Christmas At Plas Gwyn
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles

#1: Christmas At Plas Gwyn Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 5:27 pm


A bunny called Lavender (yes I'm blaming the book) bit me this morning, it's only short, so should be finished soon. I'm sorry that it's perhaps the wrong time of year!

‘Must we really go Joey?’ pleaded Daisy. ‘I was so looking forward to Christmas here, especially with Uncle Jack home!’ and long-legged Daisy lifted imploring blue eyes into her ‘Aunt-by-marriage’s’ face.
‘Poor Daisy-girl’ her dark eyes, full of sympathy, meeting the younger girls face. ‘Don’t you want to spend Christmas with your Aunt and Uncle? Surely it is fair that they get to share you and Prim, after all I have you most of the time.
‘I know, but this Christmas is different.’
Daisy sat quietly in contemplation for a minute before she took a deep breath and continued. ‘I do understand Joey dearest, but I did think we were a family, and so would share this.’
‘So we are and don’t forget it!’ Joey declared in her warm golden voice as she drew Daisy a little closer. ‘But you know how important it is for us to have a quiet time this Christmas, - yes I know you could be quiet if you wished’ so quelling an indignant look from Daisy, - ‘but truly it will only be for a few weeks, and then you will be back again.
‘I know, and I’m sorry for being such a beast, Uncle Jack is the most important thing’, and Daisy flung her arms around her aunt, hugging her violently, and Joey wisely overlooked her language just this once. ‘And we will have a fabulous time at the Round House’ she declared emphatically.
‘I’m glad to hear that!’ declared a new voice from the doorway. ‘Have you got all your things Daisy? No, then run along and get them, we must get back before the weather changes, it looks like rain very soon’.
Daisy dashed out of the room flinging a ‘sorry Auntie Madge’ at some empty air, whilst Madge entered the room, and seated herself comfortably down in a chair by the fire.
‘Was Daisy a bit reluctant?’ she enquired of her sister.
‘A little’ smiled Joey, but she’ll be fine, and as I said to her, both she and Prim should really spend some time with you all.’
‘Yes indeed, Jem only remarked last week how little he had seen of his nieces recently, so this Christmas should put that right’.
‘He might regret that statement in a week or so’, replied Joey with a giggle.
‘Perhaps’ acknowledged Madge, returning the smile, ‘but we can manage the pair of them! Now are you all settled for the duration?’
‘Oh yes. Jack is sleeping at present, and Rob is dealing with the triplets. Veta left yesterday for her mother’s cousin. They want her to say for a long as possible, but I think Veta has other ideas, she’s desperate to find a place of her own, but I’m not sure how easy that will be.’ Joey sighed at the remembrance of what her friend Veta, or to give her full title, Elisaveta, Crown Princess of Belsornia, had been through in recent months.
‘Has she had word from Raphael or her father yet?’ asked Madge, her concern showing on her face.
‘Raphael is in Egypt, she’s sure of that, but nothing has been heard from the king. Veta’s not too worried as yet; his people would do anything to protect him.
Madge nodded, knowing full well the relationship between the royal family of Belsornia and their people.
‘The twins left this morning’ Joey continued. They were upset that Shiena was unable to get leave, but they adore Frieda, and are looking forward to spoiling Louis!’
At this point a young whirlwind with flying yellow plaits re-entered the room, and Daisy declared herself ready. The Venables swiftly departed with their aunt in her small runabout, and Joey was left alone to contemplate the coming Christmas, and her reunited family, before she went and checked on her husband, and then joined in the games of her daughters.


Last edited by Ally on Sun Aug 08, 2004 2:06 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#2:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 6:31 pm


Am liking this lots! More soon please! (my thanks go to Lavender Very Happy )

 


#3:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 9:13 pm


An little interlude

The next few days passed smoothly. Robin ventured to Armiford for last minute Christmas shopping, despite Joey’s worries, and protests from Robin that she was eighteen, and therefore perfectly capable of looking after herself. However, there was nothing Joey could do as she realised she could not leave her husband and children to the sole care of Anna.
Jack, though still far from well, began to improve in the family atmosphere, and was delighted that he could spend so much time with his wife and daughters, especially as he had missed so much of their growing up. He had noticed early on that they no longer looked alike. Little Margot’s hair had lightened to a red gold, though she still kept her blue eyes. Len’s hair has changed the least, but her eyes had turned grey, and Connie was the most changed of all, with both dark hair and eyes, though this gave Jack secret delight that one of his children bore similar colouring to their mother.
He spent a great amount of time being introduced to their toys, especially the rag dollies they had received as a third birthday present, and which currently were their most prized possessions, and the makeshift house that served as their home. Joey and Robin had done their best, with limited materials and craftsmanship, and Jack smiled at the battered box affair, with its lopsided roof. It was obviously well loved and well used, but Jack could see it would not last for much longer, and made up his mind then and there to make them a new dolls house himself, which he hoped would be their Christmas present the following year.
Joey, still anxious about her husband, watched his every move from afar, as much as was possible. She was thrilled to see him spend so much time with the girls, conscious of the time that had been lost. She herself had orders to rest this holiday, but the proofs for her new book had arrived, and as she wished to get them out of the way as quickly as possible, she was glad that the triplets had both Robin and Jack to keep them occupied.

 


#4:  Author: RoseaLocation: Edinburgh PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 9:36 pm


This is great, Ally.

(and lots of praise to bunny Lavender too Smile )

 


#5:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 12:50 am


Ally, this is great. It's nice to see Jack with the Triplets especially. I loved how he picked up on Con being like Joey.

 


#6:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 1:32 am


Nice new drabble Ally, thank you. Nice to see Jack with the children something we don't see a lot of when they are young.

 


#7:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 3:18 am


Great Ally. Nice to see Jack getting to know his daughters.

 


#8:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 10:44 am


The day before Christmas Eve, Jo and Robin removed themselves to the kitchen, and spent the best part of the day causing such mayhem that nearly made Anna weep for her polished pans, and newly scrubbed floor.
‘Mince Pies would be the easiest’ proclaimed Joey surveying the kitchen critically. Anna made the mincemeat weeks ago, so we would only have to do the pastry, and even I can manage that!
‘I should hope so’ giggled Robin infectiously, ‘you never were a good cook, thank goodness Anna has made the cake and puddings as well, or we might all go hungry.’
‘What libel!’ exclaimed Joey in mock indignation. ‘Anyway, after that we could manufacture some sweets, I’ve been saving some sugar so that the girls could have some at Christmas, and we wouldn’t require many. I must think of their teeth’, she added virtuously, nearly sending Robin off in another fit of giggles.
Joey ignored her and continued, ‘If there is time, the triplets could make gingerbread men, there should be enough ingredients, and they should do their bit to help.
Robin agreed to these plans, and they soon busy as work, and soon had produced a magnificent batch of mince pies, and a variety of sweets of different colours and flavours were cooling in their trays.
‘Thank goodness Anna decided to cook a stew for lunch,’ said Robin as she washed her hands, ‘she never could have prepared lunch in here with us and this mess!’
The both turned and surveyed their surroundings and laughed at the site, then promptly turned to the washing and tidying up, finishing it in double quick time, and started on the gingerbread men. The triplets loved the treat of helping in the kitchen, and especially loved gingerbread.
As Robin was helping the triplets into their aprons, a loud thud could be heard, and then a wild exclamation echoing from the store cupboard. Robin, wildly curious deserted her charges, dashed to the door of the pantry, stopped on the threshold, and emitted a funny gurgling sound all of her very own.
It was not to be wondered at, for in the middle of the room stood Joey, head to toe covered in flour, and with a cloud of the white powder arising around her. Later it was discovered she had not put the lid on properly when putting the tin back earlier, and had had the misfortune to knock the tin, sending over the edge and tumbling to the floor, causing chaos as it went. Anna could be heard to moan for weeks, that flour could still be found in various nooks and crannies!
Joey, rendered speechless for once, could do nothing but glower at Robin, who was by now almost hysterical with laughter, and the triplets coming to see just why Auntie Rob was laughing, gave squeals of delight as they saw their mother.
Joey, coming to her senses began to see the funny side as well, and it is not surprising that the noise attracted Jack, who entered the room wondering just what catastrophe had befallen them now! Grinning broadly he brushed off the loose flour, and then sent Joey to get changed, and directed Robin to try to brush up some flour and make the room half decent.
Later as Joey sat brushing her hair out, Robin surveyed her critically. ‘It’s not so bad really considering, your hair does look a little grey, but you were going to wash it tomorrow anyway.
Joey giggled, and with the remembrance of an old school prank remarked ‘well at least I know it won’t turn to blancmange! But it’s a shame about the gingerbread.’
‘Well as the flour had all gone, I should say so!’ interjected Jack
‘Oh well the girls have their sweets, and we can make gingerbread another time’ Joey replied airily. ‘But maybe I will take a rest from baking for a while!’

 


#9:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 11:29 am


Ally this is great. My compliments go to Lavender!

More soon please! Very Happy

 


#10:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 11:34 am


Ally! You said you couldn't write! Obviously I shall never believe a word you say again. Wink

Seriously, this is lovely - very CS, and a chance to see another scene that EBD skimmed over.

*Sends Lavender some carrots to keep her going*

 


#11:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 12:34 pm


Lavender thanks you all for the goodies

The following afternoon, Christmas Eve, was a flurry of activity. Presents were secretly wrapped, and the house decorated with boughs of holly, ivy and various other evergreens. The highlight of the day though was the decoration of the tree. Griffith Griffiths had brought it inside that morning, and now much energy was given over to making it look extra special. Jack had a brief moment of regret that he could not have brought the tree in himself, but seeing the merry faces around him, reminded of the fact he was just glad to be there, and he was still able to perform his duty of placing the star atop the tree.
Afterwards the family gathered by the tree, and with its twinkling lights, and the blazing fire, the room looked as homely as anyone could wish, and here they shared tales of Christmasses past. The triplets enjoyed the merry tales, and in particular the story of the first Christmas Joey and Robin had spent in the Tyrol with the Mensches.
‘How jolly it all was,’ remarked Robin, ‘and how funny it was to see you wearing a pinafore Joey’.
‘Oh I know’ grimaced Jo ‘but I could hardly refuse, Madge’s face was a picture too! But it was a glorious time, the sleigh ride in particular, how I do miss decent snow and the dear Tyrol’. Joey finished with a sigh, and Jack always careful not to let Joey fret about past memories, promptly changed the subject to a Christmas in his past at Pretty Maids, where he and his twin sister Mollie has caused no end of trouble by going down with mumps on Christmas Eve.
After this more happy tales were told, then Joey finished on the story of the first Christmas, before the triplets were bathed and put to bed with a reminder to try and get some sleep!

 


#12:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 1:07 pm


Lovely episodes. Typical Joey in the first - though easy enough to do!

I loved the Christmas Eve with stories of Christmasses past.

 


#13:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 1:24 pm


Thanks Ally, lovely and gentle.

But what will Anna say when she sees Joey's pillowcase?

 


#14:  Author: LLLocation: Salford, Manchester PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 4:43 pm


Thanks Ally!

 


#15:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 8:29 pm


Joey, Jack and Robin had decided to attend Midnight Mass at the local Catholic church that evening, and at the church were joined by Nell Wilson, who showed her surprise at seeing them at the service, and in particular Jack.
‘I took some persuading,’ replied Joey, after Christmas pleasantries had been exchanged, ‘but we decided to come to a later service tomorrow, to allow Jack some sleep’.
‘Well you do look much better Jack,’ smiled Nell, ‘even in these few weeks, and it really is good to see you.’
‘How are you enjoying having the school to yourself,’ enquired Jack as they took their seats. Nell had decided to stay at the school these holidays rather than travel to her cottage on Dartmoor, and declared she was having a wonderful break.
‘So much peace and quiet with no noisy schoolgirls running around!’ she said glancing at Robin with dancing eyes.
‘Yes, they can be very demanding’ returned that young lady, with a twinkle in her eye to match that of her senior mistress.
As the service began at this point no one said anymore, and turned their attentions elsewhere. Joey, with her mind full of thoughts about dear friends in occupied Europe, and those women who would be widows this Christmas, found comfort in the familiar service with its message of peace, happiness and hope. Though she did experience one moment of fear and panic, when she glanced across and looked at her husband. The candlelight had acted to make Jack’s face look drawn and pale, and highlighted the shadows and newly formed lines. Jack was still far from well, but, Joey thought, he is here.

 


#16:  Author: LadyGuinevereLocation: Leicester PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 8:53 pm


Awwww, lovely. I've just read it all through - I love seeing Jack with the triplets as tinies too Very Happy

~LadyG

 


#17:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 9:06 pm


Thanks Ally, this is really sweet and luvverly.

 


#18:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 9:18 pm


This is lovely. I'm going to look it up again at Christmas too!

And I can't believe you said you couldn't write! You can!

 


#19:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 10:12 pm


Ally this is really fantastic. It is nice to see Jo, Jack and the triplets as a very happy family.

The kitchen scenes were pure joy and the Chrisrmas tree bit was lovely.

 


#20:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 10:08 am


Thank you all for your lovely comment Embarassed I'm not so sure about this bit, but it came with the bunnie, I just hope it makes sense


Christmas day passed peacefully. The Maynards and Robin attended the later service as planned, and then briefly spent some time at the Round House, being united with an enthusiastic Daisy, and receiving a quieter welcome from Primula. Both Jem and Madge were secretly delighted to see Jack showed signs of his recovery, though Jem knew full well that there was still a long way to go.
The afternoon was spent back at Plas Gwyn, mainly occupied in present opening. As well as their sweets, the triplets received a small collection of wooden toys to share, which had been carefully hand made by Herr Anserl, along with a small teddy bear each, which had been the handiwork of Robin. Robin herself was newly possessed of two books, a bar of lavender soap, and a new skirt that Frieda had made her, by request of Joey who was not a needlewoman. Joey also had books and a beautiful jade necklace, whilst Jack received the usual tobacco, though now more appreciated since it was a luxury item, as well as a new family photograph in a polished silver frame.
After presents came the singing of carols, and Joey’s voice was much in demand as usual, though Robin remarked how much they missed Daisy’s high sweet soprano.
Now it was late, and as Robin has disappeared to bed a few minutes previous, Joey and Jack had a few precious moments alone.
‘So then, I call that a most successful Christmas,’ declared Jack contently from deep within his favourite armchair. ‘Good food, good presents, and even good company!’
‘Yes I suppose,’ replied Joey, for once not rising to the bait, but seemingly deep in thought.
‘So it hasn’t been a good Christmas then?’ Jack inquired, rousing himself from his comfortable position, and turning to face his wife.
‘Of course it has,’ Jo countered with more interest than before. ‘It’s just – well – I am happy, so very happy, and so thankful to have you here,’ she paused a moment before continuing. ‘I just wish there was more I could do to show my thankfulness, to show God.’
Jack rose from his seat, and sat beside his wife, taking her in his arms for a moment, holding here in silence. It was a few minutes before he spoke.
‘He knows Joey, and he understands, and don’t you think you are actually doing enough already?’ Not receiving a reply from his wife he continued. ‘God gave you gifts Joey. He gave you the gift to write, and by writing you have brought some happiness to the lives of your readers, especially at this present time, where we both know happiness is often hard to find. And there was your Christmas play. By writing that you spread the message of hope and happiness to others, that is a very powerful gift.
Joey smiled at him as he continued. ‘And don’t forget your gift of ‘getting under the skin of girls’. Think of all those you have helped in the past, and will help in the future. Joey, you are showing God you are thankful, and you can continue to do so by using those gifts, as he would want. He only asks of us to be the people we should be. Now, come on to bed.’

 


#21:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 2:05 pm


Last bit!!

'So you did have a good time then Daisy-girl!' exclaimed Jo, as standing in the doorway of Plas Gwyn, well wrapped up in a shawl, she was hurled upon and hugged by an excited Daisy. 'Didn't I say you would,' she added laughingly.
'Oh is was wonderful, but I am glad to be back here with you all, how's Uncle Jack, and where are the triplets?' Daisy asked in a rush.
'Inside of course, I'd hardly allow them out here in this weather!' and Jo waved her hand gesturing to the fine drizzle that was coming down. 'Now run along inside, and let me greet Primula properly.'
Daisy vanished leaving Primula and Joey to be reunited, before these two followed her inside to make the best of the rest of the holidays.

 


#22:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 6:06 pm


Awwwww! Just read through all of this in one go - lovely Ally -Thank you. Laughing

 


#23:  Author: NicoleLocation: New Zealand PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 7:42 pm


Ally, this is just lovely. Don't you ever say that you can't write again! I'm very much looking forward to reading more of your writing in the future.

 


#24:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 8:01 pm


Thank you Ally (and Lavender) a lovely story, I suppose it's too much to ask about the remainder of the holidays.......

 


#25:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 8:17 pm


Thank you Ally, that was lovely Smile

 


#26:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 8:35 pm


Lovely Ally, thank you.

 


#27:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 10:46 pm


Very Happy That was a lovely drabble Ally. It's nice to have a seet story and to see Jack and Joey having some time together with a young family. Thanks.

 


#28:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 12:30 am


Ally, that was lovely!!!
And you are SO not getting away withe the excuse of not being able to write in future!!!!!!

 


#29:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 7:48 am


Thank you Ally. That was a lovely story.

 


#30:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 9:54 am


Absolutely beautiful, Ally - and I'm so pleased I got to read it all in one go ...

Don't know why you were worried about the Jack/Joey scene where she feels she could give greater thanks - it was brilliantly written and observed - thank you ...

 


#31:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 12:22 pm


That was beautifuly written and it was wonderful to come home and find a new, complete drabble.

Thanks a lot.

 


#32:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 4:19 pm


Lovely to see this completed. Love all the bits between Jack and Jo, she seemed so normal then.

 


#33:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 11:47 pm


Susan wrote:
...she seemed so normal then.


lol!

Thanks Ally, that was superb!

 


#34:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 10, 2004 10:22 am


aw, a nice gentle drabble with no cliffs, thanks Ally, that was lovely. Smile Smile

 


#35:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 12:02 pm


Ally, that was lovely. Only just had tim to catch up on it and loved it. i'm not going accept your apologies about being bitten by a bunny rather I'll encourage Lavander to bite you more often. However I do think it might be time to post a certain something else before it gets totally over taken by events...

 


#36:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 2:50 pm


Sorry Nell, but Lavender is no more, she has gone to the bunny farm in the sky (but she did explode nicely!)

As for the other thing, people will just have to wait and see.................... Wink

 


#37:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 4:55 pm


That was so sweet, Ally!

I loved Joey & Rob's attempt at making a dolls' house!

 




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