbs of Interlaken rolled by.

Her mind wandered back to a conversation she’d had that morning. She had been filling her friend in on the latest exploits of her family, and as she finished a story involving her youngest stepdaughter Marcia and her attempt to shave the family dog, Grizel had wiped the tears of mirth from her eyes and turned her head to face her.

“You know, I was so jealous of you when I first arrived here.”

“Jealous of me? Whatever for?” Evadne replied, somewhat startled.

“You have everything, Evvy. Looks, money, a wonderful family, a place to call home. Right then I felt that I had nothing and it just seemed so unfair. I even commented to Joey that I hoped you knew how lucky you were.”

Evadne sat back in her chair as she let this sink in. “Do you still feel like that now, Grizel? ‘Cause you needn’t you know.”

Grizel shook her head. “No, not any more. Now I’m just really pleased for you. You seem so happy, Evvy. Makes me realise that maybe I could be someday too.”

Evadne smiled. “You will be, you’ll see.” She paused and regarded her friend, before continuing. “My happiness didn’t exactly come on a plate you know. I’ve had my fair share of the bad stuff too.”

“I know, that’s what I mean. Jo put me right on a few things, though I don’t know the details. I’m sorry Evvy, I really am. I had no idea.”

Evvy shrugged. “Don’t be. You weren’t to know. But things aren’t always what they seem Grizel. Now, let’s talk about something else,” she said, mischief in her eyes. “Tell me all about Dr. Sheppard,” and with that Grizel turned bright red and the subject was dropped.

Thinking about that conversation now, Evadne acknowledged that Grizel had been right about one thing. She was lucky; very lucky indeed. She thought about her husband and felt a slight pang of guilt. She knew she’d been distant with him before she left, but she hadn’t wanted to tell him what she suspected until she was absolutely sure. Hopefully when he heard the news he’d understand. And she’d make it up to him.

Her mind drifted back further, eleven years ago, to the end of the war. If someone had told her then that she would one day be so happily married with a family of her own she would never have believed them.

#19: Author: Robin, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 10:36 am

oh good! it's back!
evvy is great in this.
in fact everyone is nice - thanks Josie!

*posting nervously as dreading to see how many posts I've lost*

ETA Waaaah! over a hundred! that's very depressing! Can see will get no work done today as I frantically post on every thread to try and get my order mark back!

#20: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 10:49 am

Thank you Josie! Very Happy

Looking forward to seeing more!!

#21: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 11:57 am

Thank you Josie, I'm really glad Evvy was able to be happy after what happened.

#22: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 12:08 pm

Walking down the steps of the Palais des Nations, Edgar turned to the left and strolled down the long pathway through the Botanical Gardens towards Lac Léman. It was such a beautiful evening that, even though it was a lengthy walk home, he had decided to eschew the usual staff car for fresh air and the evening sunshine.

His thoughts returned to his wife, who would by now have just arrived home. She had been away for less than two days, but he had missed her terribly even for the one night that they had spent apart. He was determined to get to the bottom of whatever was troubling her. Whatever it was they could try and work through it together, of that he would make sure.

It was funny how life worked out. Eleven years ago, at the end of the war, he had been married to an entirely different woman, looking to spend the rest of his life by her side. Evadne Lannis was merely someone they had once met at a cocktail party, a school chum of a mutual friend. He had never dreamt that things would turn out the way that they had.

#23: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 12:09 pm

Thank you Jo Very Happy

#24: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 12:10 pm

Thank you Jo Very Happy

#25: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 12:10 pm

Are we going to see this from both their viewpoints?

Thanks Josie

Liz

#26: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 12:17 pm

You'll have to wait and see.... Wink

Also, realised I have been very rude and forgotten to thank Rachael for proofing these and all upcoming posts We are not worthy

And I see Vikki's exercising gloating rights after a sneak preview - where's Uto? Wink

Last edited by Josie on Fri Nov 26, 2004 2:47 pm; edited 2 times in total

#27: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 1:06 pm

Yay, glad to see more of this Josie, and to hear more about Edgar too.

#28: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 2:52 pm

Likeing that we get to see both views!

#29: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 3:38 pm

Thank you Josie, the first story demanded a sequel really and I'm glad you're writing it!

#30: Author: Robin, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 4:36 pm

Josie! I saw you'd posted and was hoping for more!

*debates proposing motion that authoresses are only allowed to post on their drabbles if it's more story* Wink

#31: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 6:40 pm

Josie wrote:

And I see Vikki's exercising gloating rights after a sneak preview - where's Uto? Wink

Oi!!!! What are you trying to do to me?????? Shocked

#32: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 7:02 pm

Lovely Jo, really like her conversation with Grizel - and that Grizel was able to confide in Evvy.

Thank you.

#33: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 10:54 pm

Lovely update Josie thank you so much.

#34: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 12:14 pm

August 1945

As the Manhattan skyline loomed into view, Evadne Lannis stood on the deck of the great liner and took a deep breath. She was home at last.

It had been four and a half years since she had last seen that view, and so much had happened since then that it felt now like another lifetime. Another world. In that world she had been young, naïve, happy. Despite the war, she had been sure of where her future lay, of who she would be when peace came again. Now she had no idea.

The two years since Ralph’s death had passed in a detached haze. She had discovered that if she gave herself no time to think, no time to be alone, then it became far easier to cope. The intensification of the advance in Europe meant it was easy to keep herself busy, they never had enough hands to the deck. Except for when she was in bed, in the silence of her mind. Then there was no escape.

The end of the war had come and gone, both in Europe and the Far East, and Evadne had joined in the celebrations like everyone else. But part of her couldn’t help but dread the future, the realisation that the end of the war meant a return to a reality that she didn’t want to face.

“Oh Evvy look, it’s the Statue of Liberty! And the Empire State Building! I can’t believe I’m actually here!”

Evadne turned round and laughed as her friend grabbed her arm, almost jumping up and down in her excitement.

“Welcome to The Big Apple, Di! So, what do you think?”

“It’s exactly as I imagined! I’m so excited! Bobby look, it’s New York!”

He chuckled at his wife’s enthusiasm. “I know that honey, I’ve been here before remember,” he teased.

Bobby had returned from Germany in March of that year, following the liberation of the camp he was in, and he and Diana had married in England a month ago. Evadne had stayed on for the wedding, not in small part to delay the return to New York. But when they had said they were sailing on this boat, heading ultimately to Bobby’s home state of Pennsylvania, Evvy realised that the time had finally come to return home. And now as she watched them, his arm wrapped around her as he whispered something in her ear, she felt the familiar shadow descend once more.

#35: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 1:02 pm

*Huggles Evvy*
Thanks for the update.

#36: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 1:20 pm

*feeling teary*

*Hugs Evvy* Goody I hope this means we get to find out more about how Evvy and Edgar met Very Happy

#37: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 1:50 pm

*sniffles* *hugs Evvy*

Lovely thank you.

#38: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 4:19 pm

Yey, I'm so pleased there's more of this. I really love your Evvy. And Sir Watson seems pretty lovely as well.

Very much liked the Jo-Grizel-Evvy conversation.

#39: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 8:02 pm

Poor ole Evvy! Crying or Very sad

Thanks Josie!

#40: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 8:34 pm

Thanks for the update Josie. I want to give Evvy a very big hug

#41: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 10:39 pm

*sending hugs to Evvy*

Thanks Josie

Liz

#42: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 4:46 pm

Thank you Jo!

#43: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 5:37 pm

Just realised have also forgotten to thank Kat for giving this the once over - d'oh! Rolling Eyes

August 1945

Edgar Watson watched his wife as she tended to their young daughter, and found himself counting his blessings. On the whole, they’d been lucky with their experiences of the war. Lucky was a relative term of course. He and Madeleine had had to leave behind the life that they had just begun to build for themselves out in Malaya, which had been a wrench, but they had been lucky enough that he had been reassigned to a post in London prior to the escalation of Japanese actions in the region. His new assignment, as a policy advisor to the War Cabinet on matters in the Far East, had meant that he was not eligible for conscription.

He had watched his brothers both head into battle, and had seen neither of them return. Henry, the eldest, had been killed at Monte Cassino, leaving a young wife and daughter. Phillip, the youngest, had not made it more than 50 yards up Sword Beach. The loss had been too much for their frail mother, who had lost her grip on life two months ago. And the toll that the heartache of this was taking on his father was a cause for concern.

But for all that, he considered himself lucky. He had a wife with whom he was very much in love, despite their ups and downs, two beautiful children whom he adored and, as they had found out that very morning, another one on the way.

Madeleine looked up at him and smiled. “I’m tired Edgar, I think I’m going to have a lie down. Will you be okay? Do you have everything you need?”

“Of course my dear, of course. And I can see to myself if there’s anything I need. You go and get some rest. I’ll find Sophie and ask her to keep an ear out for Thea to make sure you’re not disturbed.”

He kissed her on the forehead, and watched as she walked out of the room. She was a slight, petit woman, with dark brown hair and a fragile beauty. Quiet and unassuming, she nevertheless possessed a tremendous inner strength and sensibility, the perfect foil for his intense, serious and idealistic nature. He couldn’t imagine what his life would have been like if he hadn’t been with her. His mind went back to a cocktail party they had attended a couple weeks before, to the young American lady that they had been introduced to by his friends Paul and Elsie. She had been charming and friendly, but even he could see the air of sadness that seemed to surround her whenever she was quiet. He knew, for Elsie had told him, that she had lost her fiancé a couple of years beforehand. His heart went out to her as he thought of what his life would be like without Madeleine, the thought making him shudder.

Yes, he had plenty to be thankful for.

#44: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 6:02 pm

This all links together perfectly, thank-you Josie!

#45: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 6:06 pm

Awwwww!!! Thank you Jo!
It sort of makes it sadder when you KNOW what's going to happen!

#46: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 8:10 pm

Thanks Josie.So we are going to see what happens to Madeline then? Crying or Very sad

#47: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 8:34 pm

Oh Josie! this is so sad because we know that Madeleine dies and yet the knowledge that he finds happiness with Evvy is reassuring. Such a mix of emotions.

Thanks. I always liked Evvy a la EBD and she is so much more real here.

#48: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 9:48 pm

Thanks Josie - it's lovely to see this from Sir Edgar's viewpoint as well.

Liz

#49: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 10:07 pm

Thanks Josie, lovely to see it from the other side as well

#50: Author: Robin, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 10:48 am

thanks Jo
as always am really enjoying this

#51: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 10:49 am

Thank you Jo. Lovely to see both view points and how it all links together.

#52: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 12:18 pm

Its so sad because you Madeleine will die but you also want Evvy to be happy with Edgar Crying or Very sad

#53: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 12:23 pm

Arthur Lannis was eagerly scanning people’s faces as the passengers disembarked. He had missed his only child more than he had ever thought possible. She was everything in the world to him, and the fact that he had not been able to be there when she had most needed him weighed heavily on his mind. The crowd coming down the gangway was beginning to thin out now and there was still no sign of her.

“Poppa!”

He spun around as he heard her voice and felt the tap on his shoulder. She was thinner and paler than before, her eyes no longer as bright and smiling, but she was here nevertheless.

Tears flooded Evadne’s eyes as she looked at her father, and she was unable to hold them back. He said nothing, but reaching out, he pulled her into a bear hug, and she closed her eyes and clung to him as if she were a small child. They stayed like that for a few minutes, neither able to speak. Eventually, looking up, Arthur Lannis noticed the two people standing to one side, looking and feeling slightly awkward. He gave them a beaming smile.

“You must be Diana and Bobby? Very pleased to meet you.”

“Pleasure to meet you too, Sir,” returned Bobby, shaking his hand. “This is Diana, my wife.”

As her father shook Diana’s hand and welcomed her to New York, Evadne turned her head around and scrubbed her eyes with her sleeve.

“Pops, is it okay for Di and Bobby to stay in the apartment for tonight? They have to get the train from Penn Station in the morning, and they’ve not booked in anywhere. I thought it might be an idea?”

“Of course they can! We can drop them there now on the way. Come along, all of you. Peters is waiting over here with the car. Let’s see to getting you all through customs and get off. You must all want a good bath and bed.” And with that he struck up a conversation with Bobby as they led the way, Evadne slipping her hand through her friend’s arm as they followed in their wake.

Two hours later, with Diana and Bobby settled in the Lannis’ Manhattan apartment, the big car turned off the Long Island Expressway and coasted slowly down the narrow lane into Southampton. As Peters swung the car into the coast road that led to their house, the large iron gates of ‘Hamilton’ came into view and Evadne flinched. She had known that they would have to pass by there, but nothing could have prepared her for how she felt at the sight of the Morgans’ home. Her father saw her out of the corner of his eye, and reaching out he took her hand in his, giving it a squeeze. Evadne felt tears pricking the back of her eyes and had to fight to keep them back. Everywhere she looked there were reminders of him. She had no idea how she was going to be able to stay here, how she was going to cope.

#54: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:22 pm

*Sending loads of hugs to Evvy*

*and reaching for tissues*

Liz

#55: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:32 pm

Oh poor Evvy, it's the little things that bring everything flooding back to haunt you and bring all the pain to the surface once more.
*Huggles*

#56: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 3:45 pm

A shrill ringing cut through his concentration and Edgar sighed, putting down his pen. It was turning into one of those days. He was desperately trying to get his speech written for a conference he was attending in the morning, and every five minutes there was another interruption.

Resignedly he answered the phone, and was surprised to hear the voice of Doctor Haddow on the other end.

“Edgar, is that you? Is Madeleine around?”

“She’s sleeping John, sorry. I don’t really want to disturb her if possible, she looked all in. Can I help at all?”

There was a moment’s silence at the other end, as if the doctor was thinking what to say.

“Can you pass her a message for me? Just let her know that I’d like to bring our next appointment forward to next Tuesday if that’s okay with her. I’ll be round to yours about ten’ish. Ask her to give me a bell or leave a message with Susan if that’s not possible will you?”

“Yes, yes, of course,” Edgar replied, a little confused. “John, is…”

“Sorry Edgar, I have to dash. I’ve back-to-back appointments all day. Thanks old chap, see you anon,” and the line went dead before Edgar could reply.

He replaced the receiver and leaned back in his chair, a heavy frown on his face. Appointment? What appointment? He knew she hadn’t mentioned anything to him about it, and they’d only seen the doctor that morning. It could just be to do with her pregnancy of course, but in that case why hadn’t she told him? Shaking his head he told himself to stop being silly. Of course it must be about the baby. It must have just slipped her mind, that’s all. She was rather tired at the moment, and he knew that she hadn’t been sleeping well, perhaps it was to do with that. He picked up his pen and returned to his speech.

Five minutes later he had written just one line, and putting his pen down again he put his head in his hands. He knew he was probably being silly, but he just had a nagging feeling about that telephone call.

A sudden crash in the hallway, followed by a yelling, broke his train of thought, and hastening to the door he opened it to a scene of chaos. Three-year-old Ned’s favourite new game was pushing himself about the polished hall floors on the large Turkish rugs that were scattered about; a game that, incidentally, was strictly forbidden. With all the adults seemingly occupied with their own activities, Ned had decided to seize the opportunity and had been having a gay old time sailing his carpet boat over the sea of monsters. Unfortunately he had been concentrating too hard on the shark that was chasing him and, neglecting to look where he was going, had careened straight into the dresser, bringing down the large vase of flowers, which had been stood on top, with an almighty crash. Sophie, the children’s nanny, had come up the stairs from the kitchens at that exact moment, and the noise of Ned’s yells and her scoldings had woken baby Thea, who had been slumbering peacefully in the drawing room, and was now screaming at the full pitch of her lungs.

Mindful of his sleeping wife, Edgar motioned to Sophie to go and see to Thea and rang the bell for Sally, the maid, to come and clear up the debris. Then, retrieving his young son from the mess of broken china, water and flowers, he bore the crying child off to his study for cuddles and a lecture on the wrongs of playing on the carpets, his worries about the phone call slipping completely from his mind.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Dec 01, 2004 7:13 pm; edited 2 times in total

#57: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 4:31 pm

Two updates this afternoon - hooray!!

But I don't like the sound of that appointment and why hadn't she told Edgar - definately sounds like bad news....

Ned's game sounded fun though....except for the broken vase!

#58: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 4:45 pm

Oh dear the phone calls sounds like it is foreshadowing bad news Crying or Very sad

Thanks for another great update

#59: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 5:27 pm

Oh dear don't like the sound of that phone call...

#60: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 5:59 pm

*Wibbling*

Thanks Josie. 2 lovely updates to come home to Very Happy

#61: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 6:08 pm

*joining in the wibbling*

Thanks Josie

Liz

#62: Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 7:30 pm

Thanks for starting the next part of this and all the lovely posts I've been catching up on! As shiny as ever!

#63: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 8:02 pm

Two wonderful updates - thanks Josie!

#64: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 8:11 pm

Thank you josie, so nice to get not just one, but two lovely updates. Poor Edgar it sounds like he's going to be in for a shock

#65: Author: karry, Location: Stoke on Trent

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 8:19 pm

Thank you Josie - this is so lovely to read in one go - many wibbles for Edgar and Evadne - even though we know things come out well in the end!

#66: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 9:07 am

Thanks for the updates, Josie

You really make us feel for Evvy when she gets home and everything reminds her of the good times with Ralph ...

And poor Edgar ... Sad

#67: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 10:04 am

Evadne was just settling down with her book when there was a tap at the door. Her father entered the room, and smiling, came over to perch on the edge of her bed.

“So, you all settled back in to your room then, kiddo?” he said with a grin.

Returning the smile, Evvy nodded. “Just about. And not so much of the kiddo thank you! I’m twenty five now I’ll have you know,” she said with mock severity. “Oh Poppa, it’s so good to have all my things around me again! You’ve got no idea. That felt like the first decent bath I’ve had in four and a half years!”

He chuckled, his eyes scanning her pale face. “So, how are you feeling?”

Evadne looked down at her lap, her fingers twisting together. “I’m okay, thanks. It’s good to be home,” she replied, her voice unnaturally cheery.

Arthur just stared at her, saying nothing. Eventually she raised her eyes from her lap and looked up at him.

“Now, how about you answer me for real,” he said. “How are you feeling?”

Evadne closed her eyes for a moment, and took a deep breath. “I don’t know Pops. I really don’t. I’m so happy to be home and to see you. But I just can’t stop thinking about him all the time.” She swallowed hard, then continued, “It’s been over two years, but no matter what I try I can’t get him out of my head. What’s wrong with me? Am I going crazy? You’ve gotten over Mom, why can’t I get over Ralph?”

Her father paused for moment before replying. “Do you really think I’m over your mother?” he asked gently.

Evvy shrugged. “Well, you seem so okay with everything now, I guess I just thought you had moved on,” she replied, confused.

“Well, maybe my daily face is just a façade,” he said, giving her a wry smile. “You never get over them Evvy, not when it’s run that deep. Nor should you think you have to. You just need to learn to adjust to life now he’s gone.”

Evvy swallowed hard again and avoided his eyes. “I dream about him Pops. Dream that he’s still alive, that he comes back. I have done ever since it happened,” she said, her voice trailing away.

He coughed to clear the lump in his throat, and pulling her into a hug he rested his chin on her head. “I should’ve been there for you, Evvy. You shouldn’t have had to go through this on your own. I’m so sorry,” he said, his voice catching slightly as he spoke.

Evvy pulled her head back and looked at him sternly. “Don’t be an ass!” she exclaimed, forgetting that it really wasn’t a name she should be calling her father. “There’s no way you could’ve come over there. Don’t you dare blame yourself!”

Arthur laughed in spite of himself. Then kissing her on the forehead, he made to stand up. “I’ll leave you to get some sleep. We can talk more in the morning.”

Evadne caught his arm and pulled him back. “I’m not ready to face them yet Poppa. The Morgan’s I mean. Not even Cassie. I don’t mean to be rude to them, but I need to time to adjust first.”

He looked down at her, and considered for a minute. Then he sat down again. “Well, how’s this for an idea then. If we stay around here there’s no way you can avoid seeing them. Cassie will be round the minute she knows you're home. Corney was in touch last week with an invitation for us to go up to Boston as soon as you were ready. They’ve been settled there for a good couple of months now. So how about we accept?”

Evvy grinned one of her old grins for the first time since her return. “Yes please! It will be marvelous to see Corney again.”

Her father smiled at her. “Good, well that’s settled then. I’ll contact them in the morning and tell them to expect us by in a couple of days. Now young lady, you could do with some sleep, so I will see you tomorrow. Goodnight,” and so saying, he got up and walked towards the door.

“Goodnight Pops. I love you,” she said drowsily.

He turned and looked at her as he opened the door.

“I love you too Evvy. And I’m so glad you’re home.”

Last edited by Josie on Tue Nov 30, 2004 1:36 pm; edited 1 time in total

#68: Author: Robin, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 10:10 am

wow, am seriously impressed by the rate at which you're writing this.
Although also wibbling about that phone call.

Evvy's pop is lovely, I quite fancy a sugar daddy....

#69: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 10:11 am

Josie that was so lovely, thank you! Arthur is so sweet with Evvy making her feel welcome and loved and safe again...

#70: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 10:29 am

Thanks Josie, a lovely scene between father and daughter *sniffs*

#71: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 11:10 am

Looking forward to seeing Evvy and Corney togehter again

Am soooo impressed with how much you are writing

#72: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 12:22 pm

A lovely scene Josie, thank you. And thank you for posting so quickly

#73: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 12:28 pm

Thank you Josie!! Nick's game sounded fun Very Happy

*wibbling about phone call*

#74: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 12:30 pm

Evvy's Pops is lovely!
Can't wait to see Corney again!

#75: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 12:49 pm

Josie, this is so lovely!

I cried reading Long Road Home so am really glad to see this one coming through - although obviously Edgar's going to be crying at some time soon...

Last edited by Sophoife on Wed Dec 01, 2004 4:10 am; edited 1 time in total

#76: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 2:22 pm

Lovely scene between Evvy and her dad.
Thanks Josie.

#77: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 2:23 pm

Thanks Josie, more about Evvy and and her not-yet husband - this is great!

#78: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 3:00 pm

Thank you Jo!!!
Love the scene of Edgar with little Ned!

Not liking the foreshadowing from that phonecall though!

#79: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 4:53 pm

Awwwww, thank you Jo Very Happy

#80: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 11:02 pm

Evvy has a lovely relationship with her dad Smile

I love her calling him an ass!! Laughing

Just as if he was a naughty Middle!

#81: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 10:01 am

Edgar was pacing up and down on the landing outside their bedroom, his impatience growing by the minute. He had deliberately kept this morning free so that he could be home for her appointment, and had been surprised by her lack of enthusiasm at him having done so, especially as usually her biggest complaint was that he spent too much time on his work.

“Honestly Edgar, it’s fine. You don’t need to be here. It’s just a routine appointment you know. I can tell you all about it when you get in.”

He had insisted and she had resigned herself to him being there. But she had refused to let him come into the room.

“Stay with the kids for goodness sake. I’ll let you know how it goes afterwards,” she had said kissing him on the cheek, and there had been nothing else for it but for him to leave the room, and go and join Ned in the playroom for a game of trains.

His son was now down for his morning nap, and Edgar had been pacing up and down the landing for the last twenty minutes. What on earth was taking so long?

As he had surmised she would, she’d said that the appointment was purely to check up on her progress, and that she had just forgotten to tell him about it. But despite her protestations, that nagging feeling kept returning to him. He was starting to notice just how tired she appeared, and that she was looking a little paler than usual, but when he’d challenged her on it she had simply laughed and said that it was always like that at the beginning of pregnancy, and she was surprised he couldn’t remember. Aware that he hadn’t been around much during the first two, the war keeping him at the office for far longer hours than were normal, he had had no comeback to this so he’d let the matter drop.

The door opened and Dr Haddow came out into the corridor. Spotting Edgar he gave him a broad smile. “Okay old chap, that’s me done here for this morning. I’ll leave Madeline to tell you the details,” he added hurriedly as he saw Edgar open his mouth.

Edgar followed him down the staircase and across the hall to show him out. Then, after shaking the doctor’s hand and bidding him farewell, he retraced his steps back to the bedroom, where he found his wife stood by the window, gazing out into the garden. Walking up behind her, he put an arm around her shoulders and she looked up at him and smiled as she rested her head against his chest.

“Everything okay with the baby?” he enquired after a couple of minutes’ silence.

She looked at him, confused for split-second, and replied distractedly, “What? Oh the baby. Yes, everything’s fine with the baby,” and pulling away from him slightly she crossed her arms across her chest and went back to staring out of the window.

“Madeleine, dear, what’s wrong? You’re so tired all the time, and you’ve not been yourself at all these past few weeks. You would tell me if everything wasn’t okay, wouldn’t you?”

“Of course I would!” she snapped. “I’m fine Edgar, do stop fussing.” Then seeing the hurt on his face, her attitude softened, and she reached up to kiss him on the cheek. “Sorry darling, that wasn’t fair. I’m okay, really, just tired. This pregnancy must be taking more out of me than I realised. I think I’ll get a bit of sleep before lunch. I’ll be much better after that. How about we take the kids out this afternoon, make the most of you being at home?”

Edgar nodded, and giving her a kiss, he left the room, still unconvinced.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Dec 01, 2004 6:46 pm; edited 1 time in total

#82: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 10:05 am

Thanks for the update Jo, now do I gloate or not ...... dum de dum de dum Twisted Evil

#83: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 10:12 am

Oh dear!!! Poor Edgar and Madeline, its all so sad Crying or Very sad

#84: Author: Robin, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 10:53 am

No gloating please Kathye, not fair!

this is going to be another sad one, isn't it? Guess I already knew that, but was hoping the happy bits would be more prevalent!

#85: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 12:24 pm

Thank you Josie! Still worried and especially as its obviously not the baby that's the problem...

*wibble*

#86: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 1:23 pm

Join's the wibblers.

#87: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 1:36 pm

Robin wrote:

No gloating please Kathye, not fair!

To be fair to me though, I could have gloated at any point since the first one or on the hilarity in St Hilds !

But I keep forgetting Embarassed

#88: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 2:00 pm

I didn't realise how far behind I had got with this. Wonderful to have so much to read all at once though.

Very sad, and yet also very tender. Crying or Very sad

#89: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 2:01 pm

Lovely posts. I love Evvy with her Dad.

I wish Madeleine would confide in Edgar though, especially as he's worrying anyway.

Looking forward to seeing Evvy and Corney together again!

#90: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 6:22 pm

Thank you for a lovely post Josie. Am concerned that Edgar is goiing to hear some bad news soon

#91: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 7:26 pm

Thanks for that Josie. Poor Edgar - there's obviously something wrong - why won't Madeline tell him?

#92: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 8:53 pm

*wibble wibble*

I wish Madeline would tell Edgar and then they can lean on each other Sad

#93: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 12:38 pm

*wibbles*
I hope Madeline tells him what's going on soon, poor Edgar!

#94: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 4:40 pm

You'll find out why she's not telling him soon, but there's a few more posts to go yet...

Mr Lannis pulled the car up in front of the large, whitewashed New England house and as they ground to a halt and he switched off the engine, Evadne yanked the door open, and jumped out.

A moment later the front door was flung open, and with a cry of “Evvy!” Cornelia Flower came flying across the gravel courtyard. Just as she reached Evadne, she tripped and fell headlong into her, sending them both tumbling to the ground in a heap.

Arthur stood and regarded them as they disentangled themselves. “Well, guess some things never change,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “Twinkle-toed as ever I see, Corney?”

Cornelia laughed as she got to her feet, brushing down her skirt, and held out a hand to haul up her friend. “Think how dull it’d be if I did change! Say, I’m sorry Evvy. Did I hurt you?”

“I’m okay I think, though no thanks to you!” retorted that young lady as she straightened her dress. “What kind of greeting d’you call that?”

“Oh phooey, no harm done! Oh Evvy, it’s so good to see you. I’m so glad you’ve come,” Corney said as she gave her a hug. Then pulling back, she looked her up and down, her eyebrows raised. “Evadne Lannis, you’re thin as a rail! What have you been doing to yourself?”

Arthur caught the flicker on his daughter’s face and hastened to change the subject. “So, are you going to show us in then Corney, or do we have find our own way?” he teased his hostess.

Cornelia turned round and grinned at him. “Sorry Mr. Lannis, I’m just real excited to see Evvy again. It’s been an absolute age! And I’m very glad you’re here too of course. Leave the bags there, someone’ll see to them for you. Let’s go and hunt out Poppa,” and linking an arm through Evvy’s, she led the way towards the house.

They were met at the door by Mr Flower, who greeted them warmly before bearing Arthur off for a grand tour, leaving the two girls stood in the hallway. Evadne watched them go, thinking Cornelia’s father looked so much older and frailer than when she’d seen him last, and that her friend’s pronouncement in her letters that he had ‘not been so good’ was clearly something of an understatement.

Cornelia’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Come on then, I’ll show you to your room so you can freshen up, then I’ll give you a tour of place,” and with that she led the way across the hallway towards the stairs.

A little while later, the two girls were sitting on the veranda chatting idly. Evadne was filling her host in on the news from Elsie, Ilonka and others of their friends she had seen before departing England, and as she finished, Cornelia sat back in her chair, and stared across the gardens with a sigh.

“I do miss everyone sometimes. What with being in Ireland for so long, and then coming straight back here it’s been years since I set eyes on folk from the old days.” She paused for moment. “I‘m so glad we’re back here though. Ireland is beautiful, but it was the worst climate for Poppa, what with it being so damp and cold all the time.”

Evadne glanced at her. “How is he, Corney? You didn’t say he’d been so sick.”

Cornelia’s face clouded over. “He’s still not well. But honestly Evvy, he’s so much better than he was. If you’d seen him a year ago…” her voice trailed off.

Evvy looked at her friend, her eyes full of sympathy. “Why didn’t you tell me? I could at least have given you someone to talk to Corney. You’re so hopeless like that.”

“Well, you’re a fine one to talk! Honestly Evvy, you look an absolute fright! I know you’ve always been skinny, but you’re a regular beanpole, and don’t tell me those bags under your eyes are natural for I shan’t believe it!”

Evadne stared at her dumbstruck for a second, then to Cornelia’s surprise she burst out laughing.

“I don’t know what you’re laughing about! It’s the honest truth, you look awful, not a bit like yourself.”

“Only you could put it so delicately though!” Evvy sat up still chuckling. “No-one ever called you tactful, did they?”

“Well, I’m sorry, but you do,” Cornelia mumbled, a bit disgruntled.

“Oh, don’t apologise,” Evadne said, wiping the tears of laughter from her eyes. “I actually appreciate it. Everyone seems to spend half their time tiptoeing round me, worried about saying something to upset me. It drives me crazy, I wish they’d just come out and say it. I know what they’re thinking anyway.”

Corney grinned at her. “Well, I promise not to be tactful at all then!” Sitting up and leaning forward, she continued, “How ‘bout we make a pact. We’re going to spend the six weeks you’re here enjoying ourselves and having fun again. No talk of illness, death or anything else! I’m sure it’s been way too long for both of us.”

Evadne grasped Cornelia’s proffered hand and shook it firmly. “Deal. Now, surely it must be lunchtime. I’m famished, and as you so politely pointed out, I need fattening up!” and with that, they rose to their feet, and headed into the house.

#95: Author: Robin, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 4:48 pm

aw bless Corney
good to see she doesn't change!

thanks jo

#96: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 5:16 pm

Thanks Jo

Lovely to see Corney in this

#97: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 5:19 pm

Awww Corney is lovely!! Only she could talk to Evvy like that and I'm glad it worked!!! Thanks Josie Very Happy

#98: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 5:25 pm

Hurrah for Corney! Thanks Jo.

#99: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 5:38 pm

Yay for Corney! Mexican Wave

#100: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 7:17 pm

Corney was just what Evvie needed! Lovely post. thanks

#101: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 7:34 pm

Thank you Jo!!! And great that Corney is there for Evvy!

#102: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 8:36 pm

Lovely post - so typical Corney! Laughing

Thanks Jo.

#103: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 3:59 am

Feeling a bit redundant here, but ... I'm likewise really enjoying this. Corney and Evvy in the same post: What a treat!

#104: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 10:10 am

Hurrah and huzzah for Corney Very Happy

#105: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 11:28 am

Thanks for the posts, Josie ...

Poor Madeline - I'm guessing she's refusing treatment for some illness (cancer? leukaemia?) to protect her unborn child and presumably she will die shortly after the birth ...
In which case, she wouldn't be telling Edgar because he'd try to talk her out of it ... (also explains why the doc didn't want to stop and chat)

How desperately tragic Crying or Very sad

I love the scene with Corney though - just the tonic Evvy needs ... Very Happy

(although sadness there too, with Mr Flower obviously so ill ....)

You're pulling at my heart strings very successfully here, Josie!

#106: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 5:59 pm

I searched as best I could, but couldn't find any reference to Elsie's post-school life other than that she was married and has at least one daughter. So have made the rest up!! I don't have any hardbacks though so if anyone knows otherwise do let me know! Very Happy

As he drove down the country lane that led to their home, Paul Rodwell glanced across at his wife. She’d been quiet ever since they’d left the Watsons, where they had spent a very enjoyable evening, and he could see that she was lost deep in thought.

“Everything okay, my love? You’re very quiet. Not like you.”

Elsie looked over at him and smiled. “Sorry old thing, I was miles away. Just thinking about something Edgar said earlier.” A troubled look crossed her face as she spoke. “Paul, you were sat next to Madeleine at dinner. How did she seem to you this evening?”

“Fine I think,” he replied, a bit surprised at the question. “A bit quiet maybe, but then she’s never the loudest person in the room at the best of times. Why do you ask?”

“Edgar’s rather worried about her I think,” she said, recalling a conversation that she’d had earlier that evening…

==

Dinner was over, and Elsie was balanced on the arm of her husband’s chair, listening with half an ear to a conversation he was having with Lord Dalton about their work. Glancing around the room she noticed their host sat on one of the large window seats, staring at his wife who was on one of the divans talking intently to a couple of the other guests. Slumped forward, his chin rested on his hands, his face looked full of concern, and it was clear that all was not right. Getting up from her perch, Elsie crossed the room and stood in front of him.

“Room for a little one?” she enquired with a smile.

Edgar looked up as she spoke, and shuffled up the seat, allowing her to sit down next to him, his gaze returning to his wife again. Elsie watched him for a few moments, wondering what was wrong. Edgar Watson was her husband’s best friend, they’d known each other since starting prep school together at the age of eight, and over the last few years she had become extremely fond of both him and his wife. He was generally a very genial man, always ready with a joke and a smile, but tonight he had been uncharacteristically reserved.

“Penny for them Edgar?”

He turned his head to face her with a smile. “Oh, they’re worth a bit more than that I’m afraid.”

“Well, I’m sure I can get Paul to stretch to a few shillings if needs be!”

Edgar looked at her in silence, as he ran things over in his mind. He was not a man given to talking about private affairs, even with his closest friends. But he was at a loss as to what to do. It had been three weeks since Dr. Haddow’s visit, and he was no closer to finding out the cause of Madeleine’s troubles. Though her health remained consistent, she appeared to be withdrawing into herself and despite his best efforts she seemed intent on shutting him out. Elsie was one of his wife’s closest friends, and he had complete faith that she would be discreet. Maybe she would succeed where he was failing.

“Elsie, would you mind awfully if I asked you for a favour? You’re welcome to say no of course, once you’ve heard what it is.”

“Of course I don’t mind,” she replied. “Is it something to do with Madeleine? Has something happened?”

Edgar gave a heavy sigh. “That’s just it, I don’t know. She’s fearfully tired all the time, but she won’t tell me what‘s wrong. Every time I ask she dismisses it as being part of the pregnancy, and if I pursue it we just get into a row.”

“Well, are you sure she’s not telling you the truth? It could very well be to do with the pregnancy you know. I was fearfully tired for the first few months with Tom, and I gather it’s nothing out of the ordinary.”

He shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. It’s more the way she’s acting than anything else. I can tell something’s on her mind, but she just won’t open up about it.” He looked at Elsie intently. “I know it’s an awful lot to ask, but could you possibly try to speak to her? I don’t mean ask her and report back,” he added hurriedly, seeing the look on her face. “I just thought, well, maybe you could get her to open up to you a little. It may help her."

Elsie looked at him feeling torn. She didn’t feel entirely comfortable getting involved, but she knew it must have taken an awful lot for Edgar to have asked for her help. He kept things very much to himself, and she knew only the fact that he was at the end of his tether would have prompted him to open up like this.

“Okay Edgar, I can try. But you realise I can’t promise you anything? I can’t guarantee that she’ll even want to talk to me, especially if she won’t even discuss things with you.”

“But you will try?” he asked, looking at her with imploring eyes.

She nodded, and he gave her a smile, relief crossing his face. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

==

The conversation had ended at that point, Paul coming over to claim his wife as it was time for them to go home. Now he gave her a quick look as she finished speaking.

“So will you talk to her then?” he asked.

Elsie nodded. “I as good as promised I would. I just hope that Edgar’s got it all wrong.”

Paul looked grave as he concentrated on the road ahead. “So do I,” he replied, “so do I.”

Last edited by Josie on Sat Dec 04, 2004 10:42 am; edited 1 time in total

#107: Author: Sarah_G-G, Location: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time!

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 7:05 pm

Thank you. How awful for them all to have to worry without really knowing what they're worrying about!

#108: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 7:46 pm

Poor Elsie, what a horrible position to be in- hope she can help.
Thanks Josie.

#109: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 7:57 pm

Elsie must feel torn between her two friends, poor her!

#110: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 8:05 pm

How nice to bring Elsie Carr in! She disappears so completely that I didn't even remember anything about her after school. I even checked the fantastic spreadsheet to find out which books she was in. I've used it several times already.

Poor Edgar, poor Madeleine and poor Elsie having promised to try and find out what is wrong.

Great drabble Josie!

#111: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 8:29 pm

Ouch!
Poor all of them!

#112: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:01 pm

2 lovely posts since I last looked - thankyou! Kiss

It was fab to see Corney, but sad about her dad. And I feel so sorry for everyone worrying - I'm worrying right along with them. Sad

#113: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:14 pm

This is all so sad. Hope Elsie can help a little.

#114: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2004 12:21 pm

Lovely to see Elsie Carr in this. Hope she can help. The only thing I remember about ehr is that she is mentioned once as being a PT mistress at ome school that the chalet school in wales would have played matches against. Its at the time when Daisy, Beth and Gwensi are prefects I think.

#115: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2004 12:45 pm

Whew. Thanks for this Josie, I've just read nearly all of it in one go, I love the way you are telling both Evvy and Edgars story.

#116: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2004 1:58 pm

I'm so glad you brought Elsie in, I always quite liked her. I hope she will be able to help but I'm not sure she will.

#117: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2004 8:09 pm

Mihiri wrote:

It's in Tom which I'm re-reading at present but I'm happy to believe whatever's in front of me at the time!

Thank you Josie. Hope Elsie can help but I'm not sure Madelaine wants to talk to anyone... Crying or Very sad

#118: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 12:25 pm

Nell wrote:

Mihiri wrote:

It's in Tom which I'm re-reading at present but I'm happy to believe whatever's in front of me at the time!

Actually fits in with my timeline - just Laughing

(and admittedly a little tenuously but hey, when did playing with time ever stop EBD!)

So, my potted history of Elsie since school is: Leaves CS 1937, studies PT. Meets future hubby Paul while at college - he's a brother of a friend. Goes to teach in school in Wales around '40/41'ish. Meets CS people in 'Tom' in Spring '44 (going by KB's wonderful dating thread in I&C). Marries Paul summer '44, has first baby (Thomas) in August '45.

So, that's Elsie's life according to me - hope you don't mind accepting it for purposes of this drabble!! Very Happy

There'll be an update later this afternoon, off out to lunch first...

#119: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 3:37 pm

Of course not. I want criticising Josie, hope it didn't come across wrong

#120: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 7:34 pm

Mihiri wrote:

Of course not. I want criticising Josie, hope it didn't come across wrong

Not at all Mihiri - I'd totally missed that bit in 'Tom'. Was just chuffed it fitted into my timeframe!! Very Happy

Thanks to Gem & Mihiri for beta'ing

Cornelia grunted, opened one eye and glared at her friend, who was curled up on a huge pile of cushions in the window seat reading the latest edition of ‘The New Yorker’.

“I don’t know how you can read that tosh.”

Evadne looked up at her with a grin. “It keeps me up to date with everything that’s happening at home. Plus it’s keeping me occupied. I can hardly go out for a walk in this weather, and you’re about as good company as a pit of snakes in your present state!”

Corney sat up and surveyed the scene outside the window. Then, as her head was beginning to throb again, she hurriedly lay back down on the sofa. “Damn rain. I hate this time of year, it’s always so miserable outside. It’s that horrid time in between summer and snow.”

“Well, Corney my dear,” Evvy retorted, sitting up and facing her with a supercilious smile, “the world’s never going to look that great when you’ve had too much champagne the night before, now is it?” The next moment a cushion came hurtling across the room and landed on the floor in front of her. “And your aim’s not looking too good either if you come to that!”

Cornelia rolled onto her side and stuck her tongue out at her. “That’s all the rise you’re getting out of me so you may as well quit now. And anyway, it wasn’t my fault I had too much champagne. Why ever didn’t you tell me that Mike kept topping up my glass?”

“Because I’d have thought you’d have noticed for yourself!” Evadne got up off her perch and came across the room to sit in a big armchair in front of her friend. “I must say though, he was extremely attentive to you all evening,” she added with a twinkle in her eye.

“He was just being friendly, that’s all!”

Evvy raised an eyebrow and looked at her. “You really think so?”

Cornelia had been as good as her word, and with Arthur Lannis there to keep her father company, she had thrown both herself and Evadne into a social whirlwind for the last six weeks. Evvy was having more fun than she had had in a very long time, and found that with being constantly busy throughout the day, and so tired that she fell asleep the second her head hit the pillow at night, she had hardly had time to give her troubles a second thought.

Tomorrow she and her father would be returning to New York, and the previous night had been the final party before their departure. It was a benefit dinner at a hotel in the city, and they had been sat at a table with several people they had met over the previous few weeks, including Richard van Alden, a Harvard student with whom they had become quite friendly. He was accompanied by his elder brother Michael, a stock broker who had been away on business for the past couple of months, and who they had consequently never met before. Michael had begun the evening on the opposite side of the large table, and Evadne had watched with growing amusement as he first engineered himself around the table until he was seated next to Cornelia, and then proceeded to spend the entire evening in conversation with her to the exclusion of almost everyone else. For her part Cornelia had found him stimulating company, and as he had kept her glass well topped up all evening, she had been rather inclined to giggle and talk about him all the way home. This morning, however, she was feeling rather worse for wear and not so inclined to see the funny side of things.

“Of course I think so!” she retorted in reply to Evadne’s question. “And anyway, he wouldn’t be interested in me, I’m not the kind of girl a man would want for a relationship apparently.”

Evadne stared at her incredulously. “Wherever did you get that load of nonsense from?”

“Maud, our housekeeper in Ireland. According to her I’m not gentile or ladylike enough for any man to consider as a future wife. I don’t think she liked me all that much.”

“And you actually listened to her?”

Cornelia sat up and tucked her legs up so that her chin rested on her knees. “Well, maybe she’s right. I mean, look at me. It doesn’t matter what I try I always look a wreck. And I am a bit loud and tactless, and I always manage to say the wrong thing.”

“I’ve never heard such a load of utter tosh in my entire life!” Evadne exclaimed. “I hope this is your headache talking because otherwise I’m afraid you’ve become touched in the head!” Then her tone became gentler as she continued, “Corney, you are kind, honest, sincere, funny and great company among a million other things. I mean, look what you’ve done for me in the last few weeks. Any man worth his salt would be mad if he couldn’t see that, and someone will love you for exactly who you are, you’ll see.”

“I hope so,” came the mumbled reply, as Cornelia stared at the floor. There was a slightly awkward pause for a moment, neither girl being given to sentimentality, and both feeling slightly uncomfortable at the exchange. Then Evvy broke the silence.

“I’d say a certain Mr Michael van Alden might disagree with your housekeeper anyway,” she teased, returning to the previous topic of conversation.

To Evadne's delight Cornelia flushed red. “Well, he did ask if he could take me out to dinner some time.”

“There you are then!” Evvy replied, giving her broad grin. “It’s just a pity I won’t be here to chaperone for you. I’m not sure you can be trusted on your own.” And the next moment she let out a muffled squawk, as this time Cornelia’s aim was true and a cushion hit her directly in the face.

Last edited by Josie on Sun Dec 05, 2004 10:58 pm; edited 4 times in total

#121: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 7:40 pm

That was a gorgeous scene!
Thank-you Josie!

#122: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 9:54 pm

Thanks, Josie! Sorry Evvy can't stay longer, as I love seeing those two together.

But poor Corney! Her hangover must be something else if she's badmouthing October in New England, famous for some of the nicest weather of the year. The leaves are brilliant, there's a special scent in the air, and a lovely mix of bright sun and crispness makes you yearn to be outside and active. What she's describing is November! (Admittedly, this year October did a good job of imitating November. Confused

)

#123: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 10:43 pm

the name van Alden and the interest in Corney would surely cause Joey to exclaim "sits the wind in that quarter". Lovely post, Josie. and so glad you could show Corney and Evadne together like that. They seem so life-like and I can imagine it being just that way.

#124: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 11:05 pm

Maud - what a horrible thing to say!

I'm glad we know that Corney gets her happy ending!

#125: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 11:47 pm

Lovely long posts - thanks Josie

Liz

#126: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 12:12 am

Thank you Josie! Already told you what I think of this one, but just to highlight that I think Corney and Evvy are lovely! It's wonderful to see that the support goes both ways. Very Happy

#127: Author: Robin, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 11:17 am

lovely
thanks Josie

#128: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 3:38 pm

Thank you Josie a lovely post and I have a great vision of Corny slighty tipsy!

#129: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 9:05 pm

Thanks to Gem for beta'ing.

Sorry if this is a bit overly sentimental Confused

Elsie watched out of the kitchen window as the car drew up in front of the house, and she suddenly found herself feeling uncharacteristically nervous. She had known Madeleine for seven years, ever since she'd met Paul, they had supported each other through their weddings and pregnancies, and she hated the way she was feeling at this moment. Telling herself to stop being stupid, she made her way into the hall and opened the front door.

It was a few weeks since Edgar had spoken to her about his concerns. Three-month old Thomas had been down with colic ever since the night at the Watson’s and she’d been somewhat confined to the house as a result. But the favour that he had asked of her had never been far from her thoughts, and she found herself turning that night over and over in her mind, trying to work out whether Madeleine had shown any signs of not being her normal self. Now, towards the end of October, she had finally managed to invite her friend round for a spot of lunch.

Thirty minutes later, Madeleine was sat at the old pine kitchen table, cup of tea in hand, whilst Elsie heated the large pot of vegetable soup on the stove.

“So is the colic gone now then?” Madeleine asked as Elsie finished filling her in on the time she’d had with Thomas over the past few weeks.

“More or less, thank goodness. I really was beside myself though. It’s the first problem I’ve had with him and I just didn’t know what to do. I think Paul thought I was going mad, poor old thing!”

Madeleine laughed. “I was exactly the same with Ned. Flew into a panic over the tiniest little thing. Edgar spent half of his time trying to calm me down. It gets easier second time round though, I promise.”

“Well, you should be an expert by the time number three gets here next year.” Elsie stirred the soup, her back to her friend as she spoke. “You’ll need to be, with how close together in age your three will be. You and Edgar are going to have a fine old time of it with mischief over the next few years if young Ned is anything to go by!”

It was a minute before Elsie realised that Madeleine hadn’t replied. Spinning round to find out why, she was shocked to see her staring into her teacup, tears in her eyes and escaping down her face. Dropping her spoon, Elsie hurried over to the table and knelt down in front of her guest.

“Madeleine, whatever’s wrong?”

The sympathy in her voice seemed to push Madeleine over the edge, and she burst into noisy sobs. Removing the teacup from her hands and placing it on the table, Elsie put her arms round her friend and hugged her tightly, feeling her shoulders heaving as she gasped for breath. They stayed like that for several minutes, Elsie stroking her friend’s back as she waited for the storm to subside, all the time wondering what on earth could have caused her to break down like this.

Eventually the sobs died down, and Madeleine drew back, her chest still heaving, and pulled out her handkerchief to scrub her eyes.

“I’m so….sorry….Elsie,” she gasped, trying to control her voice. “It’s just…” her voice trailed off as she swallowed to cut off another sob that was threatening to rise in her throat.

Standing up, Elsie reached out and pulled up a chair, sitting in front of her friend and taking both hands in her own. “Please don’t apologise. You are allowed to be upset you know,” she began gently. She paused, trying to decide how to phrase her words. “What’s going on Madeleine? Clearly things aren’t right. Is it something to do with Edgar?”

Madeleine shook her head. “No, it’s nothing like that,” she replied, a little calmer now, though her voice still shook slightly as she spoke. “It’s me.”

Elsie nodded her head for her to continue, and Madeleine took a deep breath. “I’m dying, Elsie.”

Whatever Elsie had been expecting to hear, it wasn’t that. Her mouth dropped open in shock, and she had to hastily pull herself together in order to reply.

“But…you can’t be!” she stammered. “What do you mean?”

Madeleine looked up into her friend's face and gave her a weary smile. “Just what I say. According to the doctors I’ll be lucky to see out another year.”

“But…but…how? Why? Does Edgar know?” though Elsie already thought she knew the answer to this last question.

Madeleine shook her head. “No, he doesn’t know yet. I found out a couple of months ago. I went to see Dr. Haddow about a pain I was getting in my chest, and when they examined me they found a tumour.”

The relief of finally talking about it was immense, and she found that the words just came tumbling out. “They were going to perform an operation to try and remove it, and then, just as I was working out how to tell Edgar, I realised I was pregnant. And I can’t have the operation if I’m pregnant. It could harm the baby and I could never risk that happening. Without the treatment I will definitely die, but what else can I do? And I know if I tell Edgar he’ll try and talk me out of it, he’ll insist that I have the treatment. So I can’t tell him, and I feel awful because he knows something is wrong and he keeps questioning me…” her voice began to catch with sobs again as she spoke.

“Are you sure that you shouldn’t tell Edgar?” Elsie began as she tried, with difficulty, to take all this in. “I mean, maybe he won’t react as you think? Like you say, he already knows something’s wrong. He needs to know Madeleine. Maybe he’ll understand your decision.”

Madeleine shook her head. “No, he won’t. I know what he’s like. He’ll want them to do anything possible to save me. And I just can’t put the baby at risk like that.” She took another deep breath to steady herself. “My mind’s made up on that Elsie. You must promise you won’t say anything to him either.”

“Of course I won’t. But I still think you should tell him. It’s not fair to keep him in the dark like this.”

“I’ll tell him when I’m ready Elsie. Just not yet.”

As her friend looked her square in the face, Elsie felt tears welling up in her eyes. She didn’t know what else to say. She just knew that she was going to lose her best friend. That Edgar was going to lose his wife. She bit her lip as she tried to stop the tears from falling, while she searched for the words she needed to say.

Madeleine could see what was happening, and reached out to squeeze her friend’s shoulder. Then, with a supreme effort, she pulled herself together and said in the briskest voice she could muster, “Now, how about some of that soup of yours. I’m starving,” and rising from her seat, she walked over to the stove.

Last edited by Josie on Tue Dec 07, 2004 12:41 am; edited 1 time in total

#130: Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 9:17 pm

Josie - not overly sentimental at all - instead beautifully written

#131: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 9:22 pm

How awful for her - and Elsie - and, eventually, Edgar. I know we guessed something like that as we know that Madeleine dies but I found it very moving and not at all sentimental.

Thank you, Josie.

#132: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 1:21 am

Wibble!!!

Poor all of them!

Thank you Jo!

#133: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 2:09 am

Thank you Josie! Poor Madeleine Crying

#134: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 4:03 am

Well done, Josie.

though horribly sad, but no way out of that one... Crying or Very sad

#135: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 9:43 am

Two very good posts Josie thank you. Is horrible to think of the sadness ahead, but so well written

#136: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 10:12 am

That was so beautiful and so sad Crying or Very sad

*hugs them all*

#137: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 10:15 am

Thank-you Josie Sad

#138: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 10:18 am

Thank you Jo.

Not overly sentimental at all.

#139: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 10:22 am

That was brilliant Jo, what an awful situation to be in, no easy choice whatever you do, so glad that medicine has moved on somwhat since then !

Hoping your busy working no some more *G* Wink

#140: Author: Robin, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 11:33 am

thanks Jo

#141: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 12:50 pm

That was wonderfully written Josie - I could almost smell the soup

#142: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 1:21 pm

Poor Madeline, what a horrible situation to be in. I hope she tells Edgar soon though or it's going to be an awful shock to him.

#143: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 1:47 pm

Thanks Josie.

Liz

#144: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 1:59 pm

For those who want more Corney, have no fear - we have another 10 years to go through yet - she will be back several times over!! Laughing

Thanks for all the comments Smile

The car turned a bend in the driveway, and with a final wave Evadne sat back in her seat and sighed. She was sad to have to leave Boston and head home. For the past six weeks she had felt more like her old self than she had at any time in the last two years, and if she’d had the choice she would have stayed a lot longer. But her father needed to get back to his firm, and Evvy knew in her heart that she had to stop running away from Long Island. She had to go back and face things at some time, better to get it over with now.

Once they had left the outskirts of Boston and were headed south, Arthur glanced at his daughter with a smile.

“So, have you enjoyed yourself? You certainly look a different girl from the sad specimen I dragged up here!”

“Thanks a bunch! Was I really that bad?” she retorted, then seeing his raised eyebrow, she grinned. “Okay, you’re right. And yes, I’ve had a marvellous time thank you! I’d almost forgotten how much fun it is to be around Corney. I just wish we could have stayed a bit longer.”

“Well, I’m just glad to see your spirits back.” He looked over at her again. “How are you feeling about things back home?”

“I’m not entirely sure,” came the hesitant reply. “I was thinking about it last night. It’s definitely time to go back and face up to things. I’ve been putting it off way too long. But I’m a bit scared to tell you the truth.” She paused. “The thing is, there’s been no-one up here to remind me of anything that’s happened, so it’s been easy to push it all to one side. Now I’m heading back to where everything reminds me of what happened. It just…oh I don’t know…maybe I’m just being an idiot.”

“Evvy, whatever you’re being, it’s certainly not an idiot. Nobody can tell you how to react to things like this. You just have to learn to deal with it in your own way, one day at a time.”

Evadne smiled at him and squeezed his arm in thanks. Then she turned and looked out of the window. “Oh I know you’re right. You always are. Guess I lucked out getting you for a Poppa.”

“Glad you know it!” retorted her father, though he was more touched by her sentiment than he let on. “Now, how about you occupy yourself by getting out the map and deciding where you want to stop for lunch.” And with that he turned his concentration back to the road ahead.

Last edited by Josie on Tue Dec 07, 2004 8:40 pm; edited 3 times in total

#145: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 2:04 pm

Poor Evvy but she has to face it sooner and I can guess that Ralphs family would like to see her too and would also understand how hard it is.

#146: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 3:47 pm

Except they might blame her for him joining the army and going to fight...

Evvy's poppa is sooo lovely.

Thank you - I love this and am very glad to hear that there will be more Evvy!

#147: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 4:34 pm

Thanks Jo! Great update as usual Very Happy

#148: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 5:07 pm

Poor Evvy. Thanks for the update Josie!

#149: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 6:24 pm

Thank you Josie! Luffly Very Happy

#150: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 7:24 pm

Thanks Jo! The other scene was beautiful, and this one just so cute! *feeling warm, fluffy and christmassy*

#151: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 9:38 pm

Quote:

Guess I lucked out getting you for a Poppa.”

Guess she did!!

Thanks Josie Smile

#152: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 9:55 pm

Thanks Josie - that was loverly! Laughing

#153: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 9:17 am

Edgar stared at the letter, trying to make up his mind what he should do. On the one hand he was thoroughly ashamed of himself. It was a private letter and he knew he should never have read it, even if his wife had left it lying face up by the phone. But his shame was being overridden by what he had read. Yet another appointment that she was keeping from him, and this time at the hospital. This was the third one now, and they were just the one’s he’d found out about. He knew there must be more. Last week he had come home early one day to find Dr Haddow on his way out of the driveway, and on hurrying into the house he had found his wife sat on the bed with tear-stained cheeks. Instead of answering his queries as to what was wrong, however, she had merely said she needed some sleep and had packed him off out of the room as fast as she could. He just couldn’t understand why she was shutting him out, and he was beginning to feel a little scared about what she was hiding.

“What on earth do you think you’re doing with that?”

Edgar jumped as the furious voice shook him out of his reverie, and he turned round to face his wife, who was stood before him, her brown eyes flashing with anger as she looked at the letter he still clutched in his hands.

“I…er…it was by the phone and…” he stammered, caught of guard by her sudden appearance.

“And you thought it was an invitation to read it?” She snatched the letter out of his hands. “How dare you! I can’t believe you could be so underhand!”

The accusation stung, particularly in light of everything she had been hiding from him in recent weeks, and Edgar struggled to keep a hold on his temper. “I’m sorry Madeleine, I know I shouldn’t have looked at it. But with you refusing to talk to me, it’s about the only way I can find out what’s going on!” Hard as he tried, he couldn’t keep the hurt out of his voice. “How many other appointments have you been hiding from me? I don’t understand why you won’t tell me what’s wrong?”

“Because I just can’t, that’s why.” She turned to walk out of the room. “I’m going to go and lie down.”

“No!” The tone of his voice stopped her in her tracks. “I’ve had enough of this Madeleine. You cannot keep running off to bed every time I ask you a question you don’t like. I want to know what’s going on, and I am not going to let it rest until you tell me. I am sick and tired of it, this has been going on for months now.”

“Fine!” She spun round to face him, tears welling up in her eyes, but still too angry at his invasion of her privacy to think properly about what she was saying. “You want to know what’s wrong? I’m dying, Edgar. I have a tumour in my chest, and they can’t operate because of the baby, and I am going to die. So now you know. Satisfied?”

The colour drained from Edgar’s face as he stared at her, unable to fully comprehend what she was saying. “What…what…what do you mean you’re dying? And why can’t they operate? Of course they must.” He was gabbling in his shock and confusion, and his tone was harsher than he meant it to be. “You’ll be fine. You have to be. Why...why didn’t you tell me?”

Her eyes overflowed with tears as she looked at him. “Because I knew this was how you’d react, that’s why,” and she turned on her heel and left the room, slamming the door behind her.

Edgar stared after her as he lowered himself slowly into a chair, and then his face began to crumple as the impact of her words finally sank in.

#154: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 9:24 am

It's so sad that they are so far apart from each other at this time... Crying or Very sad

#155: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 9:27 am

Thanks Josie

Liz

#156: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 10:07 am

Ooh how sad! I wish he could have found out differently and is hard to see them arguing when they have such little time left together Crying or Very sad

#157: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 10:44 am

What an awful way to find out! Poor Edgar!

#158: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 11:43 am

Oh how terrible. Crying or Very sad

Please let them make up soon Josie, they need each other.

#159: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 12:32 pm

How sad.

Poor Edgar and poor Madeleine! I hope they can make up soon.

#160: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 4:56 pm

Poor Edgar. What a horrible way to find out. I hope they can enjoy the time they have left together

#161: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 8:50 pm

Ohhhhh... this is so sad Sad

And so well written. Crying or Very sad

#162: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 8:56 pm

Beautifully done, Josie.

#163: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 9:13 pm

Thanks Josie, it is very sad, but if Madeline hadn't died, Evvy wouldn't have had her happy ending.

*Focussing on the nice things to come*

#164: Author: ravenseyes, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 3:20 am

Isn't Madelaine being rather selfish refusing treatment - she is so worried about baby number 3 - what about the two other small kiddies and the husband she will leave behind

#165: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 3:35 am

So sad.

#166: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 2:21 pm

Evadne walked up to the front door and took a deep breath, in order to compose herself. It was a couple of days after her return from Boston, and she had decided that the time had finally come to go and see Cassie. She hadn’t called beforehand to arrange things, she didn’t want any fuss to be made. Now, as she pressed the doorbell and heard the sound reverberate inside the Markhams’ home, she had a slightly sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, and she was tempted to turn tail and run back down the driveway.

Next moment, there was a muffled, scrabbling sound from behind the door, and it opened slowly to reveal a small, dark, tousle-headed boy of about four.

“Who are you?” he asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

“Hey there,” she returned, bending down to address him, “You must be Samuel. I’m a friend of your Mom and Pops. Are they home?”

He regarded her for a moment, his head cocked to one side. “What’s your name?”

Before Evvy could reply, a familiar voice sounded from within. “Sam, what are you doing? I thought I put you down for your sleep?”

“Momma, there’s a lady who says she knows you, but I’ve never saw her before.”

“Never seen her before, not ‘saw.’ Come on you, out of the way, I…” Cassie appeared in the doorway as she spoke, and the words died on her tongue as she caught sight of her visitor.

Evadne gave her friend a broad grin. “Hi Cass.”

There was a moment’s pause as Cassie stared at her in shock, and then she threw her arms around her guest with a cry of “Evvy! Oh my god, I don’t believe it! You’re really home!”

Evvy closed her eyes as she felt the warmth in her friend’s embrace, and she had to fight back the tears as she returned it with interest. It was a hug of not only greeting, but of a shared grief that they had been unable to express in person until now, and they clung together for several minutes, until they were interrupted by Sam tugging on his mother’s skirt.

Cassie pulled her head back and smiled down at her son as she wiped the tears from her eyes with her sleeve.

“Momma, why are you crying?”

“I’m just pleased to see Aunt Evvy, darling, that’s all.” Bending down, she picked him up and gave him a kiss on the nose before turning his attention to their guest. “Do you remember seeing pictures of Aunt Evvy, Sam?”

He nodded. “Aunt-Evvy-in-England.” Turning towards Evadne, his eyes opened wide in wonder. “Are you Aunt-Evvy-in-England?”

Evadne laughed. “That’s me! Except now I’m Aunt-Evvy-in-Southampton.”

“Come on in, Evvy,” Cassie said, stepping back into the wide hallway to allow Evadne to enter the house. “You know where the salon is, go and make yourself comfortable. I’ll just take this monster upstairs and hand him over to Louisa, then I’ll be right with you.

Evvy headed across the entrance hall towards a door on the far side, chuckling as she heard Sam’s protests that momma was ‘horrid’ and he wanted to stay with ‘Aunt-Evvy-in-England’. Ten minutes later she was joined by a harassed looking Cassie, who flopped down on the sofa next to her with a sigh.

“So, is that my new moniker round here then?” Evvy asked with a grin.

Cassie smiled and rolled her eyes. “I think you have a fan! Feel free to take him with you when you go!”

“I don’t know what you’re bellyaching about! He’s adorable.”

“Yes, the eternal charmer. Loved by everyone and causing havoc wherever he goes,” his mother bemoaned.

Evadne looked at her and smiled, a wistful look in her eyes. “Well, I guess that makes him a true Morgan then, despite the Markham name.”

“Yes, I suppose it does.” Cassie studied her friend’s face for a second, and then took a small box out of her pocket. “Louisa said she’d sort some coffee for us. It won’t be long. Listen Evvy,” her voice became very soft as she continued, “I wanted to give you this now, get it out of the way first I guess,” and she put the box into Evadne’s hand. Eyeing her curiously, Evvy opened it and saw that it contained a beautiful, antique diamond ring.

“It was our grandmother’s. I know he wanted you to have it.”

Evadne stared at it for a minute, swallowing hard to clear the lump in her throat. Then, closing the box, she shook her head and held it back out towards her friend. “I can’t take it Cassie, you keep it. Give it to Sam when he’s grown up. It should remain in the family.”

“Evvy it’s okay, really. It’s yours. Ralph asked me if I minded…”

“Cassie, please; I…I just can’t, okay?”

Cassie stared at her and took the ring back, putting it down on the nearby table. Then she turned back to face her, thinking hard before she spoke. “He was so in love with you, Evvy. You do know that, don’t you?” Evadne nodded, looking down at her lap. “I remember when he first met you. He’d been into the city to meet with Dad, and when he finally got home he walked in with a big, goofy grin on his face, in a total world of his own. I was trying to get a rise out of him as it was obvious something had happened, and he looked at me blandly and said he didn’t care what I said to him, nothing could get him in a bad mood ‘cause he’d met the girl he was going to marry. Then he just sauntered off leaving me and Mom sat there in shock!”

Evvy looked up, tears glistening in her eyes. “That was the second time we met actually. I threw a drink over him the first time,” she said, a slight smile touching her lips.

Cassie chuckled. “I’d forgotten about that!” She reached out and took one of Evadne’s hands in her own. “I never saw him happier than when he was with you, Evvy. I’m so glad you came into his life. We all are.” A tear trickled down Evvy’s cheek as Cassie spoke. “You’ll always be part of our family; I want you to know that,” she added, her own eyes misting over.

Evvy squeezed her friend’s hand in thanks, not really trusting herself to speak. At that moment, the door opened and Louisa, the Markhams' nanny, came in bearing a tray with coffee and cakes, followed by Sam and his younger sister Lauren. Cassie jumped up to help her, and Evadne took the opportunity to dry her eyes. By the time the coffee was poured, she found herself with a lapful of two young children, and the conversation moved on.

Last edited by Josie on Mon Dec 13, 2004 9:07 am; edited 1 time in total

#167: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 2:40 pm

Poor Poor Evvy and Cassie Crying or Very sad

#168: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 2:51 pm

Aw. I like Sam, he sounds like a real charmer (and I always referred to various honourary aunts and uncles as Aunt Emma in Leeds or similar, it's a very little kid way to look at the world).

Glad Cassie and Evvy got to talk too. Thanks Josie.

#169: Author: Robin, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 3:46 pm

aw bless him

and evvy and cassie too.

thanks jo

#170: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 4:20 pm

Awwww. Thank you Jo! That was so sweet. I'm glad Evvy went to see Cassie and Sam is lovley.

Looking forward to the next ten years...

#171: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 4:28 pm

*blubbing in public*

Cassie is wonderful and just what Evvy needed and Sam sounds gorgeous!!

#172: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 5:25 pm

Thanks Jo. Very Happy

#173: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 7:45 pm

That was lovely Josie - poor Evvy though. Crying or Very sad

#174: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 8:44 pm

Awwwwwwww!!!

Isn't Sam a little darling?

#175: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 10:09 pm

Awwwwwwwwwww. Lovely.

#176: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 2:50 am

That Madeline is a silly selfish cow. Evil or Very Mad

Hugs Evadne. Poor girl, but it's nice that Cassie is being so sweet and kind.

#177: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 4:34 am

Lovely scene with Evvy & Cassie (& Sam Smile

) !

As for Madeleine -- I'd cut her a lot of slack just now. Hope she & Edgar make up shortly.

#178: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 7:49 am

That was a lovely scene with Evvy and Cassie. I'm so glad they can still be friends. I loved little Sam, though I reckon if he was mine I would echo Cassie's sentiments. He sounds very lively!

I was a bit sad when Evvy refused to take the ring but I think she was right. that phase of her life is over.

I don't think we can judge Madeleine for how she is behaving. I don't know what decision I would have made in the same circumstances and I don't think anyone can know unless they have been there.

#179: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 10:37 am

thanks Jo! Lovely to see Evvy and Cassie able to share their memories. Sam seems like an adorable kid

#180: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 6:26 pm

ETA: thanks to Gem for beta'ing

Pausing, his hand on the door handle, Edgar tried one final time to compose himself, without a great deal of success. After the initial shock had worn off, he had begun to try and process what Madeleine had just told him, but his mind seemed to have gone completely numb. Realising he needed to speak to her rationally, he had done his best to pull himself together and had tracked her down to the bedroom. Now, as he turned the door handle and opened the door, he felt sick to the stomach at the thought of the conversation that lay ahead.

Madeleine was lying on her side on the bed, her face half-buried in one of the big pillows, her back towards the door. His first instinct was to want to go and put his arms around her, to hold her to him and tell her that everything would be all right. But they both knew that not to be true. In addition he was none too sure of what her reaction would be, and he did not think he could take any more rejection from her just now. Instead, he walked across to the far wall and took hold of one of the big armchairs, pulling it up so that he was sat in front of her at the edge of the bed.

“Madeleine?”

She turned her head towards him and looked up, her face stained red by tears. Looking at her, he felt a pricking at the back of his own eyes, and realised that he didn’t know what to say, that he had no idea where to start. A sound cut through his thoughts, and suddenly he became aware that she was talking to him.

“Edgar?”

“Sorry, did you say something?”

“I…I asked if you were okay?” she repeated hesitantly.

He stared at her in disbelief. “What do you think?”

She flushed and looked down at the bed. “Sorry, stupid question.”

A heavy silence descended, and it was a few minutes before Edgar leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands, and spoke again. “Why did you think you couldn’t trust me?” he asked, feeling his eyes starting to well up and blinking furiously to keep the tears at bay.

“It wasn’t that at all Edgar. Of course I trust you,” she replied, reaching out a hand and placing it on his knee.

“Then why didn’t you tell me? I don’t understand, Madeleine. Did you feel you couldn’t talk to me? Or that I didn’t need to know?” A tear escaped down his cheek as he spoke, and he wiped it hastily away with the back of his hand.

Madeleine had never once seen him cry in all the years she had known him, and the sight cut her to the core. She sat up and reached out, taking hold of his hands. “Edgar, I’m so sorry,” she began, her voice catching in her throat. “I wanted to tell you, I really did. I was just…” She stopped and swallowed hard, trying to regain her composure. “I was worried that you’d make me go for treatment, and I just couldn’t do that.”

Edgar looked at her, noticing for the first time as he did so the fine lines of worry and strain on her face that had never been there before. “So you just carried it all around on your own?” He lifted a hand and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I can’t pretend that my first reaction wouldn’t have been for you to have the treatment, but I would never have forced you. You should know me well enough for that by now. I’m your husband Madeleine, I love you. You should have been able to talk to me about this.”

“I know.” The tears began to flow again as she spoke. “I’m so, so sorry.”

Edgar got up out of the chair and sat down next to her on the bed, putting his arms around her as she buried her head on his shoulder. Then he pulled back, and tilting her chin up so she looked him in the eyes, he kissed her and wiped away her tears with his handkerchief. “How about you talk to me about it now?”

She took a deep breath. “John found a lump in my chest when I complained of pain, and sent me to see a specialist. Remember when I went up to London for a couple of days back in August?” Edgar nodded, and she continued. “The test showed that I had a tumour, and they wanted to operate, but a couple of days later, before I could tell you, I realised I was pregnant. I went to ask John what difference it made to having the treatment, and he came back a few days later, that day you were here, to tell me that it could cause serious harm to the baby if I went ahead. He had gone to see the specialist, and had found out that the treatment may not even work, so I could have the operation and risk damaging the baby, and still die. I made up my mind then that I had to say no to the treatment.”

She paused, and Edgar looked at her, wishing more than ever that he had pursued the issue with her that day.

“So now I must wait until the baby’s born, and then they are going to examine me again to see if there’s anything they can do. But they’re almost certain that it will have spread too far by then.” She looked up into his eyes. “I’m so scared, Edgar. I don’t want to die. I don’t want to leave you and the kids.”

Edgar pulled her towards him, and as she buried her face in his chest and sobbed, he held her tight, his eyes closed. He couldn’t believe he was going to lose her. How could he possibly cope without her?

“Daddy, what’s wrong with Mummy?” The small voice caused them both to jump, and turning round, Edgar saw three-year-old Ned stood in the doorway. He beckoned with his hand, and the small boy came running round the bed to stand in front of them, looking at his mother with horrified eyes.

“It’s okay Ned, Mummy’s just a bit upset, that’s all.” Edgar said, glad that his son had not noticed the tears he had hastily blinked away from his own eyes.

“If I give her a cuddle will it make it better? Like it does when I cry?”

Edgar looked at him and placing his hand on his son’s head, he nodded. Ned clambered onto the bed in between his parents, and maneuvered himself onto his mother’s lap, putting his arms around her neck. Madeleine wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly to her. The sight was too much for Edgar and he stood up.

“Ned, can you be a big boy and look after Mummy for a minute?” he said gruffly.

Seeing Ned’s head nod as he clung to his mother, Edgar walked out of the door and straight across the corridor into one of the spare rooms. He closed the door behind him, and sitting down on the edge of the bed, he put his head in his hands and finally let the tears flow.

Last edited by Josie on Sun Dec 12, 2004 6:13 pm; edited 3 times in total

#181: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 6:40 pm

#182: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 7:11 pm

Thank you, Josie

#183: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 8:23 pm

Oh that was so sad. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Josie.

#184: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 9:32 pm

Wibble!

Okay, who's got the tissues? Leaving an empty box is shocking bad form!

#185: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 10:54 pm

Sorry everyone Embarassed

*Replaces empty box with a new full one, immediately and rudely taking the first tissue to wipe eyes yet again*

That cuddle with Ned completely did for me Crying or Very sad

#186: Author: jacey, Location: Ireland

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:34 pm

Oh Josie, I'm sitting here with the tears tripping me. You have a very deft touch indeed. And I ccan forsee an increased need for tissues. Crying or Very sad

#187: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 12:10 am

Waaaaaah!

Thanks Josie

Liz

#188: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 9:22 am

So sad.

#189: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 2:10 pm

*bursts into tears*
At least they understand each other better now...

#190: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 4:34 pm

*crying*

This is so sad, but so excellently written. Thanks Josie

#191: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 4:45 pm

Thank you Josie Crying or Very sad

Perfectly done.

#192: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 5:18 pm

but I'm so glad Edgar knows now and they can comfort one another. Ned is so sweet! Poor little lad!

#193: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 5:40 pm

thanks, Josie, that was lovely, but so sad, I really needed that new box of tissues...

#194: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 12:09 pm

Clipping on her earrings, Evadne sat back and regarded her appearance in the mirror. Yes, that would do. At least she looked prepared on the outside anyway, even if her mind was telling her that she’d far rather be curled up on a lounge with a book. Tidying her brushes to one side of the dressing table, she picked up a necklace that she had discarded earlier and turned to place it back in her jewellery case. As she did so, she caught sight of a thin gold chain glinting in the light, and taking it out, she placed it in the palm of her hand. The chain was still broken from the day she had torn it from round her neck, and as she stared at it, her fingers running over the tiny angel pendant, she gave a sigh. She supposed Cassie was right, that she did need to get out, to try and move on.

Things in Long Island had not been too bad on their return from Boston, and Evadne was just beginning to think that she would be able to cope after all, when the Morgans’ annual Christmas party had come around. Despite her successful reunion with Cassie, she had so far avoided contact with Ralph’s parents, worried that she would not know how to handle the situation, and it was a night that she had been dreading for some time.

All had gone well, until about halfway through the evening when she found herself cornered in the hallway by Mrs. Morgan. After the initial pleasantries, that lady had begun to press for details about the final time Evvy had seen Ralph in England before his departure for Africa; how he had been, whether he was happy, what he had said. Evadne knew that Mrs. Morgan wasn’t meaning to upset her, that she was simply clinging to the last contact with her son, but her questioning had been persistent and Evvy found herself having to dredge up memories that she would sooner have locked away. When she finally managed to extract herself from the conversation, she headed straight outside into the garden to get some air, and found herself stood down by the sea, in the same spot where she had stood with Ralph almost five years ago to the day, the Christmas before she had sailed for England and their lives had changed forever. With the gates already having been opened by Mrs. Morgan, Evvy suddenly found that all the memories came crashing back into her mind as she stood staring out at the blackness of the sea. It was here that Cassie and Andrew had found her an hour later, tired and shivering, her face damp and red with her tears.

The night had also triggered off a succession of nightmares and sleepless nights, and as a result Evadne had withdrawn into herself, refusing to socialise, not eating properly, her fun-loving personality disappearing so completely that Arthur Lannis was at his wits end trying to help his daughter, and was seriously considering the possibility that they would have to pack up and leave New York altogether.

As February came around, however, they seemed to be getting through to her and she was finally coming around a little more towards her old self. It was now St. Valentine’s Day weekend, and Cassie had succeeded in persuading her that she needed to get out of the house, that Ralph would not want her to be hiding away from her life. So here she was now, dressed up in her finery and heading to the St Valentine’s Day Ball. Giving the pendant one final look, she placed it back in the jewellery case and stood up, picking up her coat off the bed, and headed out of the door.

Half an hour later, she was standing in the Markhams' salon, drink in hand, listening with half an ear to James, the ‘date’ whom Andrew had arranged to escort her for the evening. As he finished talking, she smiled politely and excused herself, heading out into the hallway. She was leaning back against the paneled walls, collecting her thoughts, when she felt a hand on her arm.

“You okay?”

Turning to face Cassie, she smiled. “A bit overwhelmed, but I’ll survive. James seems nice enough.”

Cassie grimaced. “Hmmm. Well, he’s not the most dynamic or interesting man in the world I’m afraid, but he means well. You are okay with it, aren’t you?” she added tentatively. “Me and Andrew just thought you’d feel more comfortable if you didn’t have to walk in on your own.”

“It’s fine, honestly. It was sweet of you to think of it, and you’re right. I’d have hated to turn up on my own, with everyone staring at me.” Standing up straight, she drank down the rest of her martini, and looked her friend in the face. “Come on, we’d better get back or they’ll be wondering where we are.” Then, seeing Cassie’s eyes looking towards the empty glass, she grinned. “Don’t worry, I just needed it to steady my nerves,” and with that, she turned and walked back into the salon, leaving Cassie to look after her, a little concerned.

#195: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 1:41 pm

Poor Edgar *sobs* and Ned was so lovely. Also poor Evvy, the party must have been so hard but it's good that she seems to be slowly moving on. Thank you Josie

#196: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 3:58 pm

Josie - this is superb (as usual!)

My heart goes out to all of them ... Crying or Very sad

I loved the scenes with Corney and I'm pleased that Edgar and Madeleine are talking at last - what a tragedy ... and at last, Evvy seems to be moving towards reembracing life ...

#197: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 5:24 pm

Wonderful - as ever!

Thank you Jo! Glad Evvy is moving on - is this the party she meets Edgar at?

#198: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 5:35 pm

Thank you Josie.

#199: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 6:58 pm

*hugs everybody and wonders where the tissues have gone*

Thanks Josie.

#200: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 7:42 pm