Can't Think of a Title Yet
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles
#1: Can't Think of a Title Yet Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 8:21 pm

This is an alternative reality to what happened in Highland Twins when Jack was thought to be dead.

“Jo, Jo please the children need you!” Madge appealed in vain to the closed and locked door behind which her sister had barricaded herself. Turning she cast a mute appeal to her husband.
“Jo! Open the door. Let us in!” Jem demanded, but the door remained resolutely shut. Sighing he put an arm around Madge’s shoulders and led her away.
“Oh Jem what are we going to do?” Madge burst out as they entered the drawing room. “The triplets haven’t seen their mother in nearly three weeks. They need her! They have just lost their father and now they feel as if their mother is rejecting them!”
“Hush my dear,” Jem put his arms around her and drew her close. “Jo is a good mother, but she is grieving badly for Jack. If they could only find Jack’s body it would help. At the moment she can’t quite accept it and this is her way of dealing with it. If we give her a bit of time she will come back to us. She needs the triplets as much as they need her. “ Jem cast a worried, professional eye over his wife’s face. “Right now I am going to tuck you up in bed and give you something to help you sleep. You are worn out.” Jem spoke firmly and Madge made no argument.
“I do love you Jem.” Madge said softly.
A soft smile lightened the severe aspect of Jem’s face, “I know my darling, and I love you with my whole heart” he returned before leading her from the room.

A short while later Madge was installed in the bedroom she used whilst at Jo’s, a glass of milk in her hand. Jem tucked the covers round her more firmly, then he dropped what he knew would be an unpopular bombshell.
“Madge, I think you should return home at the weekend,” he began.
Madge jerked upright, the milk sloshing wildly, “No Jem! I can’t, Jo needs me.”
“Now listen to me,” Jem stopped her protest at once. “As long as you are here Jo is able to leave you take responsibility for the triplets. If you return home it will hopefully force her mother’s instinct to take over and she will return to some degree of normality. I know it seems cruel, but I think it will be the best thing for her.”
“I know you are right Jem, but I can’t help but feel as if I am abandoning her.” Madge conceded as she settled back against the pillows.
“I know darling, but we will keep a close eye on things and we can step back in if need be.” Jem promised.

In her bedroom Jo crouched on the bed, her knees drawn up to her chest. Her sister’s appeals and Jem’s demands washed over her unheeded. Jack was dead nothing else mattered anymore. Jack was dead, this thought hammered away at her brain, pushing out all other thoughts, hopes and dreams. Never again would she see the dear face or feel his loving arms around her, holding her close. For four years he had been her rock and her comfort and now he was gone. There were so many things she hadn’t had a chance to say to him and now she never would. Had he really known how deeply and completely she loved him? Had he known as he died how her world would collapse around her when the fateful telegram arrived? Jo’s eyes fell on the Prie Dieu in the corner of the room, Jack’s rosary hung from it as always. Jack had been a good and pious man, a devoted and faithful Catholic his entire life. Yet he had been ripped from his family when they needed him most, his prayers and goodness had meant nothing. The prayers Jo herself had uttered constantly to keep him safe and restore him to his family had gone unheeded. God had abandoned her the day he took her husband from her; there was no God Jo thought bitterly. She was alone now, completely alone! Rising from the bed Jo staggered across the room and wrenched the rosary from its hook. The string snapped scattering the cornelian beads across the polished floor, “I hate you God! I hate you!” the cry rose from the depths of Jo’s soul as taking the crucifix she flung it with all her force through the open window.

 

#2:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 8:30 pm

Ooh! More please, Ianswythe! I think it's very realistic so far!

 

#3:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 8:46 pm

*Prepares to pass around the tissues ~ I think we will need them!!!* Crying or Very sad

Thank was very moving Ianswythe, thank you Very Happy

 

#4:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 9:04 pm

Needing tissues already!
More please Ianswythe.

 

#5:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 9:06 pm

*takes up residence in the tissue box!!!*

 

#6:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 9:28 pm

Wow, emotive stuff, and very well written. Hope to see some more soon. Tissues at the ready.

 

#7:  Author: Shander, Location: Canada PostPosted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 9:48 pm

Very well done. I hope we get more of this soon.

 

#8:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 9:56 pm

This is great Ianswythe! I hope we see more soon.

 

#9:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 10:23 pm

Thank you for that, powerful stuff!

 

#10:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 10:26 pm

Very powerful. Interesting to see Jo rejecting God rather than taking comfort in him.

 

#11:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 11:12 pm

Ouch. That hurts to read. It's fabulous Ianswythe, looking forward to more.

 

#12:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 12:48 am

Crying or Very sad awwwwww poor Jo
this is very realistic
hopes for some more

 

#13:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 10:16 am

Crying or Very sad

Please may we have some more this is so gripping already Ianswythe

 

#14:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 12:35 pm

A great start, Ianswythe, but with one fault. It just wasn't long enough. BTW, that's a gentle hint for more.

 

#15:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 1:22 pm

How powerful! *Agrees with the pleas for more as soon as possible*

 

#16:  Author: Sophie, Location: Cambridegeshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 3:40 pm

I'm so glad you posted this, Ianswythe. It's great stuff. I'm really interested to see what happens next...how alternative is this alternative reality going to be? Is Jack going to come back at all? Can't wait for more!

 

#17:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 3:42 pm

Wow, that was fantastic. Really looking forward to more.

 

#18:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 3:59 pm

Really strong emotional stuff. *trying to find a variation on what others have said* Looking forward to more *hint* *hint* Wink

 

#19:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 9:38 pm

This a short addition because I haven't had a chance to get on with it.

Saturday morning brought the departure of Madge and no obvious change in Jo’s state of mind. As Jem put Madge’s case in the car he saw the worried glances she cast up at Jo’s bedroom window.
“Try not to worry sweetheart. We’ll give her a couple of days and see what happens.” Jem spoke in a reassuring tone but privately he was very concerned about his sister-in-laws behaviour. Madge confiding in him that she believed Jo to be pregnant had compounded this worry. Secretly Jem had decided that if Jo did not return to family life soon that drastic action must be taken, a thought he did not exactly relish!

Up in her room Jo watched Madge get into the car and be driven away by her husband. Finally she would be left alone without Madge constantly asking her if she was all right and pleading with her to come out of her room. Telling her that she had to come out for the triplet’s sake. Forcing her to accept food that she didn’t want, threatening her with hospitals if she wouldn’t eat. Begging her to think of her unborn child. That Jack wouldn’t like to see her like this that Jack would want her to carry on for his sake! Talking at her constantly, telling her what she should do, think and feel. “What does she know?” Jo said to herself resentfully. “She hasn’t lost the most important person in her life. She still has her husband!”

 

#20:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 9:44 pm

Oh, it sounds ominously as though Jem's tactics aren't working. This is definitely a tear jerker, Ianswythe, and I'm very much looing forward to the next part.

 

#21:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 10:05 pm

*settles on the sofa with a box of tissues*

 

#22:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 10:06 pm

Ahh something so weird has happened to my document. I have squares appearing all over it and the text is going everywhere! Screen of Death HelpMe

I hate computers!

 

#23:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 11:22 pm

I'm not sure leaving Joey in that state is a very good idea. Somebody's still there to make sure she doesn't starve the triplets I hope.

I think an industrial sized tissue box may be in order. Crying or Very sad

 

#24:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 12:10 am

What about Anna? This is fantastic by the way!

 

#25:  Author: Shander, Location: Canada PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 2:36 am

I've just had a terrible thought. What if Jo dies of grief and then Jack comes back. Now I'm worried!

 

#26:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 10:00 am

Shander wrote:
I've just had a terrible thought. What if Jo dies of grief and then Jack comes back. Now I'm worried!


OMG!! How appalling Romeo & Juliet that would be!

This is looking good, Ianswythe.

but please, please, let Jack not actually be dead...

 

#27:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 10:38 am

Ohhh! Definitely want more,Ianswythe - whenever you can get your computer to behave!

 

#28:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 7:32 pm

Would Jack take poison,do you think?

 

#29:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 7:40 pm

*chanting VERY loudly through her sobs*

 

#30:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 7:42 pm

Xanthe, be a strong woman, not a spineless jellyfish!

 

#31:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 8:39 pm

Due to a technical hitch (my email is down and the next installement is currently lost in outer space) this serial will continue tomorrow. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and we hope to resume normal service as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.

Evil, crappy computers!!! Screen of Death fume

 

#32:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 12:39 am

I do like that smiley, it comes in useful so very often!

*kicks Ianswythe's email till it works*

 

#33:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 12:30 pm

Do you want to borrow my hammer to threaten your PC with, Ianswythe?

 

#34:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 1:20 pm

By the middle of the following week Jo had shown no signs of leaving her room and Jem accepting that he was going to have to take more direct action set out to try and confront Jo. In the event he was saved from having to physically break down her door, the only solution he had been able to come up with, by Jo’s handmaid Anna. Grieving herself for the loss of her beloved mistress’s husband she was left to look after three confused little girls, manage a large house and try to ensure that her mistress came to no harm all by herself. Not surprisingly the stress began to tell on Anna and finally she packed the triplets off in the company of the daily help for a long walk and took up a position of watchfulness outside Jo’s door. Eventually, Anna decided, nature would be too strong for Jo and she would be forced to leave her room for a trip to the bathroom down the hall, and when she did, she Anna would be waiting. An hour into Anna’s vigil her patience was rewarded and Jo’s door opened and the lady herself slowly emerged, but what a different Jo she was to the one of only a few short weeks ago. Her creamy complexion was grey and dark circles made her eyes look blacker than ever, her once glossy hair hung in limp, greasy tails and her naturally slim frame was gaunt and stooped. Anna’s heart contracted as she viewed the pitiable figure that trailed dismally from the room.
“Meine dame,” Anna’s voice was gentle, “ I need to speak with you about the triplets.”
“Not now Anna.” The tone was flat and listless.
“Yes, now!” Anna spoke firmly. “The triplets need you, they ask for you constantly and can not understand why their dear Mamma ignores them.”
“Please Anna just deal with it.” Jo spoke abruptly, “ I don’t want to be bothered at the moment.”
“No! You must be bothered. The triplets are but children. They need their mother’s love at this time. You have lost your husband but they have lost their Papa too.” Anna was unwavering. “You must think of them and their loss and not just of your own! It is Herr Maynard who is dead, not you!”
“How dare you! How dare you speak to me like this!” Jo’s voice rose to a shriek. “What can you possibly know about it? Pack your bags at once and get out of my house! Now!” Then wheeling about on her heel Jo tried to return to the bedroom but Anna was too fast for her. Grabbing her arm she held on, a dogged look on her face.
“But you must hear it. You are being cruel to the little ones. They want their Mamma. The good Lord will help you in your time of trouble” Anna held the struggling Joey tightly, determined to make her listen.
“I hate you! There is no God. I hate him!” Jo screamed. “I wish you were dead, I wish you were all dead! I want to die!”

Jem, sauntering slowly up the driveway as he tried to marshal his thoughts for the forthcoming confrontation, heard the screams and broke into a run. Arriving upon the scene a few minutes later he beheld an amazing sight, Jo and Anna in the upper hallway having what appeared to be a wrestling match. Jo was pummelling Anna with her fists, all the while keeping up a loud shrieking, whilst Anna tried to capture her mistress’s flailing arms.
“Jo, Anna!” Jem thundered, then grabbing Jo he administered a sharp slap across her face. At once Jo stood stock still and silent a look of stunned disbelief on her face, and then crumpling into Jem’s arms she broke down into noisy sobs.
“Anna coffee please.” Jem said wearily before picking up the sobbing Joey in his arms and carrying her to her bed. Once there he held her gently in his arms, murmuring soothing words to her until at last she fell silent.
“Drink this” Jem said at length handing her the coffee that a subdued Anna had brought them.
Silently Jo did as she was told, then when she had replaced the empty cup in its saucer Jem spoke again.
“ You will go and have a bath and wash your hair. Anna will stay with you whilst you do.” Jem held up his hand to stall the angry words of protest on Jo’s lips. “Then you will come downstairs and have some lunch. After that you and the triplets will come to our home and spend the remainder of the day there.” Jem pulled her up off the bed as he spoke. “Anna can have the rest of the day off, she looks like she could do with it!” he added grimly as that worthy lady came in response to his call for her.

The rest of the day followed the plan that Jem had outlined to her. The triplets overjoyed at being with their mother again, flung themselves onto her with joyful abandon not seeming to notice the offhand way in which their mother returned their embraces. Following lunch, in which she made a very poor meal, an unwilling Jo was removed to the Round House in her brother-in-laws car. Once there Jem and Madge abstracted a promise from her that she would not act in this way again, in a dull voice Jo made the required promise. From that day on it certainly seemed as if Jo had rejoined family life. She appeared to all meals, gave orders to Anna as to the running of the house and dutifully saw to the needs of the triplets. The Robin and Daisy returned home and life continued much as it had done before, but without the spark of joy and love that had previously filled Jo’s home and life. It was, as Madge said to Jem, as if a machine had replaced her.
Gradually the weeks passed, Jo’s bump grew big with the new life inside and Jack’s personal effects were returned to her. Jo ignored her bump and put the parcel of Jack’s things into the attic, unopened. The triplets, sensing their mother’s distance, clung together for comfort and tried to be good for Papa’s sake.

“I’m going to let the daily help go.” Jo announced suddenly one day.
Madge put the cup she had just raised to her lips down and stared in surprise at her sister before replying.
“But why? Surely you will need her even more when the new baby comes!”
“Need doesn’t come into it, it’s what I can afford that matters. With Jack’s death..” Jo swallowed heavily over the words before continuing, “With Jack’s death it will mean a change in finances. I have three children to support and a fourth on the way. We don’t know what will happen before this war is over, I must look to the future and that means getting rid of any needless expense.”
“Jo you know that Jem and I” Madge began but seeing the cold look on her sister’s face she stopped and changed the subject.

Over the next couple of days it became obvious that Jo meant what she said about economising. Various items of clothing previously consigned to the ragbag were dug out and orders given to alter and dye them, orders for household goods were cancelled and every penny was watched. Madge arriving one day found Jo hard at work in the kitchen pickling onions.
“ I thought you didn’t like pickled onions,” she said casually.
“I don’t” Jo snapped back “ but I’m not prepared to waste them.”
“Where are the triplets?” Madge opted for a less contentious subject.
“Oh outside playing somewhere.” Jo replied vaguely.
Madge was saved from having to try and make more conversation by the arrival of the triplets themselves. They ran into the kitchen rosy cheeked and bright eyed from their frolics in the garden and flung themselves at their Aunt.
“Auntie Madge, Auntie Madge,” they shouted as their Aunt hugged them to her.
“Hello darlings, have you been having fun?” she asked.
Before they could reply Jo had grabbed Con and spun her around, “ What have you been doing you bad child?” she demanded.
Little Con cast guilty eyes down at the large tear in the skirt of her dress.
“ I’m sorry Mamma, I caught it on a bush” she explained penitently.
“You bad, wicked little girl. Clothes are expensive and I have to do without so you three may have dresses to wear and now you tear them. Go to your bed at once, I don’t want to see you again today!” Jo shouted at the horrified little girl.
Great tears welled in Con’s dark eyes and spilled down her cheeks as she ran from the room. Madge, Len and Margot stared at her in an appalled silence.
“You’re a horrible Mamma, I hate you and I want Papa back!” burst out Margot before grabbing her triplet’s hand and following Con from the room, Len casting an accusing look at her mother as they went.
Jo sank down onto a chair, the memory of the pain on the three little faces rose before her eyes. Turning she faced her sister, expecting to see disgust and horror on her face she was thrown by the look of intense pity she found there instead.
“ I know I was hard on her, I just … I just,” and laying her head on the table Jo sobbed out her grief. “ I want their papa back too, I miss him so much and I don’t know how I will cope!”
Madge wrapped her arms around her Jo’s heaving body and murmured soft words of love and support, her own heart aching at the pain her sister was suffering.

Up in the nursery Con, her face streaked with tears, was desperately trying to mend the mistreated frock. Her baby fingers smoothed constantly at the jagged tear and suffered many a prick as the inexperienced hand drove the sharp needle into them. Len and Margot sat huddled on the floor watching her with anxious eyes but any attempt at comfort was met only with a resolute shake of the dark, curly head. At last she set her needle aside and looked at the frock, the tear was still obvious and not like the nice neat mending which Anna performed for them. Sighing sadly she laid the little dress on her bed and went to return the needle to the workbasket in her mother’s room. Leaving the room she hovered uncertainly for a moment before running silently down the stairs. In the hallway she quickly put her coat on over her petticoat, tied on her hat and slipped out of the front door.

Jo’s storm was bad one and it was some time before Madge could calm her. At length she was able to sit up and drink the cup of tea that Madge pressed on her.
“ I must go to the girls. I was so horrible to Con; I have been such a bad mother to them all recently. I don’t deserve them!” she stated brokenly.
“Go and wash your face dear and then go to them,” Madge advised.

 

#35:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 1:32 pm

Oh crumbs *sniff* Poor everybody, *hoping very hard that nothing bad will happen to Con*

 

#36:  Author: Guest,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:45 pm

In the bathroom Jo soothed her red eyes with cold water and restored neatness to her hair. Entering the nursery the sight of the two small figures still cuddled together on the floor smote her heart, “ Len, Margot, come to me my darlings” she said tenderly, then falling to her knees she opened her arms to them. The two little girls got up and went uncertainly to their mother, but seeing only love in her face they forgot their inhibitions and rushing into the circle of her arms clung to her. “I’m so sorry. Mamma didn’t mean to be so bad tempered. I love you so much,” she told them softly as she hugged them to her. Then looking round for her dark haired daughter, asked “ but where is Con?”
Len and Margot looked at each other then looked over to the bed on which the little dress lay. Making a long arm to the bed Jo grabbed the dress and stared at the clumsy attempt at mending it. Fresh tears welled in her eyes as she took in the childish stitches and the tears and drops of blood that marked Con’s battle with the needle. “ Girls, tell Mamma quickly where Connie is” Jo turned back to the remaining two triplets.
“We don’t know Mamma, she went to put the needle back and didn’t come back here.” Len informed her gravely.
Getting hurriedly to her feet Jo ran to her room to look for the missing Con but the room was empty, as were all the other rooms on the upper floor, which Jo hurriedly searched. Fighting down her rising feelings of panic Jo called to Madge and Anna.
“I can’t find Con, help me look!” she told them as the pair appeared. “Len, Margot stay here both of you, but if Connie comes back then come and call Mamma at once please” then kissing them each she ran off to search the garden.

An hour later the entire house and garden had been searched but no Con had been found. Madge had called Jem at the sanatorium and he was now out and searching the surrounding countryside, whilst Anna had run down to the village to see if she had been seen there.
“Oh Madge, it is all my fault!” Joey, white faced and distraught, clutched at her sister for support. “ I was cruel to her and now she has run away. If anything happens to her then the last thing she will remember is me shouting at her. I will never forgive myself!” she sobbed.
“Hush Joey dearest, she will be found soon I’m sure. Here comes Anna now, maybe she has some news,” Madge added hopefully as she spied that lady plodding her way up the path. But one look at her face when she entered the room dashed any hopes that the little truant had been heard of.
“No-one has seen the little Connie, but many are now looking for her,” Anna shook her head hopelessly.
“It is all my fault! I turned from my children and I turned from God. Oh Madge, I threw away Jack’s rosary and now I have lost his child!” and Jo broke down in a fresh paroxysm of sobs.
Silently Anna left the room to return a few moments later with something in her hand, handing it to her mistress Jo found her husbands rosary once again in her possession.
“But how?” she asked confused.
“ I collected the beads and found the crucifix in the garden, I had them restrung,” Anna said simply.
In broken tones Jo thanked her maid, then taking Jack’s beloved rosary she climbed the stairs to her bedroom. There she knelt at the Prie Dieu for the first time since had lost her husband and making her peace with God she prayed for the safe keeping of Con.

 

#37:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:54 pm

Oh crumbs (again). Really, really, really, really hope they find Con. Poor Joey and everyone.

*stumbles off to look for tissues* This is really really really excellent.

 

#38:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 4:04 pm

Thank you Ianswythe

*wibbling quietly to herself*

 

#39:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 4:22 pm

Oh wow ... Crying or Very sad

I knew I shouldn't have started reading this at work ...

Very powerful, Ianswythe and difficult to read - poor Joey, how very tragic and how very credible that she would react like this

I think I want more - but I shall return to this drabble when I'm feeling robust otherwise I'll have to make a beeline for the Tissues Box - Con's attempts to mend her dress were just too heart-rending!

 

#40:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 4:33 pm

What an emotional roller-coaster. Let's hope Con is found soon, safe and well.

 

#41:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 4:58 pm

*dashes to the tissue box, sobbing!*

Thank you Ianswythe!! Please post more soon!

 

#42:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 5:02 pm

How about, 'Jo Needs a Good Smacking' for the title?

 

#43:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 5:06 pm

Jennie, my sweet! Your prejudices are showing......... Wink

 

#44:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 5:09 pm

What prejudices?

 

#45:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 5:12 pm

Those great big lime green ones!!!

 

#46:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 5:20 pm

Ooooooooooh, Those prejudices.

 

#47:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 5:25 pm

Yep! they're the ones!!!

 

#48:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 5:26 pm

Shucks, found out!

 

#49:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 5:29 pm

They're only the ones which are chock-full of common sense!

Ianswythe, this is absolutely heart-breaking. I can understand Jo's actions, and oh, poor Con! *hopes fervently that Con is safe*

She is so SWEET mending the tear - it's too much for me *wibbles* *bursts into floods* *heads for tissues* Crying or Very sad

 

#50:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 5:29 pm

It's the lime green flourescentness that does it honey!

 

#51:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 6:17 pm

That is so good and so touching.

*replenishes tissues for the next visitor*

*Really worried about Con now!*

 

#52:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 7:01 pm

Hey there is nowt wrong with lime green, especially if it is in a twin set!

Con pushed her dark curls from her hot face and stopped to rest for a few minutes. It was quiet and shady under the trees around the pond and a gentle breeze cooled her. Her short legs had carried her, with many stops, nearly a mile from home and she was now tired and dishevelled. Perching herself on a fallen log she thought about her sisters and Mamma far away at home and tears welled up in her dark eyes. Hugging her knees close to her chest she laid her head on them and tried to stop the tears from running down her face. A sudden gust of wind caught at the loosely tied hat perched on her head and blew it away to land in the pond. Gasping with dismay Con jumped to her feet and ran to the edge of the pond. Mamma would be so angry with her if she lost her hat. Con stared at where the hat was floating merrily on the water just a few inches away from a large boulder. If she could get to the rock then she might be able to reach down and get her hat, Con knew she wasn’t supposed to go near water but anything was better than going home without her hat. Stepping carefully onto a small stone close to the bank Con balanced herself briefly before stretching her leg out towards the big boulder.

 

#53:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 7:39 pm

*wibbles*
Iaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanswythe.............................
You CAN'T leave us dangling like this!!!!!! Please!!!!!

 

#54:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 7:44 pm

Thank you Ianswythe for the latest installments hope to see more soon! Very Happy

 

#55:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 8:48 pm

Ianswythe, that was heartbreaking, believable, realistic, and so tenderly written. Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#56:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:01 pm

Thank you Ianswythe - feel so sorry for the Trips - especially Con, and for Joey and Anna and.......

More please!

 

#57:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:12 pm

I'd hate to be accused of leaving a cliffhanger overnight!


Jem stopped and took a slow survey of the thicket; his eyes were alert for the slightest hint of Con as they scanned bushes, trees and bracken. Raising his voice he gave a loud call, “Con, Connie,” but no answering reply came. Sighing he pushed on through the trees, suddenly a piercing scream broke the silence. Jem sprinted through the trees reaching the side of the pond just in time to see small figure land in the water. Plunging into the water Jem grabbed her, lifting her coughing and spluttering to lie against his shoulder. “Oh Connie! Thank God your safe!” Jem stood in the water clutching his young niece to him, breathing a heartfelt prayer of thanks. “Come on young lady lets get you home.”

 

#58:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:16 pm

Heartfelt thanks for not leaving us teetering on the cliff edge all night, Ianswythe. Poor little Con!

 

#59:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:17 pm

Oh! thank goodness!!!
Thank you Ianswythe!!!

 

#60:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:10 pm

Oh thank goodness for that!
*heaves weighty sigh of relief*

Also feels honour-bound to point out how refreshing it is to to see someone resolve potential cliffhangers before the night's end - rather than leaving us dangling on a particularly nasty edge!

Not looking at anyone in particular ... Lesley!

 

#61:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:14 pm

Awww glad she's been found Smile

 

#62:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:14 pm

Oh thank goodness! *whew*

 

#63:  Author: Janet, Location: Ferndown, Dorset PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:32 pm

Wow, Ianswythe, this is beautiful. It's a very tragic twist but it's easier to see Joey behaving like than this than as she does in Highland Twins when she is soon made aware that Jack is still alive

Greast writing - you make us cringe at the way Joey deals with the Triplets in her sorrow and anguish and yet we, like Madge, feel sorry for her rather than despise her

I look forward to reading more!

 

#64:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:25 pm

This is terrific, so understandable too. Thanks for the last post, I was really thinking that Con might drown, immensely relieved to know that she didn't.

 

#65:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:28 pm

Thank you Ianswythe Mr. Green

 

#66:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 1:14 am

Thank you Ianswythe. I was so gald to see Joey coming round and then I thought for one horrible moment you were going to undo all her improvement by killing Con *shivers* Glad to see her safely with Jem

 

#67:  Author: Cathy, Location: Australia PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 7:51 am

Ciorstaidh wrote:
They're only the ones which are chock-full of common sense!

Ianswythe, this is absolutely heart-breaking. I can understand Jo's actions, and oh, poor Con! *hopes fervently that Con is safe*

She is so SWEET mending the tear - it's too much for me *wibbles* *bursts into floods* *heads for tissues* Crying or Very sad


I can understand them as well. I remember lots of scenes sort of like that as a single mum, when every cent mattered and I would get upset when I was soooo tired after working all day and then I'd feel awful when I'd yelled at the kids when they'd been a bit naughty. Felt like an awful mum sometimes.

For once, I actually sympathise with Jo.

 

#68:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 2:28 pm

Echoes Rachael's comment of yesterday Why did I start reading this at work? Have just been caught with tears in my eyes!!!

Ianswythe, this is a most wonderfully, evocotive piece truly amazing.

Is Jack coming back or is it a truly different universe? Waiting for more to find out.

 

#69:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 4:07 pm

This is great, Ianswythe. I still maintain that Jo needs a good smacking for putting herself before the children. If she hadn't had Anna to look after them, what would they have done? Starved?

 

#70:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 4:13 pm

But maybe Jem's right and if she hadn't had anna or madge there she would have reacted differently

 

#71:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 5:17 pm

I think if there had been no choice she wouldn't have ignored the children. As it was, she was able to because she knew they wouldn't come to any serious harm, at least physically.

 

#72:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 6:23 pm

Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing at Rachael's comment!

Ianswythe - thank you for the last post - so glad Con was saved and that, not only do I feel sorry for Joey, am starting to like Jem!

More please!

 

#73:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 7:18 pm

Some of this next installment might be slightly wrong but I didn't have my books with me to check the details. Therefore I apologise if my time sequence is a bit odd.


Jo, clutching Con’s frock to her as if trying to divine from it where her missing daughter was, moved restlessly from window to window. Len and Con were in the nursery under the watchful eye of Anna and Madge had returned to the garden where she was calling frantically for the little girl. As she made yet another circuit of the room she gave a gasp as she saw Jem, a motionless body in his arms, enter the garden. Rushing from the house she met him halfway down the path, mute terror in her eyes as she stared at her daughter.
“Asleep,” Jem told her gruffly.
“Thank God!” Joey sobbed as she reached out and clutched her little girl to her.
“Get her inside and into a hot bath and a nights sleep will see her quite safe,” Jem told her as he shepherded them inside.
Con, tired from her adventures, slept soundly through her bath and did not waken until the next morning. Then she found herself tucked up in her mother’s big bed, Len and Margot asleep beside her and Jo, with a protective arm flung over the three, smiling down at her.

It was with great relief that Madge and Jem watched Jo resume her previously loving relationship with her daughters. When two months later a son joined the family he was greeted with great joy by both mother and sisters.
“What are you going to call him?” Madge asked as she cuddled the new arrival to her.
“Stephen, it was a name Jack suggested once,” Jo smiled tenderly at her son.
“ I thought you might have called him Jack,” Madge confessed.
“I thought about it,” Jo admitted, “ but he is his own person and there could never be another Jack!”
“No, he was a unique person, as will this young man be,” Madge, agreed as she returned the boy to his mother’s arms.

Gradually the months passed and the first anniversary of Jack going missing neared. No body had ever been found and he was officially declared dead by the military. A year to the day of the telegram arriving a memorial service was held for him, many people attended it for Jack had been a popular man. The service helped Joey to get through a day she had been dreading and when the service was over she was able to greet and thank individuals in a composed manner.
“Mrs Maynard, I was very sorry to hear of Jack’s death. He will be greatly missed,” a cool hand shook Jo’s and the speakers voice was smooth and well modulated.
“Thank you,” Jo looked into a pair of curiously pale green eyes on a level to her own. Unable to place the speaker, a well dressed man of about Jack’s age, she enquired politely “ I sorry but I don’t believe we’ve met before, how did you know my husband?”
“I was at school with Jack, he was in the year above me. I’m afraid I rather hero-worshipped Jack, he was very kind to me when others were not!” the man laughed in self-effacing way as he spoke. “I’m sorry but I haven’t introduced myself,” he added suddenly, “I’m Phillip Brownslowe.”
“It is very nice to meet you Mr Brownslowe,” Jo said politely, the name seemed familiar to her but she could not place it.
“Thank you, I’m only sorry to be meeting you under such circumstances,” the man returned before moving on.
“How did Sir Phillip know Jack?” Jem enquired of Jo later on.
“Sir Phillip?” Jo had forgotten all about the strange man and Jem’s question came out of the blue.
“Sir Phillip Brownslowe, MP for London North. You must have heard of him, he was the youngest MP to ever get a seat,” Jem informed her.
“Oh him, I thought his name was familiar,” Jo said somewhat ungrammatically. “He was at school with Jack,” she added.
The conversation then moved onto different and Jo forgot all about Jack’s old school friend.

Over the next few months Jo was kept very busy, problems with the drains had forced the chalet school to move to an island off the coast of Wales and when Jo’s own house experienced subsidence it had meant that she had to look for a temporary home elsewhere too. Unable to find anything suitable in the village she had moved to the town of Carnbach, on the mainland to the school. An accident to Hilda Annersley and Nell Wilson had robbed the school of its two lead teachers on a temporary basis and saw the autocratic Miss Bubb taking control of the reins. Miss Bubb had not proved a success but a serious accident to baby Josette, caused by her sister Sybil, had meant that Madge had been unable to spare the time to sort out the problems her beloved school was experiencing. Jo had been forced to come to the rescue by helping to teach certain subjects and by trying to minimise the feelings of unrest the school was experiencing. At length Josette and Miss Annersley were pronounced out of danger, Nell Wilson returned and the unsatisfactory Miss Bubb departed, peace was restored to the school and Jo was able to return to her home, children and writing. It is not surprising that Jo had entirely forgotten about Philip Brownslowe’s existence, therefore she was taken aback when one day in answer to the doorbell Anna came and enquired if her mistress was at home to a Sir Brownslowe.
“Bother! I wanted to get on with this chapter, but I had better see what he wants. Yes, show him into the drawing room Anna and tell him I shall be with him in a few minutes please,” greatly wondering Jo got to her feet and checked her appearance in the mirror. “If I ring bring in tea please,” she added, then after tidying her hair she left to see what her unexpected guest could want with her.

“Sir Phillip,” Jo greeted her guest warmly, “how pleasant to see you again.”
“Mrs Maynard, pardon my calling on you uninvited but I found these and thought you might like to see them,” Phillip rose a she entered the room and indicated a package sitting on a table.
Jo raised her eyebrows quizzically and he hastened to explain.
“I was going through an old trunk from my school days and I found several old photographs, many of them contain your husband and I thought they might be of interest to you.”
“That was a very kind thought, thank you,” Jo thanked him prettily; “would you care for tea?” she enquired politely.
“That would be lovely, thank you,” Phillip smiled.
Jo rang for Anna who quickly brought in the trolley.
“Thank you Anna. Will you take the children for their walk now please” Anna murmured her agreement and departed.
“How many children do you have Mrs Maynard?” Phillip asked as Jo poured the tea.
“Four, triplet girls and a son,” Jo handed him a cup, “ they have been a great consolation to me,” she added.
“They must be,” Phillip agreed. Talk continued on general topics until they had drunk their tea and then picking up the package Philip moved to sit beside Jo on the settee.
“Now lets have a look at these!” he said picking out the first photograph.

The next hour passed swiftly as Jo found herself looking at her husband as a young child. Phillip had a wealth of memories of the schoolboy Jack Maynard and told his tales well, his dry wit made Jo laugh and she found herself being glad that this visitor had broken up her day. The arrival of Anna back with the children interrupted a thrilling tale of Jack bringing the school to glory on the cricket pitch, turning to her guest eagerly Jo ushered the triplets forward, “Sir Phillip these are my children,” she announced in proud tones. “This is Len, Connie and Margot and this lusty chap is Stephen. Say ‘how do you do’ girls.”
The triplets came forward and holding out their hands greeted the man.
“Hello girls,” Phillip eying the girls through cold, pale eyes ignored the outstretched hands. The triplets, confused at this treatment, stepped back uncertainly. Jo engaged in taking Stephen from Anna noticed nothing amiss, “ and what do you think of my youngest and only son?” she enquired.
“He’s a fine chap indeed. I’m sure his father would have been very proud of him.” Phillip’s charm returned and he admired the small boy to Jo’s obvious delight.
“Now I fear I have taken up too much of your time, I will leave you to see to your delightful family,” Sir Phillip took his leave of Jo some ten minutes later.
“Thank you for calling Sir Phillip, I have enjoyed your company,” Jo escorted her guest to the door before going to oversee the feeding of the triplets and Stephen.

 

#74:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 7:25 pm

Feeling a little uncertain about the "cold, pale eyes".

Did he come a-courting?

I'm glad to see Joey coping so well after the shock.

 

#75:  Author: Shander, Location: Canada PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 8:04 pm

I'm nervous now. I don't like the way he was nasty to the triplets. At first I thought he was charming but now I don't like him. Evil stepfather???
My mind is getting some wild ideas now. Maybe he's holding Jack hostage? (Although I have the feeling Jack is well and truly dead, but you never know. More Please!!!!!

 

#76:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 8:16 pm

*Feeling very very worried*

 

#77:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 8:48 pm

Perhaps the English habit of prefering sons to daughters?

 

#78:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 8:51 pm

Ooooo, eeerrrr, eeeek!

Thought we were to see a quick romantic ending, but that reaction to the trips doesn't make it sem likely.

 

#79:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 9:34 pm

*wibbles slightly*

 

#80:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 9:57 pm

*started out feeling good about this Brownlow chap but now he scares me.

*peers out from behind the safety of my chair.

 

#81:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 10:17 pm

*wonders just what happened at school!*

 

#82:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 11:02 pm

*wibbles*
Ianswythe......... Please???? More?

 

#83:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 11:45 pm

ohhh - not sure I like this, please can we have some more so that we can stop worrying (or start preparing for a major trauma) Confused

 

#84:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 11:46 pm

I was thinking romance too, but I don't like the cold pale eyes either, glad to see Joey is coming to terms with Jack's loss though.

 

#85:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 12:27 am

Wow! thought this was going to be happy but not so sure now. Are we going to see the girls sent away and the boys kept at home?

 

#86:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 1:13 am

A romance or an evil stepfather... which way do YOU think it will go.
*bites nails*
Come on Ianswythe, your public want to know Very Happy

 

#87:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 9:06 am

Yes - cold, pale eyes are not good

Please don't let Brownlow get any closer to them all ... unless a miracle happens and you bring back Jack alive ...

*hopeful*

 

#88:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 10:17 am

Don't forget one little fact - in English law, a person cannot be presumed dead until seven years have passed.

 

#89:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 11:43 am

Quote:
Don't forget one little fact - in English law, a person cannot be presumed dead until seven years have passed


In this reality the rules have been changed! Confused

After this first visit Sir Phillip became a frequent caller at the house, weekdays he spent in London but the weekend invariably saw him in the area and visiting Jo. On her own part Jo welcomed him as a link with Jack’s past, he had a courteous and charming manner and was an interesting conversationalist. This last quality was one Jo found herself appreciating increasingly as sometimes several days would pass when she had no other adult company besides that of Anna’s, she also missed the company of Madge and Jem and experienced frequent pangs of loneliness.

“This is a nice photograph,” Madge, paying a weekend visit to Jo, picked up a photograph of a sixteen-year-old Jack on the cricket pitch.
“Yes, Phillip gave it to me,” Jo came and looked over her sister’s shoulder at the picture. “It is just so Jack,” she added lovingly.
“Phillip?” Madge enquired casually.
“Sir Phillip Brownslowe. He was at school with Jack, don’t you remember he came to the memorial service. Well he called in a few days later with some old photographs of Jack.” Jo returned to her chair and the jumper she was knitting for Len. At that moment Anna entered the room and announced the arrival of the man himself.
“Phillip I would like you to meet my sister Mrs Russell, Madge this is Sir Phillip Brownslowe.” Jo introduced the pair and Madge found her hand being taken in a cool grip.
“How do you do Sir Phillip,” for the life of herself Madge could not help from shuddering slightly at the frigid touch and pale eyes into which she found herself looking.
Sir Phillip stayed for tea, which the triplets, in honour of their Auntie Madge’s visit, took with them. As they talked on various matters Madge couldn’t help but notice the obvious distrust with which the triplets viewed their mother’s friend and the indifference Phillip showed them in turn.

“Do you see much of Sir Phillip?” Madge, her voice light, asked her sister when the two ladies were alone again.
“He calls in if he is in the area,” Jo busily counting stitches did not notice the interested glance Madge gave her. Jo’s face was serene and her colour normal as she surveyed her knitting and Madge was satisfied and thankful that for the moment anyway Jo did not view this man as any thing other than a friend.

“Jem what do you know of Sir Phillip Brownslowe?” it was the evening of Madge’s return and she and her husband were relaxing in the drawing room.
“Why do you want to know about Sir Phillip for?” Jem glanced up from his book.
“He has taken to calling on Joey, I just wanted to know something more about the man,” Madge looked expectantly at her husband.
“What did you think of him?” Jem asked evasively.
“ He is charming, polite, witty,” Madge enunciated each word carefully “and I didn’t like him!” she added looking Jem squarely in the face. “So what do you know of him?” Madge was not letting him avoid the question.
Jem shifted uneasily in his seat, “ he has a reputation for being a bit of a cold fish. Jack once said that he was considered odd whilst they were at school. The type of boy who would pull the wings of flies for the fun of it. The other boys gave him a wide berth but I think Jack tried to be kind to him, felt sorry for him because his parents hadn’t much time for him.”
“There is more isn’t there,” Madge wasn’t prepared to let it go at that. “What about now?”
Jem seemed oddly reluctant to say anything else but he knew Madge would persist. “There were rumours about him and his secretary around about the time Jack died. That they were closer than they should be.”
“Was he involved with her?” Madge went slightly pale. “Does she still work for him?”
“Yes, he still works for him!” Jem said grimly.
Madge dropped her embroidery and stared at her husband in horror.
“Is Jo fond of him?” Jem asked.
“She seems to enjoy his company but I don’t think she has considered him as any thing other than a friend. The triplets clearly don’t like him and he doesn’t like them. What can his interest in Jo be?” Madge wondered unhappily.
“I don’t know my dear. Jo is normally so astute with people but if he talks to her of Jack then she is going to be unable to see past that!” Jem got to his feet and gave his hand to Madge, “ lets go to bed. We will keep an eye on Jo but at the moment we only have rumour against the man so we can’t say anything to her. Try not to worry, it isn’t good for you at the moment!”

Jo seated herself beside the fire, the triplets were in bed and Madge had returned home. The house felt lonely and empty making Jo feel the loss of her husband even more keenly than usual.
“Sir Phillip is here and wishes a few moments of your time,” Anna appeared in the doorway.
“Here, now?” Jo glanced at the clock and saw that it was nearly eight o’clock. Hurriedly pushing a newspaper under a cushion she glanced at herself in the mirror and nodded to Anna to show him in.
“ Joey, I’m sorry for disturbing you so late but I needed to see you!” Phillip’s face was pale and he seemed agitated.
“Phillip, come in, sit down. May I get you some tea?” Jo wondered what had happened to upset the normally calm man.
“ No, no thank you,” Phillip remained standing. “ I’ll come straight to the point,” and taking hold of her hands in an oddly clumsy gesture he took a deep breath and said, much in the manner of a child reciting a lesson. “ Joey you must realise that I hold you in great esteem and that I have grown to,” here he paused as if struggling with the words, “ err grown to be very fond of you.”
Even in Jo’s agitated state the choice of words struck her as being somewhat unenthusiastic, but Phillip was continuing in a determined manner. “Joey would you do me the honour of agreeing to become my wife?”

 

#90:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 11:48 am

She can't say yes....can she???!!!

 

#91:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 11:54 am

Don't be stupid Joey!

 

#92:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 11:56 am

She can, but she mustn't!!

 

#93:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 12:03 pm

No!!
Joey - it's too soon even if he's nice ...

Don't do it
Don't do it
Don't do it

*willing Joey to give Mr Cold Fish a slap - or at the very least, decline his offer graciously*

 

#94:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 12:14 pm

What!

No Joey don't do not under no circumstances no do not say yes in any way shape or form!

 

#95:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 12:26 pm

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

*remembers copy and paste a bit too late...*


DON'T DO IT JOEY!!!!!

 

#96:  Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 12:39 pm

Don't leave us there Ianswythe!

Joins in calling to Joey, hopes she's still too tied to Jack to accept and will be put off completely.

 

#97:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 12:47 pm

Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

*chanting*

 

#98:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 2:35 pm

Jo freed her hands and sat down with a bump on a chair, “ I…I don’t know what to say,” she said weakly.
“Yes would be a good start,” Phillip pointed out, and then going down onto his knees beside her, possessed him self of her hands once more and spoke in an earnest tone. “Joey I know that Jack was the love of your life and I don’t expect to occupy that position. If you become my wife I can give you security for you and your children, companionship and status. You would be Lady Brownslowe, every perk that went with the title would be yours,” Phillip had a smooth tongue and he used it to good effect. “I know Jack’s death has been hard on you and that you have had to shoulder many burdens, I can help share that load.”
Jo sat in silence, head bent. Phillip, sensing that she was wavering, said no more. A myriad of emotions passed through Jo’s mind. It was true what Phillip had said, she did find her burdens hard to bear at times and the thought of having a husband to help was very tempting. She also longed for the security that marriage brought, although not poverty stricken she had seen and felt a difference in her circumstances since Jack’s demise. She worried about the future and how she would cope when schooling had to be sought for Stephen, but it was her own loneliness that she found hardest. Looking up she said softly, “ I can never love you in the way I loved Jack but my answer is yes.”

Half an hour later Phillip left Jo after having outlined his plans for their forthcoming wedding. At the door he kissed her awkwardly on the forehead and bade her goodnight. Whistling softly to him self he climbed into his waiting car, “ I take it she said yes?” an amused voice asked.
“Yes, she said yes,” Phillip turned to his secretary, David Bryce, a wry smile on his face. “As soon as we get home you can get onto the Times and have them announce it tomorrow,” his voice became grim, “and then you had better get the editor of that other rag of a newspaper and whisper the words libel case into his ear! That ought to stop any unpleasant investigations starting as a result of rumours!”
David smiled softly in the darkness, “lets go home,” he whispered.

 

#99:  Author: Shander, Location: Canada PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 2:55 pm

OH My!!!!!!
Ianswythe - you can't leave it there!!!!
Hoping desperatley that Madge and Jem can stop it.
More, pretty please.

 

#100:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:00 pm

JO!!!What have you done?

She can be horrible at times but does not deserve this!


Please please Jack come back and rescue her!!!

 

#101:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:04 pm

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Ianswythe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

#102:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:13 pm

Maybe - thinks very quickly - maybe the triplets will all run away & live with Madge or maybe Anna will run away or maybe Philip will get caught in a really compromising situation with David or....... Confused

In other words Ianswythe put us out of our misery NOW please?

 

#103:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:18 pm

This is quite a development, Ianswythe, but I bet you that something happens to stop it.

 

#104:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:52 pm

IANSWYTHE!
You can't do that to Joey and the triplets and Stephen!
Well you can but you b****y well shouldn't!

 

#105:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 4:34 pm

Shocked I know Jo can be batty, but really she has totally lost it this time!

More please Smile

 

#106:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 7:22 pm

Ianswythe, what are you planning to do with Joey.....please let Madge and Jem intervene, soon.

 

#107:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 8:14 pm

Woah - getting heavy!!
I thought the gender of the secretary was "open"
Sir Phillip is a slimy toe-rag as is his lover - I hope they get their come-uppance - how dare they use Joey just to save face?!!
And, why oh why, didn't Joey use the sense she was born with and reserve judgement til the morning!!

* v worried about Stephen - why is Philip "interested" in him and not the trips?*

Jem !! Madge!!
Get over here and sort things out!

 

#108:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 8:25 pm

Rachael wrote:
* v worried about Stephen - why is Philip "interested" in him and not the trips?*


I was trying not to think about that......worrying enough without.

 

#109:  Author: Lisa-Lou,  PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 8:43 pm

Ooh this is exciting. Please don't let Jo marry him, please, please, please....... poor little trips. Crying or Very sad

 

#110:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 9:29 pm

*wibbles* Just read all of this in one go...
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Noooooooo even Joey doesn't deserve this. *thoroughly creeped out*

 

#111:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 9:31 pm

Breakfast in the Russell household was progressing along its usual peaceful course the following morning when. Jem made an unpleasant discovery. Flicking his way through the Times a headline caught his eye causing a mouthful of coffee to go down the wrong way. Five minutes of coughing, spluttering and Madge slapping his back passed before he was able to speak.
“Sit down Madge,” he said eventually before passing her the paper. Madge took the paper from him and read the article indicated with growing horror.
“Sir Phillip Edward Brownslowe has announced his engagement to Mrs Josephine Mary Maynard nee Bettany. Mrs Maynard is the widow of Dr John (Jack) Maynard. Dr Maynard was killed whilst serving with…” here Madge’s eyes skimmed rapidly down the article, “the wedding is to take place early next year.” Madge looked up at Jem, “she’s mad!” she said with conviction.

Anna opened the door to Madge and Jem a few hours later, they had travelled as fast as they could to try and find out what was going on in Joey’s mind.
“Madge, Jem, what are you doing here? Not that it isn’t lovely to see you,” Jo greeted them enthusiastically but with some surprise. “Don’t tell me you got home and realised you had left half your hankies here or something!” Jo grinned at her sister.
“No Jo, we came to congratulate you,” her sister returned evenly.
“Congratulate me?” a slightly guilty colour suffused Jo’s face.
Wordlessly Jem handed the Times to Jo, quickly she read the page.
“Madge, Jem I didn’t know this was going to be in the paper. I was going to telephone to you today,” Jo turned to her sister and brother-in-law. “I didn’t want you to find out like this!”
“So its true?” Jem asked quietly.
“He asked me yesterday evening,” Jo couldn’t bring her self to look them in the eye. “ I said yes.”
“Jo you scarcely know the man. Jack hasn’t been dead two years yet! Don’t you think it is a bit soon?” Madge appealed to her.
“Do you love him?” Jem cut in.
“I’m very fond of him,” she said evasively.
“Fond of him!” Madge burst out, “Fond of him! It is hardly the ideal emotion on which to base a marriage!”
“Madge you don’t understand!” Jo turned on her sister. “Jack was the love of my life and I will never, ever feel like that about anyone again, but I’m lonely and scared. Phillip knows how I feel and he understands. He is offering me security and companionship.”

 

#112:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 9:31 pm

Go on, let him marry her. Then everyone can gloat when you kill him off and leave her wealthy.

Loving this story, btw.

 

#113:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 9:50 pm

My sister said it so well earlier i had to quote it...

Xanthe wrote:
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Ianswythe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

#114:  Author: fio, Location: swansea united kingdom PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 10:16 pm

Evil or Very Mad Do us all a favour & find Jack alive on a desert island!!!!!!!
He could turn up just in time to stop the wedding by giving Sir Slimy Fish a good smack on the nose(or somewhere else!!)! Twisted Evil

 

#115:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 10:17 pm

No Joey! Don't do it!

Not sure there's anything else to say ('cept this is great Ianswythe)

 

#116:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 10:18 pm

Iaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanswythe................
pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease don't leave us dangling like this!!!!!

 

#117:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 11:27 pm

Gulps, I totally missed the fact that the secreatary was male when Jem was talking about him, read what I expected to read I suppose.
I can understand Joey's acceptance, but I do hope someone stops her from making a big mistake.
She can't marry such a cold. calculating nasty piece of work!

 

#118:  Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 1:04 am

Just read this all in one go and went from crying about Con to screaming about Mr. Slimy Fish! I also expected the secretary to be female - thought the 'he' in the conversation was a typo! Embarassed This is excellent Ianswythe - I would like some more please, if it is at all possible! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#119:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 9:19 am

Nooooooooooooo, *gets large trout with which to slap Joey around a bit* She can't do that!

 

#120:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 9:37 am

Ianswythe, please let them talk her out of it.....
PLLLLEEEAAAASSSEEEE!!!!!!

 

#121:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 10:10 am

“So what exactly is Phillip getting from this union?” Jem asked shrewdly.
“Why he loves me!” Jo sounded slightly unsure as she remembered the proposal and dry kiss of the night before; Jem and Madge were quick to spot this.
“Jo has he actually told you that he loves you?” Madge unconsciously adopted the tone of the crisp headmistress with her sister.
Jo, unwilling to say no and already suffering from an agony of doubts fired up at this, “what exactly do you have against Phillip? I am perfectly satisfied with the match and I think you should be happy for me!”
“Jo he has a questionable relationship with his male secretary!” Madge emphasised the word male. Jo however, in spite of the suffering she had endured and the atrocities she had witnessed during the war, was in many ways innocent to the ways of the world. All her life she had been protected first by her brother and sister, then by Jem and lastly by her husband, much of what she would have found sordid had been kept from her and as a result she was unable to understand anything other than friendship existing between two men. Jem seeing that Jo was growing mutinous silently warned Madge with a look that it was time to come away from the contentious subject.
“Jo if you are convinced in your heart that you are doing the right thing by your self, your children and by God then we will be happy for you, but remember if marriage is to be for life then love must exist between the husband and wife! We will love and support you no matter what you decide.” He said kissing her gently on the forehead.
“I’m sorry Joey, I didn’t mean to behave like this. I’m just worried,” Madge embraced her sister.

Shortly afterwards the pair took their leave.
“Madge she has doubts about this, we can only hope and pray that she will see that this marriage is a bad idea before it is too late! If we say too much then she will only become stubborn,” Jem wisely advised.
“Jem I don’t think I could sit by and watch her marry this man!” Madge was decided. “Please God that she comes to her senses!” she added piously.

The weeks passed bringing with them the second anniversary of Jack’s death, Phillip continued to call on Jo at weekends and she remained adamant that she would marry him. A date in February was set for the wedding and arrangements were made. Phillip also decided that once they were married Jo would continue to live in her own home, joining him in London only when necessary. He would remain in London during the week and commute at weekends; it was better for the children he announced. Christmas was spent with the Russell’s, who had felt compelled to invite Phillip to join them. For Joey New Year was to be spent in London, at Phillip’s insistence she was to accompany him to a large party. Although Jo had not been keen on the thought of attending the party Phillip had pointed out that her presence would be expected and that once she was Lady Brownslowe such gatherings would be a regular occurrence.
“Come Josephine, my secretary and housekeeper will be present in the house as chaperones, your virtue will be quite safe! It is also unthinkable that you snub the hostess by not attending. Try and remember that you are no longer Mrs Maynard but are now the future Lady Brownslowe and try to act accordingly!” he had wound up pretentiously.
“I am not Lady Brownslowe yet!” Jo flung back at him, her eyes burning with anger. Phillip stood up and regarded her with cold speculation, “no but you will be and I will not tolerate such insubordination from my wife. You will accompany me to the party, remember you gain much from this marriage!” his voice was hard with barely controlled anger, then leaving the house he returned to London.

This argument had left Jo badly shaken and had stirred up the doubts she had tried to bury. She had spent a sleepless night turning over in her mind her decision to marry him but the following day a large bouquet of flowers had arrived for her with a note begging her forgiveness for his unkindness and pleading pressures of work as an excuse for his temper. Jo had put the flowers in a vase and once again tried to stifle the warning voice in her mind. She also attended the party!

Phillip sent a car for her on the day of the party. Anna was left in charge of the children with the Robin and Daisy to help her. The car motored her through quiet country lanes and busy towns eventually drawing up before an imposing town house. An impeccable butler opened the door to her and announced her.
“ Josephine, welcome to my home,” Phillip rose to greet her. “Meet my secretary and friend David Bryce,” Phillip indicated a slight, light hair seated man reading a newspaper.
“ How do you do Mr Bryce,” Jo turned to the man, who remained seated.
“ Very well thank you Mrs Maynard,” David Bryce drawled sardonically before picking up his paper again.
David’s open hostility puzzled and angered Jo but unable to say anything about it she merely gave him a charming smile and turned back to Phillip.
“Mrs James will show you to your room,” he told her indicating the housekeeper lingering in the doorway. Jo smiled at her fiancé and followed the housekeeper from the room. As she closed the door behind her she heard the mocking tones of David Bryce “well I suppose if marry you must then she’ll have to do!”

 

#122:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 10:14 am

Come on Joey....see what is happening.

 

#123:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 10:42 am

The party itself passed in a blur to Jo. She met a great many people, smiled frequently and made charming, inane conversation with people she would not normally wish to talk to. By the end of the evening her feet throbbed in her high-heeled shoes and her jaws ached with the tension of her smile, it was with thankfulness that she sank into bed in the cool darkness of her room and gave her self up to sleep. She returned home the home two days after the party having seen little of Phillip, what she had seen had always been in the company of David Bryce, a man whom time had not improved her opinion of.
“Jo” Phillip said as she left, “ There will be an announcement in the Times on Tuesday giving the date of the wedding as the 6th of February. You might want to inform your sister before it appears!” Jo blushed at the memory of her taking Phillip to task for the unprecedented announcement of their engagement before she had had a chance to inform her family and of his reaction. Now she merely thanked him politely and climbed into the car relieved to be going home.

The announcement duly appeared and January came to an end with what Madge privately decided was indecent haste.
“Jem I wouldn’t mind her marrying the man if she was at least in love with him, but she isn’t. She is offering herself up as some sort of sacrificial lamb in a bid to try and secure the future for her children!” Madge, who had spent her most recent visit to her sister trying to make her see this, flung herself into an armchair in exasperation.
“Madge she is an adult, I agree she is making a mistake but I don’t see what we can do. We can not risk alienating her and that is what will happen if we continue to nag her.” Jem told her. “Now you must think of the child you are carrying and forget about Jo for a while.”

A fair-haired man sat in the British consuls office in Paris. He was emaciated from illness and pain and suffering was etched into his face, yet when he smiled at the secretary handing him coffee it held a hint of boyishness that many an old Chalet school girl would have recognised.

 

#124:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 10:46 am

Please say that its Jack!!?? Smile

And that he arrives in time to stop the wedding! How will he find out though? We he see the advert in the paper and arrive at the church in time to stop it all or will he have time to go home first and stop Joey even getting there at all...

...or what if he's too late!!

Also not sure Philip's reaction will be pleasant!

 

#125:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 10:47 am

JACK!!!!!!!!!!!!! TO THE RESCUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

#126:  Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 11:06 am

This is fantastic!!!

Is this still the end of January - that gives Jack 6 days to get home.

Hurry Jack...

 

#127:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 11:10 am

Why do you think dear Sir Philip is interested in Stephen? Somthing will happen to stop the marriage, even if Madge and Jem have to turn detective to do it.

 

#128:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 12:26 pm

*teeters on cliff edge........*

 

#129:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 1:42 pm

He's never going to make it back in time!
Confused

 

#130:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 1:49 pm

He's not back yet.

Come on Jack.

 

#131:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 2:46 pm

“Now Dr Maynard I need you to tell me exactly what happened to you in the last two years and then we’ll arrange a hotel for you and let you get some much needed rest,” the consul smiled encouragingly at Jack, for it was indeed Jack Maynard who sat before him.
“The ship I was travelling on was bombed, it wasn’t a direct hit so it wasn’t badly damaged but it rocked it enough send me overboard. I must have hit my head but luckily I had my life jacket on. I came round to find myself being hauled aboard a German ship. From my papers one of the officers recognised me as being on the Nazi wanted list,” weariness was evident in Jack’s voice.
“Why were you wanted by the Nazis?” the consul put in at this point.
“I was a doctor at the TB sanatorium in Austria when Hitler marched in, my then future wife was a member of the Chalet school there, her sister owns it. You have heard of the school?” Jack looked enquiringly at the consul.
“I have indeed, my own daughter is currently a shining light of the lower fifth. They are based on an island off the coast of Wales now,” the consul informed Jack.
“I didn’t know that, I guess I have a lot to catch up on! Anyway, the school came to the notice of the Nazi party partly as a result of the German and Austrian girls there. After my wife and some other schoolgirls intervened in the assault of a Jew they and myself were forced to flee the country. The Nazis have long memories and are or were still very interested in the school. When they pulled me out of the sea they sent me to a prison camp and tried to make me talk. I don’t know how long I was there, after a while you lose track of time!” Jack shuddered as he remembered the treatment and beatings he had endured at the hands of his captors as they tried to make him talk. “When it became obvious that the war was going against them they started to get rid of certain prisoners, before the allies could liberate the camps,” Jack paused and took a deep breath. “One night they herded a group of us outside the camp, they grouped us together and then shot us. Luckily for me they didn’t do a very good job of it!” the consul listened with mounting horror to Jack’s story. “They didn’t check us properly to see if we were dead, they didn’t care by then. Three of us were still alive. I had been shot in the shoulder and leg they had various other wounds. When the guards left we managed to crawl into some trees and spent the night there. By the morning there was only two of us left, the third lost too much blood and he didn’t make it,” Jack’s voice broke as that long night came back to him. The consul poured a glass of water and handed it to him.
“For a week we crawled and dragged ourselves as far away from the camp as we could. We slept in ditches and barns and lived of what we could find or steal. After a week it became obvious that my friend wasn’t going to make it. He had pneumonia and his wounds were badly infected. He died in my arms on the eighth night after we had left. We had made it to a barn, I tried to go on but couldn’t. I must have lost consciousness and the farmer found me. He was a good man!” This last was simply said.
“He took me into the house and hid me in his attic, he and his wife fed and nursed me for months, I owe him my life. Germany surrendered and I grew stronger, eventually I was able to leave the man’s care. I had to travel on foot and in disguise, if people had known I was English I would have met with trouble. I passed my self off as an itinerant German; I had no papers so where possible I avoided towns, occasionally in villages I was able to pick up a bit of farm work, the farmers didn’t ask questions and I needed the money for food. I made for the French border, it has taken me seven months from leaving that hellish camp to arrive here.” Jack wound up his tale.
“Now you must rest. There is a car waiting to take you to a hotel. Next week we shall arrange for you to return to your family,” the consul stood up.
“To Jo,” Jack breathed softly, a hungry look in his eyes. “I have a child I have never even seen!”

Jack was duly installed in a hotel; where after a good meal and a hot bath he spent his first night in a proper bed for more than two years. Waking the next morning he stretched luxuriously beneath the sheets. Propped against the lamp on the bedside table was water stained, crumpled photograph; it showed a dark haired, smiling young woman with three curly headed little girls on her knee. Against all the odds Jack had managed to keep this photograph with him through all his adventures; it had brought comfort and strength to him, the thought of returning to the woman and children pictured had kept him alive when he otherwise might have given up.
“Soon my darling Jo I will be able to hold you again,” he spoke softly as he gently stroked the face in the picture. A knock at the door made him sit up as the chambermaid entered his room bearing a breakfast tray. Thanking her Jack settled the tray on his knees and made a hearty breakfast. Replete at last he set the tray onto the bedside table and prepared to rise.
“Dash it,” his arm caught the cup knocking it to the floor, mercifully the bedside rug was a thick one and the cup landed in one piece rolling under the bed. Crawling on the floor Jack retrieved the cup along with a newspaper.
“Shows how often they dust under the beds” Jack chuckled to himself as he saw the date of early January on the newspaper. Laying it on the bed he idly flicked through the copy of the London Times that some previous traveller had carelessly left behind him. Ten minutes later saw Jack scrambling into the borrowed suit of clothes given to him by the consul and tearing down the stairs to the receptionist.

“I need to speak to the British consul, at once. It’s an emergency!” Jack pushed in front of an irate American busily complaining to the desk clerk.
“But Monsieur it is Sunday, the consul he will be at home!” the desk clerk stepped back from the irate man.
“I don’t care, get him. Drag him out of church if necessary!” Jack could hardly stop himself from dragging the poor clerk over the desk. The clerk with much shrugging of shoulders and murmured exclamations about the madness of the English set about trying to locate the consul. For two hours Jack paced and fumed until at last the consul was found. A further two hours elapsed before the consul was able to get himself to Jack’s hotel.
“I need to get home at once!” Jack burst out as soon as the consul entered the room.
“But what is the rush?” the bemused consul asked.
“My wife is getting married. I have four days in which to get home and stop the wedding!” Jack thrust the paper at the consul and there he was able to read for himself the announcement of the date for Mrs Maynard’s forthcoming wedding.
“And what is more the man she is marrying is an unnatural, cruel devil!” Jack added. “I must get the next boat home.”
“Dr Maynard the next boat is not scheduled to sail until Tuesday, but travel is still difficult from the war and Calais is suffering from storms. If they do not subside then it will not sail. The most we can do is get you to Calais and hope. In the meantime I will send a telegram and try to stop the wedding that way,” the consul did not sound hopeful of being able to get word to the necessary people in time to stop the marriage from taking place. Little could be done that day for it was a Sunday and Jack had to have the necessary papers and passport in order for him to be able to cross the channel, but the consul pulled out all the stops and Monday evening saw Jack on a train heading for Calais. The consul meanwhile had cabled Jem to inform him of Jack’s return. Jack had thought it best that Jem break the news to Jo rather than her discover it from a telegram. As a precautionary measure, and as a result of his wife pointing out that there was no guarantee that the couple would be at home to receive the cable, the consul also cabled to Miss Annersley the following day at the Chalet school to advise her that the marriage must not be allowed to go ahead.

Jack reached Calais on the morning of the 3rd of February only to discover that it was storm bound and that there was no hope of the ferry sailing that day. Attempts to telephone to Jem and Madge were unsuccessful, so for the next 36 hours Jack was forced to kick his heels and curse the weather. The ferry finally sailed on the afternoon of the 4th. It was late on the evening of the 4th when Jack arrived in Dover; no Jem was waiting to meet him. By the use of various trains and eventually a taxi he was able to reach the home of Madge and Jem by six o’clock in the evening of the 5th. During this time Jack had never once doubted that Jo would welcome his return with open arms. The love that they had shared ran deep and he knew his Jo well, if she was marrying this man then she was doing it for the wrong thing for the right reasons and he had no intentions of letting that happen.

Madge and Jem arrived home in the afternoon of the fifth to the frantic ringing of the telephone. Madge’s maid was seeing to the children so Jem answered the phone.
“Hilda, Hilda calm down! I can’t make out a word you are saying, “ Jem ordered.
Madge removing her hat and gloves looked round in surprise.
“What? Are you sure? Oh my God!” Jem thundered.
“Jem what is it?” Madge was anxious.
“Jack is alive and on his way home!” the announcement left Madge white and gasping, dropping the phone Jem grabbed his wife and helped her to a chair.

 

#132:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 2:54 pm

WOW!!!!!!
This is great.
Hope to see more tonight.

 

#133:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 3:02 pm

Jack's going to pick the paper up and spot the message... He's got to, he has to!!!!!!

ETA: In case it isn't obvious, I posted this before the last lot of story! But I was right!

Last edited by Rosie on Fri Apr 16, 2004 3:14 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#134:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 3:04 pm

wow! So Jack is about to walk through the door...Hilda got through just before him!

 

#135:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 3:25 pm

Thank goodness for that. Now, Jo will see sense!

 

#136:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 3:36 pm

Phew - Thank goodness Jem and Madge and Hilda know, just hope Joey is contactable.

Please don't leave it too long before revealing what happens next.

PS Am very glad Jack is alive.

 

#137:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 3:39 pm

“Tell me slowly exactly what happened,” Jem ordered Hilda.
“A cable telegram arrived today, it was delayed because there have been bad storms and lines were down. A cable was sent to you to, Jack has turned up alive. He was in a POW camp. He has seen the announcement of Jo’s wedding and is on his way home. You have to stop the wedding!” Hilda was breathless as she finished up. “Jem, Jem? Say something!” the silence struck Hilda as suspicious.
“Hilda it’s too late. Jo got married today!” in doom-laden tones Jem dropped the bombshell.
“What!” Madge clearly heard Hilda’s screech.
“There was a mix up at the registry office, they put the date in for the 5th and not the 6th. Phillip phoned early yesterday to tell us, there wasn’t time to let anyone else know. We were at Jo’s anyway and the house was completely closed up as the maids were given a holiday. There was no-one here to get a telegram.”

Ianswythe gives an evil laugh at the though of the outcry! Just remember folks it ain't over till the fat lady sings! ROFL

 

#138:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 3:41 pm

Bigamy!!!! Oh no!!! Now whats going to happen...the marriage to Philip has to not be legal cos Jack was alive still...or not!

 

#139:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 3:52 pm

What on earth are the legalitlies of this situation? I presume the marriage won't be consumated anyway, but even so....!

Come on, more please.

 

#140:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 4:00 pm

It's quite simple, Jo and Phillip are not married as Jack is still alive.

 

#141:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 4:04 pm

yes but legally Jack would be assumed alive for seven years but we're not in that reality so who knows...Philip won't let her go without a fight!

 

#142:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 4:07 pm

Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!! *whew, keels over having just read all of today's posts in one go* More soon pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease.

 

#143:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 4:26 pm

Ianswythe....... You AREN'T gfoing to leave me in suspense on my birthday are you?????

 

#144:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 7:07 pm

Bad luck Vikki, I think she has! Very Happy

 

#145:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 7:40 pm

So we have no idea how the law works in this reality but the marriage to Philip has to be illiegal... doesn't it...

Poor, poor Joey and Jack and all of them (except icky Philip and David!)

 

#146:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 9:19 pm

To go back a few days; Madge and Jem set of for Jo’s on the third, this was so in theory Madge could help with the preparations but in practice was so she could try and talk Jo out of going through with the marriage. Jo was ominously quiet but determined that she would go through with the wedding.
“Madge I have agreed to marry him, I can’t go back on my word! She said flatly and from that stance she refused to move.
The morning before the wedding David Bryce telephoned to Jo.
“Mrs Maynard I am phoning on behalf of Sir Phillip,” the disembodied voice was suave, “ there has been a mix up with the dates of the wedding.” Jo’s heart leapt inside her but a moment later it plummeted as David continued, “the wedding will take place tomorrow now. The cars will call for you and your guests at 10am.” He then rang off and Jo went to tell her sister.
“Ten o’clock tomorrow? That gives us less than twenty-four hours to get everything organised,” Madge exploded.
The rest of the day was spent in a frenzy of getting Jo’s clothes for her honeymoon assembled and packed and ensuring that Anna and Robin had all their instructions for the following week.

At ten o’clock the following morning two cars arrived; Jo was pale and tense, Madge was nervous and Jem was contemplative. Jo and her party, consisting of Madge, Jem, Robin, Daisy and the triplets, climbed into the cars and were whisked away to a registry office.
“Why are we here? Shouldn’t we be going to St Josephs?” Jo looked bemused.
“Well there is Phillip so it must be the right place!” Jem pointed out.
“But it isn’t a church, I can’t get married here!” Jo was rapidly becoming upset. “He knows I’m a Catholic, we won’t be married in the eyes of God!”
Phillip was opening the door of Jo’s car and offering her a hand out, David Bryce, his best man, was close behind him.
“Phillip I thought we were getting married at St Josephs,” Jo turned to her betrothed.
“Really, I don’t know why you thought that!” Phillip lifted an eyebrow. “Come along we can’t keep the registrar waiting.” Taking her arm he tried to lead her up the steps.
“Phillip I can’t marry you here, it wouldn’t be right!” Jo appealed to him.
“Stop making a scene,” Phillip hissed quietly so that the others would not hear. “You will marry me today and that is all there is to it, now smile!” the grip on her arm tightened painfully. Jo then found her self being marched into the building to stand before a grave registrar; less than an hour later she left it as Lady Brownslowe. When the registrar had asked if anyone knew just cause why the pair could not be joined in marriage Jem had taken a firm grip on Madge’s hand, she had relaxed back into her seat. After a light lunch Jo and Phillip left for their honeymoon in London. Madge and Jem returned to home comforts and Hilda’s news.


Honest I am trying to get this finished tonight!

 

#147:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 9:39 pm

Why when Jennie posted that 'Joey and Philip are not married because Jack is alive.' Did my mind insist on changing it to 'Joey and Phillip are married because Jack is dead!'

Exactly what would Phillip and David do to secure their reputation?

Ianswyth this is tense intriguing and captivating - please let Jack appear and make things right!

 

#148:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 9:44 pm

Oh crumbs. Hope, hope, hope Jack comes back soon and everything is okay again. *wibbling ever so slightly*

 

#149:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 10:13 pm

You know I'm kinda glad it was only a registary office wedding. I can't imagine how awful Joey would feel in the eyes of God if she was bigamously married in a church!
Looking on the (ever so slightly) brighter side.

 

#150:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 10:36 pm

Thanks Sarah for pointing out the brighter side.
And Lesley, please do not put those sort of ideas into anyones head!
If they harm on hair on Jack's head even I'll......um....well I'll think of something to do to them.

 

#151:  Author: Shander, Location: Canada PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 11:04 pm

Please Please Please finish this tonight. I'm getting more and more worried. Stange evil little Sir Brownslowe.

 

#152:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 11:32 pm

Jem hung up from speaking to Hilda and sat down on the bottom step of the stairs.
“Oh my God,” he repeated.
“Jem, if Jack is alive then Jo isn’t legally married to Phillip, is she?” there was a note of hope in Madge’s voice.
“No, I don’t think she is. The marriage would be annulled,” a thought struck Jem. “Madge you do realise that Jack is probably going to turn up here shortly expecting to have arrived in time to stop the marriage and that we are going to have to tell him that his wife is on her honeymoon.”

Madge and Jem spent an anxious few hours pacing up and down waiting for Jack to arrive. Jem had attempted to contact Jo in London but was unable to locate the number of Phillip’s town house. Anna, who did have the number for emergencies, was not answering the telephone and no-one in his office was prepared to give out the private number. At long last a taxi came up the drive, Jem and Madge were at the door as it stopped.
“Jack!” Madge sobbed as she rushed to hug him.
Jack returned the hug and then found his hand being pumped by Jem who seemed to be lost for words. They quickly ushered him inside, neither relishing having to tell him about Jo.
“Does she love him?” Jack looked squarely at Madge.
“No Jack she doesn’t. She has married him because she thinks he will give her security,” Madge spoke with conviction. “Jack you have to understand how lonely and unhappy Joey has been, she was devastated over you. She has also been worried about supporting the children.”
“Madge I know, I understand. She would do anything for the children,” a thought suddenly occurred to Jack. “Madge, Jo was pregnant!”
“A son Jack, you have a little boy called Stephen,” Madge told him joyfully.
“Where is she Madge?” Jack was eager to see his beloved wife.
Jem cleared his throat, “Jack there is something we have to tell you.” Looking uncomfortable Jem paused before continuing,” Jack, Jo got married today, she has gone to London on her honeymoon.”
Jack paled, today? But the paper said the 6th?”
“There was some mix up over the dates,” Jem explained.
“I have to get to her!” Jack announced.
“Take my car,” Jem told him. “We don’t know the house number but we do know the street.”
“I’ll knock on every door if I have to!” Jack made for the door and London.
“Good luck Jack!” Madge called to him, “God go with you.”

Jo was very silent on the drive to London; David was with them and he and Phillip did most of the talking, to each other. When they arrived at the town house they had a late supper with coffee in the drawing room. David stayed with them the entire time and Jo grew increasingly uncomfortable.
“I think it is time we retired,” Phillip announced after some desultory conversation. Offering Jo an arm he escorted her up the stairs. Coming to stop outside a door he opened it and handed her in, “Good night Jo, sleep well.” Then he closed the door leaving Jo alone in the room. Jo stared uncertainly at the closed door; memories of her wedding to Jack came unbidden to her mind, on that day she had been the happiest woman alive. Tears welled in her eyes; this marriage was as big a mistake as the first one had been a success. Seeing nothing else for it Jo prepared for bed, she fully expected that Phillip would join her shortly, that he was only allowing her some privacy in which to get ready. It soon became obvious that this was not to be the case.
“I can’t do this,” Jo announced suddenly to the empty room. Getting out of the bed she put on dressing gown and slippers, then going to the door she opened it and stepped out into the hall. Four other doors opened off the hallway, one she knew to be a bathroom, behind one of the other three was Phillip. Going to the one directly opposite her own room she knocked on it softly, no answer came so she quietly opened it to reveal what was obviously a spare bedroom. Heart thumping she moved to the next door and repeated the performance, again she received no answer. Opening the door she stepped inside; a shaft of moonlight through the open curtains illuminated the bed. Lying asleep beneath the covers was Phillip, his dark head cradled in David Bryce’s arms.

Jo’s gasp of horror woke the sleepers; starting up in bed Phillip saw standing there wide eyed and pale faced. Grabbing a dressing gown hanging beside the bed Phillip got into it, “what the hell are you doing here?” he screamed. Beside him David Bryce viewed her with contempt, “Oh dear, were you lonely?” he asked mockingly.
Getting out of the bed Phillip grabbed Jo’s arm and yanked her out of the room, down the stairs he went pulling the struggling Jo after him.
Reaching the ground floor Phillip opened a door and pushed her into the room.
Stumbling, Jo fell onto a settee, “I want a divorce. I won’t stay married to you!” she cried getting to her feet.
Crack! Jo didn’t see the blow coming, the force sent her reeling and she could feel blood trickling down her cheek where his signet ring had cut her. “Don’t even think about trying to divorce me! I’ll teach you to go where you shouldn’t!” Phillip screamed advancing on her fist raised.
Suddenly a man erupted into the room, seizing Phillip he punched him square on the jaw.
“Don’t you ever lay a finger on my wife ever again!” Jack had a hold of Phillip’s dressing gown.
“Jack?” the voice was filled with wonder, “Jack?”
Thrusting Phillip away from him Jack turned to Jo. “Jo darling,” holding out his arms to her he finally knew the joy of seeing Jo straight into them.
“Oh Jack!” tears streamed down Joey’s face, until at last emotion and the blow she had received caught up with her and Jo fainted away in her true husbands arms.

When Jo finally came round it was to find herself safely at her sister’s home. The faint had been a bad one and from it she had gone straight into a deep slumber, Jack had been able to put her in the car and drive her home without waking her. Many explanations were given to cover the past two years and the triplets and Stephen were sent for to be reunited with their Papa.
“But Jack what about my marriage to Phillip?” Jo asked her husband when they were alone that evening.
“It will be annulled darling. It was never legal because I was still alive it was also not consummated. Phillip Brownslowe will give no problems on that score unless he wants his private life dragged through the courts!” Jack was grim.
“ I don’t understand why he wanted to marry me in the first place! Or how you got into the house?” Jo announced.
Jack had managed to extract the whole story from Phillip whilst the housekeeper was packing Jo’s case. “There was a reporter sniffing about him, he needed too get married to avoid any investigations being carried out into his personal affairs. He could have ended up in prison. He chose you because he thought that a widow would be easier to handle than a single woman. He also had some idea about adopting Stephen and bringing him up as his son and heir! Thought he was young enough for people to forget he wasn’t really his. As to how I got into the house; I saw you through the window the curtains were open. I banged on the door until the housekeeper let me in, you never heard me with all the shouting!”
“I’m sorry Jack, I never stopped loving you, but I just didn’t know what to do.” Jo held her face up for a kiss.”
“I know darling, I know.” Jack took his wife in his arms and held her close, “I will never leave you again!” he promised.

The End (at last!)

 

#153:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 11:42 pm

Aw.

Thank you.

 

#154:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 11:46 pm

Thank you for finishing it so happily Ianswythe. I'm so glad I checked this last time before bed!

When you said it was an alternative I was so afraid Jack was really dead this time and so very relieved that he wasn't.

 

#155:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 12:02 am

Wow Ianswythe I have just read all todays posts at once and am so glad I did. What a story. Poor Jo she did not deserve Sir Phillip and he certainly di not deserve her. Glad Jack came home safely. Thank you so much for a wonderful story.

 

#156:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 12:06 am

Oh!!! thank you Ianswythe!!!!!!!!
SO glad ypou diedn't leave us dangling overnight, and that it was a happy ending!!!

 

#157:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 12:47 am

Aw that was lovely... glad Jack didn't really die and managed to get Jo away from Mr Slimy Fish! ...........horrible man!

 

#158:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 1:23 am

Awwwwwwwwww, yay for happy endings. So very very very glad that all's well that ends well.

*le sigh*

 

#159:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 5:57 am

Oh wonderful, a happy ending, Jack and Joey reunited and slimy b*st*rd Phillip socked on the jaw!

Thanks Ianswythe! Laughing

 

#160:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 9:53 am

Thanks Ianswythe, so glad that Jack got back and rescued Joey. And I'm glad that Phillip got thumped too!
I can sympathise with his predicament, but since he was such a cruel, cold hearted, violent ********, I certainly have no sympathy for the man himself.
Thanks again for the happy ending, at one point I thought Jack was well and truely dead.

 

#161:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 10:59 am

Thank you for that, Ianswythe, it's good to get a happy ending.

 

#162:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 1:38 pm

Thank you Ianswythe, lovely to have a happy ending. Wish I had seen it before i went to bed last night.

 

#163:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 8:15 pm

*chuckling and joiing the queue to smack SSF in the whatsits*
Thanks, Ianswythe - I worked out early doors that Sir Slimy Fish wouldn't be able to consummate the marriage ... bit surprised Joey was up for it though!!! Wink

What disturbed me was that he managed to propose one evening and the engagement was publicised in the next day's Times - how presumptuous??!!

Totally loved the description of what Jack went though in the intervening times - and that my friends, is why we should be voting for Jack Maynard instead of Gilbert Blythe!!
(Just cos EBD didn't write about it, doesn't mean it didn't happen!!

 

#164:  Author: Ianswythe,  PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 8:37 pm

Originally I was planing for Jack to have had a crisis of conscience and to be washed up on an island and basically desert the army and Jo, but I couldn't do it. Jack is still my ideal man! Thanks for the compliments people! Smile

 

#165:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 9:05 pm

Psst, Ianswythe ..

You have great taste but have you been over to Books and Characters to vote for Jack over Gilbert Blythe in Celebrity Docter Death Match?

If not - get voting!! Very Happy

 

#166:  Author: Chickpea,  PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 9:16 pm

Rachael! That is shameless soliciting for votes!

Just cos Jack is losing!!!!!!! Cool

 

#167:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 9:20 pm

*and losing fair and square*

(Too bad both of them are taken, even if they are doctors)

 

#168:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 6:13 am

I've just read it. And it was great. So moving.

I especially loved Jack's arrival on the scene and the punch he gave Phillip!

 

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