The CBB :: View topic - Hilda and Nell

Hilda and Nell

The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles

#401: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 1:21 pm

Inspired!!

#402: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 1:36 pm

Aren't they both evil? Loving this.

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

Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 2:48 pm

Wonderful! Laughing

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

Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 2:55 pm

Yeouch! That was mean! (But truly inspired)

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

Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 8:30 pm

They really deserve each other, don't they? Laughing

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

Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:23 pm

They do, Lesley! But Hilda's last trick really WAS mean - I've had the same thing happen to me (didn't speak to my cousin for three weeks!) and it's horrible!!!

#407: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:12 pm

So evil!

On first read I thought Hilda had put the itching powder in before the Salzburg coach fiasco, and that was why Nell couldn't sleep!

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

Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:53 pm

LOL Pat!!!
That was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO evil!!!!!

#409: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 1:40 pm

Evil and mean but inspired!

#410: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 2:53 pm

Carolyn - Pat was a trooper in your absence but now you're back it must be your turn and this hasn't been added to since Thursday!!

Hint! Hint!
Mr. Green

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

Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 8:58 pm

There willl be some more of this during the week, but I've the kids to get ready foir their extra holiday in addition to clearing up after one and getting ready for another with the SG inbetween!

#412: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 1:10 pm

Carolyn, we know how busy you are at the moment with SG and stuff so we will wait till you are ready.

Please note I did not say patiently.

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

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 4:03 pm

This is just a snifter....more later tonight when I've finished writing it!

The beginning of the next term saw Nell prepared. And as that term went on Hilda realised to her horror just how many schoolboys tricks were available to her colleague, the fake inkblot that Nell had supposedly confiscated from a middle that was left adorning her white prayer book when she left it on the dais; then there was the sneezing powder that seemed to find it’s way into her sheets, to say nothing of the time her soap was replaced with black face soap partway through the morning, and in a hurry to make Mittagessen the new Head did not notice the streak down one cheek, until Nell solicitously pointed it out to her as they were opening the Spiesaal doors.
“My dear, you must have been in a hurry, there is a nasty streak on you cheek, what have you been up to this morning?”
“I must have caught something in the bathroom. I certainly washed before coming down,”
“Would you like me to take grace for you. I am quite used to deputising.”
“I’m sure that in this instance it is no more than you should be doing for me,” replied Hilda as she left to investigate her bathroom thoroughly.

It was as well that they had got rid of some of thee silliness in the early part of the term, because what happened next was not a fun matter. Far from it.

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

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 4:06 pm

Ooooh dear. I would ask for more - but you would only have had a minute in which to write it lol! Thanks Carolyn! Very Happy

#415: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 4:11 pm

CAROLYN!!

That's downright mean you ... you ... pie-faced, splay-footed, rubber-necked ..... you ..
*splutter*
*runs out of ephitets*

Humph!!
Well, it looks very intriguing although some of us won't get to see the rest 'til Monday!!

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

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 4:25 pm

It's later now. Surely with your magnificent literary talents you will have written some more exquisite drabble in the last twenty minutes, Carolyn.

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

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 4:25 pm

*Giggles at Rachael's language ~ pay your fine please!*

Im just scared about whats coming next!

#418: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 5:54 pm

More more more!

*chanting*

Love the fake ink blot idea, Carolyn Laughing

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

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 7:15 pm

Half term saw the school move up the Sonnalpe after Jem Russell had warnings of the imminent Anschluss. The mood around the school sobered and the staff were seen to clamp down on any silliness, nerves often getting the better of them. Neither Hilda nor Nell thought about pranks or scoring points now. Both were too taken up with events outside the school and worrying about may happen to the school, to their friends and old girls and to each other. Madame had told the girls to ‘be brave’ but it was the staff who realised just how brave they have to be over the coming months and years.

The term finished and the next one saw many girls unable to return to the school. Some had been removed by parents who did not want their children on the continent in such unsettled times, others had been forbidden to return by the German government, the Nazi’s. The girls had known this was coming and had responded in a typical Chalet manner by pledging themselves to work for peace and to believe good about each other. The staff realised that the girls may not be able to keep their pledge, but supported them all the same. It was only too soon that they had to put into practice their beliefs.

It was Robin who precipitated the events of that day, although truth be told any of the girls would have done if they had been as quick. Nell herself, or Con Stewart only held back themselves because of the girls in their charge. Defending the old Jew however was to be the end of the matter for them and for the school. Those present were unable to return to the Sonnalpe and ended up making a perilous escape over the mountains to Switzerland accompanied by Jack Maynard, Joey, and Gottfried Mensch. The school left the following day and did not return.

Hilda and Nell did not escape each other as easily as they escaped the Nazi’s.

more later...

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

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 7:20 pm

Thank you Carolyn. Looking forward to more when you have time (Pat or Carolyn)

#421: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 7:30 pm

Wow! Just, Wow!

I've just read all of this in 2 goes this evening and I've alternated between laughter and worry that my perceptions of H & N have been wrong all these years.

It paints a much more human picture of their motivations and frailties.

Applauds Pat and Carolyn for getting under the skin of the supposedly selfless dedicated staff and making them much more believable!

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

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 8:05 pm

*waits hopefully for ....MORE!!!!!*

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

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 8:51 pm

Hilda reached England before Nell and the other fugitives and spent an anxious few weeks waiting for news, feeling that as Head she had a responsibility for all of the party. It was with some relief that she had a telephone call from Madge that saw her on a train to Dover to met Nell and receive her report.
Nell was dressed in her green winter coat and matching hat, and Hilda spying this stifled a smile before telling Nell how pleased and relieved she was to see her safe.
“I have taken a room in the Hotel by the station for both of us, I thought your old bones would need a rest after the crossing,” Hilda informed her.
Nell looked sharply at Hilda when she heard that, but Hilda was looking at her most seraphic and Nell shrugged and followed her to the hotel.

They changed and had dinner, filling each other in on what happened to the various girls under their charge and on their journeys from the Sonnalpe. Over coffee they spoke about the possibility of the school re opening.
“Madge intends to re open as soon as she can find a suitable property, but I can’t see it happening this September, you know that they are expecting an addition to the family?”
“I didn’t, but yes, I can see that will slow things down, have you decided what you will do in the meantime?”
The conversation ranged over the various possibilities and the two spent a strangely companiable way.

It was early, around 9.00pm when Hilda stood and offered Nell her arm, saying that she presumed it was time they retired. Nell accepted and hung back slightly, making sure that Hilda felt the drag on her arm, as the walked she bent over slightly and half way down the corridor she stopped and sank to a chair.
“You go and get in the lift. I’ll just catch my breath and follow.”
Nell watched Hilda turn the corner, then quickly rose and dashed up the stairs nearby, beating the lift by just a few moments. She was stood by the doors waiting when Hilda came out, and greeted her with a simile.
“Such a shame when you can’t manage the stairs any more isn’t it dear, you must be feeling tired.”

The two has separate rooms, next door to each other and bid each other good night at the door. They both slept well, Nell feeling safe for the first time in weeks. In the morning they made their farewells, planning on meeting up in a months time to discuss their plans and news of their charges.
“Oh, Nell, I thought this may come in useful,” Hilda handed over a parcel tied up with string.
“Thank you Hilda, Knowing you I am sure a lot of thought went into this.”
Nell waited patiently till Hilda was out of sight then taking a seat on the railway platform she carefully opened the parcel. She took off the paper a layer at a time, wondering what was inside, and watching out for one of Hilda’s tricks. The final layer was removed to reveal a small bottle; she turned it round and read the label. “Hair Dye, to restore your lost colour and with it your youth” the manufactures promised.

#424: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 8:56 pm

ROFL!

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

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 9:00 pm

Ooh I'm not sure Nell will like that, after what she went through to get white hair. I hope she takes its as its meant.

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

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 9:06 pm

*sniggers*

That was very evil of Hilda!!!!

#427: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 9:11 pm

Ally wrote:

Ooh I'm not sure Nell will like that, after what she went through to get white hair. I hope she takes its as its meant.

I'm sure she will Ally. *Exactly* as it was meant!!!

#428: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 8:55 am

Poor Nell, but I'm sure she will soon think of something for HIlda.

#429: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 8:28 am

Thank you for bringing those last posts to the SG Carolyn ... even though I didn't deserve them!!

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

Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 11:02 am

Rachael wrote:

Thank you for bringing those last posts to the SG Carolyn ... even though I didn't deserve them!!

I know you didn't...but look at the facial colour of your smiley....it was worth it! Wink

#431: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2004 7:04 am

*evil Hilda!*
*assigns middles to investigate Head's preternaturally dark brown hair Mr. Green

#432: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2004 7:33 am

ROFL!!

Slightly mean of Hilda - but very funny!! Laughing

Absolutely awsome as usual - I don't know how you do it..

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

Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 4:32 pm

*looks expectantly around*

May we have some more please Very Happy

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

Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 8:09 pm

The next few years saw the school re-established, firstly on Guernsey and then on the mainland at Plas Howell. The war had begun and brought with it new worries for the school. They had many European contacts with whom they lost contact, and this period also saw the death of their second head, Therese LaPattre. Hilda and Nell found that the feud between themselves somehow fell into second place when considered alongside the losses of the war.

They didn’t stop altogether, it was too ingrained by now, the silly tricks still went on. Hilda found a plastic fly on her dinner plate one day, and Nell discovered that her registers had somehow all been re labelled with different classes on, which led to a tedious evening sorting out the marks. Then there was the day Hilda’s coat came back from the dry cleaners with a note asking her to empty the pockets before sending it again. Confused she looked at the enclosed parcel with the note and found; a pair of earth stained Sunday gloves; a trashy sixpence novel; a well-used ladies handkerchief; a red suspender belt; a set of false teeth and a pair of ladies pince-nez. Red-faced she threw the items in the bin and vowed revenge in the usual way.

It was a few years into the war that the accident happened. Just before the beginning of term, Hilda, Nell, Jeanne and Dollie Edwards were involved in a coach accident that could have claimed the lives of all of them, and almost did. It was as near a tragedy as could be. Nell and Jeanne were back at the school within the term, Dollie the term afterwards, but Hilda was forced to take a whole year to recuperate from her devastating head injury. During this time Nell was promoted to Head, filling in pro tem for Hilda. Last time she had stepped into Hilda’s shoes she had discovered how much of the job she was already doing. This time was different. This time she discovered how much Hilda did, but she also discovered how much she enjoyed being Head. It was the first time that she considered leaving the school eventually. She knew that she was only holding open the job for Hilda and presumed that on that ladies return she would be demoted to Senior mistress once more. Having experienced the position of Head she was not sure that she would be satisfied with less.

It was this that made her work as hard as she could during this year, determined that once Hilda returned she would have the best record to help her look for a new position. There was a ache, an emptiness that gnawed at her every time she thought about leaving, and in the wee dark hours before dawn when she often laid awake pondering her decision she admitted that it was because she would miss Hilda as much as, more than anyone else. She thought back with a shudder to the night that they had thought that Hilda would not live, and recalled how her instinct had been to pray as never before for the foe that she had begun to love. She knew that realistically she had to move away from the Chalet to get the position that she wanted, but she also knew that she did not want to leave, to leave Hilda, she made herself face it, and then wondered what she would finally do when Hilda returned.

It was a year after the accident before Hilda was recovered enough to return to the school. The two had met at various points during the year, but had been under medical orders not to discuss business, and it had only been in the last six weeks or so that they had begun to discuss business. Therefore neither was surprised to find that the morning after Hilda’s return they received a telephone call, before breakfast, from Madge Russell. She informed them that she would be visiting the school to see them both that morning and expected to be with them around 10.00 am. Nell was to be surprised however, as was Hilda by the news that Madge brought.
“I have put a lot of thought into this matter. The school is expanding once more, the position of Head therefore has to grow with the school and the excellent way Nell has filled the position pro tem during your absence has decided the matter. Henceforth the Chalet School will have two Head Mistresses, Hilda Annersley and Nell Wilson. You will be Co-Heads with the same authority and responsibilities, and I am sure you will work as closely together in the future as you have in the past,” Madge finished with a smile as she looked at her two Heads, and turned the conversation to business matters.

This took the rest of the morning, and after an invite to lunch Madge rose and walked to the door,
“After you ladies,”
The two rose and walked over to the door, Hilda reaching it first turned,
“Nell, I don’t believe I have congratulated you on your promotion, or the wonderful way you carried on in my absence. You have done a sterling job in holding the fort.” Nell noticed that whist there was a comment about the work; there were still no formal words of congratulation. She shook the hand that Hilda was holding out and the two passed through the door together and walked arm in arm down the corridor in front of their foundress, nipping each other on the arm as they went.

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

Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 8:22 pm

LOL!!
Love that last line Carolyn!!!!!

#436: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 9:09 pm

Great! And Madge doesn't even know!

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

Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 9:12 pm

Fabulous Carolyn, I like Nell's thoughts about leaving, and the last line was brilliant! Very Happy

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

Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 9:58 pm

I love the last line, the way the feud just goes on and on and on and on...

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

Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 10:18 pm

*ROFL*

I thought the accident would bring about the end of the feud. I'm glad it hasn't.

#440: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 7:59 am

Brilliant! Laughing

Especially the red suspender belt ...!

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

Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 8:02 am

ROFL!

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

Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 9:25 am

Wonderful! Loved the contents of Hilda's pockets, Nell's thoughts about leaving and Hilda and the last line!

#443: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2004 7:04 pm

Hilda found it took longer than she would have liked to settle back into the school. She had been away for a year and it wasn’t easy to take up full-time work again. Additionally she found sharing her work with Nell a challenge that she hadn’t expected. The excellent job Nell had done in her absence had been expected however. She had no illusions as to the ability of her rival – that had after all been the foundation of their relationship. One night she sat in her room drinking a last cup of coffee and thinking deeply. Her room was the one place that she could gain any privacy now that she was sharing the Library with Nell, and she valued it. She had become aware that something had changed in the last year. Something subtle but fundamental in Nell’s attitude that needed analysing carefully. Hilda stared out into the dark night and pondered. Nell had visited her regularly while she had been ill – more than she needed to do. She had been genuinely concerned for her recovery, much to Hilda’s surprise at the time. Now she was back in harness she could look at the reasons. On the surface it was not in Nell’s interest for her to return to work., she saw that clearly. Yet Nell had wanted it, encouraged her recovery. Why? Why would she voluntarily relinquish the post she had wanted ever since she had arrived at the school. Had been so angry when she had failed to get it. Hilda’s coffee grew cold in her cup as she thought, and tried to put herself into Nell’s shoes. How would she have felt if the circumstances had been reversed? Hilda pictured Nell in hospital, perhaps dying and realised the truth. She would have missed her dreadfully. The stimulation of their relationship had been missing in her own life, but she had been too ill for much of the time for it to have registered consciously. Now she had to acknowledge the truth that Nell had seen nearly a year earlier. She loved her foe, loved the woman that had shared so much of her life and had joined in the rivalry that had enlivened it for both of them. And yet the old feelings were still there – the rivalry that amounted almost to hatred. They were still there in Nell too, she was sure of that after they had left the meeting with Madge. Well, she thought, time would tell how well they would work together. She had a shrewd idea that they would work well, since whatever they had done to each other in the past they had always put the school first, and their ideas had also been remarkably similar.

The next morning she breezed into the Library, pleased to find that she was the first to arrive. Their rooms were well away from each other and neither had any way of predicting who would be up first. Nell had a habit of taking a morning walk before breakfast and Hilda had decided that it would be a good idea if she was to join her. Therefore she was ready and waiting when Nell came downstairs.
“Good morning,” she said as Nell came through the door. “I trust I’m not too late to join you on your walk?”
The demon that lurked in her mind was pleased to note that just for a moment the other was caught out by the request, but Nell rallied quickly.
“You’re very welcome,” she said. “I find it sets me up for the day. Especially as I have found that I have no time to accompany the girls any more.” Even as she spoke she was trying to calculate what was behind Hilda’s request, but she could find no satisfactory answer, so she shrugged mentally and waited for things to become clearer. Once they were well away from the school and could no longer inadvertently be overheard, Hilda spoke again.
“As you can imagine I had an ulterior motive for joining you today,” she said. “Though I would like it to become a regular habit if you have no objection?”
“None at all.”
“We need to come to some sort of working relationship,” Hilda continued. “That is something that cannot be discussed in school as I’m sure you agree.”
Nell’s eyes were twinkling by this time as her sense of humour came to the surface.
“To put it bluntly, you are suggesting a truce!” she said. “I have no problem with that, Hilda. We can work well together if we want to and we both want the best for the school.” Not for the world would she confess that she had been contemplating her resignation, however well the truce lasted. Neither was ready to trust the other to that extent. By the time they had returned to the school they had a good understanding of each others ideas, and flet far more confident than they had done since Madge had given them the joint Headship.

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

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2004 7:10 pm

Great!

It must ahve been a real shock for both of them when Madge told them they were now joint heads - especially as I suspect she never discussed it with either of them

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

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2004 7:17 pm

Wonderful, Auntie Pat!!

Do we get another post soon my dear? Wink

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

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2004 7:36 pm

Fabulous Pat Very Happy

It's good to see Hilda acknowledge her feelings, but how long will the truce last?

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

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 8:38 am

Wonderful! Loved seeing Hilda realise her feelings and the truce they come too.

#448: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 9:42 am

Excellent ...

I love the way you're handling the accident year and how much it makes them both think ...

What next, please?
Seems that with Carolyn on holiday again, you're in the hot seat for a fortnight Pat!!

#449: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 10:24 am

I go to Germany on sunday Rachael! Twisted Evil

#450: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 10:56 am

No! For how long??

Do we need to add you to the list for booking and authorising hols?! Wink

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

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 10:58 am

Sounds like it to me... Wink

#452: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 11:05 am

Only for a week!!
You didn't think I was going to admit it when I was making those leave cards did you?! Twisted Evil

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

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 7:45 pm

Pat! How could you leave us? *sulks*

Loved the last update - nice to see them both acting like adults!!! *g*

#454: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 1:42 am

I've finally got around to reading this - if only I'd knpown what I was missing I would have made it a priority many days ago.
Thank you both for this entertaining look at the two heads - I never imagined they were so evil Shocked

#455: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 10:05 pm

As they worked more closely together their respect for each other increased. They both found that the other had ideas that complemented their own and it was an eye opener to them both. The problems raised when the drains went bad in the school found them working as a smooth team and no one by then had any idea that their relationship was anything other than it seemed. The move to the island was achieved with no problems and they thought that they were settled as a team for the rest of their careers. Then Madge dropped her bombshell.
“I would like to open a Finishing Branch on the Continent,” she said one day. “Jem and I are looking for a appropriate place for it. It would be nice to go back to Austria, but we feel that the political climate is not yet secure enough. Switzerland seems to be the most likely place at the moment. We would move the Special Sixth out there and take girls from other schools. The curriculum would be very different, more in line with other Finishing Schools, but still keeping the ethos of the Chalet School. I would want to appoint an experienced Head who knew our ways and would keep them in a new environment.”
“I take it you have someone in mind,” said Nell, taking the bull by the horns.
“Yes I do Nell. You!”
The two Heads just sat and looked at her in shock. Predictably Hilda was the first to recover and recover fast enough for Madge to be unsure that she had seen the shock in the first place.
“Nell would be ideal for the post, Madge. I will miss her, of course, but I have no intention of standing in her way.”
“Thank you for the vote of confidence, both of you,” Nell said, her calm voice betraying none of the turmoil that was going on in her mind. This was her dream coming true. To run a school herself, by herself. And it was being handed to her on a plate. She was excited, her mind tumbling over itself with ideas. Then another thought intruded, like a douche of cold water. She would be leaving Hilda behind!

Last edited by Pat on Tue Aug 31, 2004 1:02 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 10:13 pm

Ooooh!!!!
Thank you Auntie Pat!!!

It MUST have been a huge wrench for both of them, when you think about it!

#457: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 10:28 pm

I'm so glad I decided to check the C&D thread again, just before going to bed!

Thankyou very much Pat! This is so wonderful Very Happy

#458: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 12:11 am

Thanks Pat - this is great, but what subjects would fill the curriculum in a 'Fishing School'?

#459: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 1:17 am

It would have been incredibly difficult for Nell, going off into (almost) isolation that way! (even without the need to parcel post practical jokes Confused

)

Ellie wrote:

what subjects would fill the curriculum in a 'Fishing School'

*admits mind jumping to whether any Maynard offspring had ended up in the fishercrafthall -- wrong drabble!*

#460: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 7:06 am

What a wrench for both of them.

(LOL Kathy, my mind went the same way)

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

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 7:40 pm

Good to see a different perspective on the move, and the implications on their relationship. Thanks Pat

#462: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 8:49 am

Love it ...

Also scope for a serious drabble there ... Lesley?
How did they react?

Great post, Pat - now then, if you're in Germany, when's Carolyn back?!

#463: Author: Suse,

Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 11:35 pm

excellent and very diverting! these drabbles are a dangerous addiction and each one i read seems better than the last.

thank you both pat and carolyn from a new CBB'er

Suse

...eagerly awaiting more

#464: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 3:02 am

*sulks* suppose have to wait now./

*giggling over the trashy novel and red suspender belt* How could you, Carolyn? Inflict mills and boon style trash on Hilda, of all people...

...but i guess that's why! ROFL

#465: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 2:02 pm

Hard on the heels of this realisation came another shock. Why was she feeling like this? This was the chance she had always wanted and she was almost having second thoughts just because she would be leaving Hilda in England? The very idea made her mentally shake herself! This was Hilda – her rival – the one person she hated more than anyone else she had ever met – and she didn’t want to leave her? She managed to hide everything that she was feeling by some Herculean effort of will and not even Hilda, who knew her better than any other person alive, sensed what she was thinking and feeling.

It took a little longer for the realisation to sink into Hilda’s mind. She had not had the ‘advantage’ of nearly losing her opponent to give her her normal edge, so it was only after the meeting was over and they were drinking coffee and chatting about nothing in particular that the same realisation hit her. She looked ahead to the future, where she was again running the school on her own, with her deadly rival hundreds of miles away and wondered at first why she was not deliriously happy at the thought. As Madge and Nell were both in the room she put the problem firmly to one side for consideration when she should be alone, but Nell had caught the momentary hesitation and the strange expression that flickered across her face and knew that Hilda had realised the consequences of this new move. A tension that she hadn’t realised she was feeling drained away from her; Hilda felt the same way that she did, she could tell.

Later that night Hilda lay in bed thinking deeply. She was more confused than she cared to admit, even to herself. But one thing was very clear, now that she had time to consider everything, and that was that she was going to miss Nell a very great deal. They worked well together, better than she had dreamed possible when they had been forced into the partnership, but why that should mean that she would miss the other woman as she feared she was going to frankly puzzled her. Then, rather reluctantly, she considered the obvious reason. Her feelings had changed! She knew that hatred and love were close, but surely that could not be the reason! But it was – her own innate honesty told her so. It took her quite some time to come to terms with the notion, and her sleepless night showed in her eyes the next day.
“Didn’t you sleep well last night Hilda?” Nell asked, the usual pseudo-concern larding her voice, though Hilda’s newly-realised insight into their relationship recognised the undercurrents that she would have ignored the day before.
“ quite well thank you my dear,” she replied. “I confess that I was considering the future before I fell asleep. Are you sure that you feel up to this new post? I would hate to think that you had bitten off more than you could chew.”
“My dear Hilda, thank you so much for your concern. I have no such qualms and am in fact looking forward to the challenge. Don’t say you will miss me, for I shan’t believe you!”
“Then I won’t, Nell. Though I will confess that this room will seem very large when I no longer have to share it.”

#466: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 2:31 pm

Love the subtle insult in the last sentence!

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

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 3:10 pm

*giggles*
I've missed this one Pat!!!! Glad you're back! Now we just need Carolyn back too.....

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

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 3:13 pm

I've missed it too...wondering just when they are going to admit to one another their real feelings!

#469: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 4:07 pm

thanks Pat. good to see some more of this. I, too wonder how long before they admit how they feel.

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

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 4:07 pm

Yay, great to see more, but I do hope they admit their new found feelings!

#471: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 8:15 pm

I can't see them suddenly coming over all sentimental at this stage - I think maybe they will both understand how the other feels without the need to put it into words.
Looking forward to more.

#472: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 10:56 am

Thank you Carolyn and Pat - glad you were away the same time as me so I didn't have too much to catch upon.

Glad to see Hilda and Nell discovering that they do really like each other. Wondering how this will be resolved!

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

Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 11:04 am

Just wait...I'm writing the next bit!
hehehehehehe!!

Twisted Evil

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

Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 11:07 am

*wibbles*

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

Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 4:10 pm

Yay!!!! A new bit!!!!

*waits eagerly!!*

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

Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 6:57 pm

The term leading up the foundation of the new branch was a busy one for both ladies. Whilst Nell had a lot of preparation to do for the new venture, Hilda had to take over more of the day to day running of the school again. They had both come to terms with the new situation, neither one willing to admit to the other that they felt a sense of loss, juts the opposite in fact, both made plenty of comments about how good it would be to have a study to themselves, to have their own preferences, to be in sole charge. Hilda was shocked one day to enter the study and find that her desk and chair had been pushed to the side of the room and the furniture re arranged, with Nell’s Dartmoor geological specimens on display on the shelf where she normally had a Dresden figurine.
“What have you done?” she enquired icily.
Nell let a brief smile flit briefly across her face, “Oh, I just thought I’d see how it will be having a study to myself, how I might arrange my possessions,” she replied airily.
Hilda schooled her self to remain impassive, regretting having risen so easily. She looked around before making her judgement.
“I think it will suit you dear, in fact it may be an idea to leave your desk where it is, the light from the window will help you see better, and having the window behind you will mean that you have an advantage over those sat in front of the desk. I find that I can manage perfectly well from opposite the door; I’ve never needed to use those type of tricks myself but have heard that some people benefit enormously by them.”

Nell remained impassive during this, chagrined but well able to hide that by now. There were times she felt when it would be wonderful to be free of Hilda at last, to be in sole charge and without the ever present watchful eye of someone who had always had the slight edge over her, someone she had always been in competition with, someone she had always rubbed up against in just the wrong way. As the last term progressed the pair became aware of, and even purposefully concentrated on the things, the silly habits and idiosyncrasies that annoyed them about each other and that they would be glad to be free from. Their leaving presents to each other amply proved the way their thoughts had been moving.

to be continued! Twisted Evil

#477: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 9:00 pm

Thanks Carolyn.

Looking forward to finding out about their presents!

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

Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 9:00 pm

Oh no!!!!
Not ANOTHER one doing cliffs!!!!!!!

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

Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 9:44 pm

But they're so much fun, Vikki! Very Happy

Very much looking forward to finding out what the presents are! Pat, where are you? *wanders off to look for Pat* (Impressed at my subtlety?)

#480: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 11:38 pm

Also looking forward to seeing the presents, I'm sure they've put so much thought into making sure they buy each other exactly the right thing.

#481: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2004 1:32 pm

Nice one Carolyn!!! Twisted Evil

#482: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2004 8:10 pm

Yes, I'm also looking foward to seeing what the presents are.

*looks up* Isn't it your turn now Pat Razz

I must say though, with all these cliffs I think it may be an idea for one of the mods to post a cbb-health announcement advising everyone to be fully equipped with equipment for safely descending cliffs (be that abseiling gear, trampolines, parachutes, and the like) at all times.

JackieJ

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

Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2004 10:49 pm

*sends alternate nags to both Carolyn and Auntie Pat* (well, nagging both doubles the chance of getting more, I figure!!)

#484: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 1:00 pm

H'mmm *thinking of possible pressies*

#485: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 8:07 pm

Great, Carolyn, I loved the way Hilda got so many little digs in at Nell.

#486: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 3:06 pm

Have a feeling these pressies will be very, very special - well they must be as such a lot of thought has gone into them.

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

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 3:05 pm

It was the evening before Nell was due to leave for the Oberland that Hilda walked into the library and presented her with a square flat box.
“A small leaving present, something I think you will find invaluable,” she said as she handed it over, “It should fit in your suitcase as you won’t be able to use it now until after you have arrived.”
“Why, thank you,” replied Nell with a charming smile, thinking at the same time, ‘So she doesn’t want to be in the room when I open it.’
Nell continued, “I have a present for you as well, but it’s still in my bedroom. I’ll leave it on your desk before I leave, as I am sure I will be gone long before you rise in the morning. The car will pick me up at 5.30 AM.” Hilda didn’t know and would have been horrified to hear, but she the same words passed through her mind as had passed through Nell’s only moments before, ‘So she doesn’t want to be in the room when I open it.’

The following morning Hilda surprised Nell by being present as the car arrived to take her to the station for the early morning boat train.
“I wouldn’t miss you leaving,” Hilda said in reply to Nell’s questioning look. “I know how long you have had to wait for promotion and I want to wish you all the best. I will await your first report with anticipation.”
Nell’s eyes gleamed, “Oh, I won’t be reporting to you. I will send my report directly to Madge, although of course I will write to you and your staff and let you all know how we are doing.”
Hilda made a speedy recovery, “Well that was what I meant,” she said, a tone of questioning surprise in her voice. “It would hardly be just of Madge to demote you to reporting to me again now would it, and she is above all just. Now, take care on the journey and do send a telegram when you arrive to ensure we know that all is well.”
“I will make sure someone knows,” replied Nell as she climbed into the waiting car, leaving Hilda unsure for once in her life exactly who had won that round.

Hilda didn’t enter the library until later that morning. It was maybe just as well for the future of the finishing branch that she had not gone there before Nell left. Sat in the middle of her cabinet with one of her Dresden figures carefully placed on either side of it was a specimen bottle. Hilda nerved herself to closer inspection, which revealed a frog, floating in formaldehyde. There was an envelope sat next to it with Hilda’s name typed on it, and inside a letter from a scholarly society informing her that as well as their monthly newsletter covering biology and zoology she would also be receiving a specimen similar to this each month for the duration of her membership which had been paid on her behalf for the next two years.

It was the following day before Nell opened her present. She knew it was breakable as it was labelled in Hilda’s flawless handwriting ‘Fragile’. She took the parcel from her case and carried it to her small study where she laid it on the desk before carefully untying the string and laying it to one side. Then she unfolded the brown paper that wrapped the package and tentatively opened the box. Inside she saw an exercise book, a foolscap sized booklet and a set of records, all neatly packaged together. She shook her head, suspecting even before she lifted the first record out of the box, what it was that Hilda had done. Her suspicions were confirmed as she read the label. The records were the Beginning English course from Lingaphone.

The war was back on. This time long distance.

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

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 3:15 pm

Wonderful!!!!

#489: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 4:04 pm

Fantastic, wunderbar, merveilleuse, magnifico, mirabilis!

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

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 5:19 pm

Oh how fantastic!! And I am looking forward to this new kind of warfare!

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

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 6:19 pm

LOL!!!!!!!!!

Please may we have the next bit soon??????

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

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 7:49 pm

Vikki wrote:

LOL!!!!!!!!!

Please may we have the next bit soon??????

I don't know, you will have to ask Pat. Laughing

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

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 8:43 pm

Okay, will do! Wink

#494: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 8:52 pm

You will have to practice that commodity that is in such short supply on here Vikki.!!!!

Patience!!! Twisted Evil

#495: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 9:16 pm

Pretty please Pat, may we have some more. We've been waiting ever such a long time *looks innocently up at Pat*

I'm also interested to see how the long-distance warfare will pan out, could be quite entertaining.

JackieJ

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

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 9:17 pm

Sorry Auntie! Don't know that word! What does it mean? tongue

#497: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 9:39 pm

I love it! Thanks Carolyn Very Happy

Now.... Pat? Pleeeeeease???

#498: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 10:11 pm

Got a sudden idea and ran with it, even though I was supposed to be writing something else!!!!

Some weeks later Hilda received a parcel form Switzerland. When she had taken the outer wrapping off it was revealed as a hat box, tastefully decorated with a pattern of alpine flowers and cow bells. Hilda pulled a face, having a shrewd idea of the contents of the box. When she lofted the lid a nest of tissue paper was revealed, with a letter sitting prominently on the top. She opened the envelope and gingerly slipped the letter out, almost as if it was about to bite her.

My dear Hilda, (she read)

I have settled in well and we are well on the way to being ready to open. Gill Culver is a delight to work with, as you may imagine, and very efficient. I only have to mention something and she has it organised. The house, Unter den Kiefen, is lovely and it is so nice to be living in a chalet again. You will really have to come out and visit us, my dear. I’m sure we can find room for you somewhere, even if you have to share with someone.

We are close enough to Interlaken to be able to visit, but far enough away to be nice and quiet. There are wonderful views of the Alps, especially the majestic Jungfrau, which seems to hang over us. The skiing will be wonderful when the winter comes - real snow, not that wet stuff you get in England. You see how I am trying to make you envious, my dear! I know how much you have missed the mountains since we had to leave Austria. These are not like the mountains we knew there, but beautiful nevertheless. The coffee and patisseries that you can buy in Interlaken are heavenly. Lashings of cream with both, guaranteed to out the pounds on if they weren’t both so expensive.

Now to my gift. (At this Hilda stiffened slightly, for she had not as yet plucked up the courage to open the tissue paper wrappings.) My dear, I know how hard it is to find decent clothes these days, even though rationing is now over. There is no such problem over here of course, so I have taken the liberty of sending you something that will complement your winter coat perfectly. I do hope you like it as it seemed to be so very much you, if you’ll excuse the phrase.

I will write again after girls have arrived to let you know how they are all shaking down together.

Yours,

Nell

Thoroughly apprehensive, Hilda gingerly lifted the contents of the box onto her desk and opened the wrappings. There, nestling amongst the layers of tissue was a hat. Not just any hat either. This was a style she knew well from her years in Austria, though this was obviously not designed for the local inhabitants. It was a typical alpine hat, shaped something like a trilby, with the brim brought down at the front and a white feather stuck into the hat band. However, this one was bright red and made out of stiffened felt, clearly designed for the tourist trade and certainly not something that she would dream of wearing, even on holiday. Smiling grimly, she wrapped the tissue paper back over it and dumped it back into the box. There was a dull thump as she did so, and she quickly lifted it out again, realising that it was too heavy for the weight of the hat alone. Exploring under the hat she discovered another gift. This was a cow bell, hanging from a leather strap decorated with Swiss embroidery and a multicoloured fringe. Edelweiss twined down the strap and also round the bell itself. Across the middle of the bell was painted a short sentence. “A present form Switzerland.”

Last edited by Pat on Sat Sep 11, 2004 8:19 pm; edited 2 times in total

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

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 10:15 pm

*howls with laughter!!*

*wonders what Hilda's revenge will be!*

#500: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 10:17 pm

That was marvellous! Can just imagine Hilda's thoughts...!

Thankyou for responding to my request so promptly too! Now I really MUST go to bed, seeing as I have already fallen asleep in front of the video we were watching this evening... Shocked

#501: Author: Emily, Location: Land of White Coats and Stethoscopes.

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 10:19 pm

Yay, thank you Pat! When I saw your post I assumed it would be the usual teasing, I'm so glad it wasn't! We're very lucky to have had two fantastic posts in such a short time.

(should I admit that I own such a bell, from a visit to Switzerland some years ago?!)

#502: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 10:22 pm

Well I wore a hat like that!!! I was about 14 at the time, in Switzerland with the Guides, and we all wore them!!!

#503: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:24 pm

Marvelous, both of you: ROFL

Such beautifully balanced going-away presents!

And I can just see Bill taking particular glee over the latest. Not only a cow bell, but a cow bell with a misspelled preposition! How will Hilda restore the balance?

(Hey, I inherited the family cow bell from my grandmother Smile

. No writing on it, though.)

#504: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 4:19 pm

I hope this drabble never ends!

#505: Author: Steph, Location: Blackpool, Lancashire

Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 4:36 pm

Am really loving this! More soon please!! Very Happy

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

Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 5:06 pm

Hehehehehe, I know what Hilda's revenge was.

I suppose you all want me to tell you now don't you!

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

Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 5:18 pm

So get on with it then!

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

Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 6:55 pm

(Hope you all appreciate this, I wrote it instead of Mary-Lou as the idea jumped out at me. Some of the items are real...wow, I did research, and some are invented!)

Hilda knew what she was going to do in revenge. In fact she had known since before Nell had left and had been preparing. She had waited and was in no hurry now. She sent Nell a letter thanking her for the hat and bell and saying how they had come in useful in a discussion with the sixth form on the effects of the increasing tourist trade in Europe now that there was peace and stability in most countries once more. There was no hint that she was planning any more than a comment to take away some of Nell’s pride in her prank.

Nell did not realise at first that anything was happening. Her post in the second week of term included the normal queries from parents, letters from old girls, administrative letters, sales brochures from educational suppliers, all the normal post in fact. The only unusual letter was one addressed to Nell herself that once opened proved to contain a sample of Farley’s Rusks. Nell and Gill had a laugh at that and turned to business. The following day however there was another letter for Nell, this time enclosing a catalogue for model railway parts from Hornby. Over the next week Nell found herself inundated with offers from different companies, for corsets from Beasley’s, for orthopaedic shoes, a full colour brochure describing Britain’s best cooker from Cannon Cookers, a sample of Izal medicated toilet roll, cotton nappies, gripe water, crystal radio sets, and even a advertisement and free sample of a breakfast cereal that promised to ‘energise and revitalise even the sluggish of bowels’.

Nell and Gill were still confused about the increase in the advertisements, samples and catalogues that were being received by Nell a couple of times a week by this stage when the penny dropped for Nell. That morning she had received another batch of the unsolicited mail, all addressed to her personally, she had opened it just as mystified wondering what she was to do with a catalogue for fishing lures, an invitation to test drive a Ford Zephyr and a sample of Anti-Kamnia tablets for women who suffer from those ‘periodical pains and headaches’ promising ‘sweet relief’. Nell spluttered at this last finding a hot water bottle much more beneficial but it was when she saw the last item, a trial copy of a magazine called ‘Modern Refrigeration’ that Nell finally realised that she was the victim of a practical joke, and she knew exactly where to place the blame.

Nell said nothing, being used to playing a silent game, and over the rest of the term collected the mail that arrived, keeping all the samples to one side. At Christmas she carefully wrapped each one of them separately in coloured paper before placing it in a box which she addressed to Hilda, along with a note saying that it was very kind of Hilda to drop so many hints as to what she would like for a Christmas present as it had made choosing so much easier and she knew that Hilda would find the enclosed so useful.

#509: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 9:27 pm

Fantastic!

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

Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 9:38 pm

Absolutely wonderful - thank you!

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

Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 1:26 pm

*Snickering wildly*

Wonderful ideas, in particular Nell's Christmas gift!

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

Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 4:39 pm

*sobs with laughter!!!*

That was marvellous Carolyn!!! Thank you!!!!!

and now.... Auntie Paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

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

Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 3:07 am

So happy to see more of this! I think this has to be my favourite drabble.
When will more be posted? Pat? Carolyn?

Please...

#514: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:19 pm

Thank you, Carolyn.

#515: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:19 pm

These practicl jokes are so funny. Glad nothing changed even with the miles between them. THank you Carolyn and Pat.

#516: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 4:14 pm

*g*

Fun to catch up with this one - thanks guys!!

(have to admit, I was expecting Hilda to send something dietary Nell's way after the comments regarding patisseries and lashings of whipped cream!)

#517: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 3:48 pm

However, this was not part of Nell’s retaliation. She had other plans for that, that needed careful working out for it to succeed. Now that she was settled in Switzerland and Welsen was running smoothly she had the necessary time to plan properly. It was after half term when a letter arrived at the Chalet School in Armishire from the official school suppliers. Rosalie Dene, the school secretary, opened the letter and read throughthe contents quickly before taking it into the Head’s office with the rest of her mail.
“We seem to have a bit of a problem Miss Annersley,” she said, laying the letter on the desk in front of Hilda. Hilda read the letter carefully.

Dear Madam,

We find that there has been a manufacturing fault in the latest batch of shoes as supplied to your outfitters. The shoes will have to be exchanged and we will take full responsibility for this, but would ask if you would arrange for any shoes that have been purchased in the last year to be brought to the entrance hall of your establishment next Monday morning, where we will arrange the exchange.

Yours sincerely

Peter Dunston

Hilda sighed. “You’d better arrange for the girls involved to bring them into the Hall after Prayers on Monday. I imagine it will involve most of the new girls this years and any others who have had to replace their shoes.”
Rosalie nodded and left the room.

The following Monday morning saw one side of the large entrance hall heaped with pairs of shoes. They had started out in neat lines, as had been directed by Rosalie, but this had soon degenerated into an untidy heap that sprawled across the floor in all directions. Hilda came out of her office and surveyed the mess.
“I suppose this is necessary,” she said. “I wish that there were not so many girls needing this though.”

The morning moved slowly towards lunch time with no sign of the firm who were to exchange the shoes. By lunchtime Hilda was getting rather annoyed and phoned the company to find out what had happened. She was rather stunned at her reception.
“I beg your pardon, Madam,” said the very efficient voice at the other end. “We have no record of any such correspondence. As far as we know there is no problem with any of the products we supply. I think you must be mistaken. Good morning.”
Hilda put the phone down and sat looking out of the window for a few minutes, deep in thought. Then she smiled grimly before rising to her feet and seeking Rosalie out in her office.
“I think we can let the girls remove their shoes Rosalie,” she said. “I have been in contact with the company and they know nothing about any sort of problem.”
“Was it a silly joke then Miss Annersley?” asked Rosalie in surprise.
“It would seem so Rosalie. However, I have some idea of the perpetrator of this one, so we’ll say nothing to the school at large. I will announce at lunchtime that there seems to have been a mistake, and tell them to collect their shoes at the start of afternoon school.”

#518: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 4:42 pm

LOL!!

But surely Rosalie and the rest of the staff are going to want to know who perpertrated such a prank?!!

*g* Personally, I'd set Matey on Nell! ROFL

#519: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 8:06 pm

More, please, Pat.

#520: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 9:20 pm

Thanks Pat. Are the rest of the staff now going to find out what is going on?

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

Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 9:38 pm

LOL!
Brilliant idea there!!!! Laughing

#522: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 9:50 pm

I have to admit that it wasn't original! It really happened! At Cranwell (RAF Officers training school) about 30 years ago. The person who pulled it off was Prince Charles. He had the message put out over the tannoy system - or did it himself. Anyway the main entrance to the Mess was piled high with shoes!!!

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

Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 9:46 am

Wonderful! And I love that PC actually did it at Cranford!

#524: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 1:43 pm

Is there any more yet, Pat?

#525: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2004 12:09 pm

What happened to this thread?

Question

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

Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2004 12:12 pm

It's been more than a month! Surprised

*aghast*
Please can we have some more?

#527: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2004 9:16 pm

You beat me to it! I was going to come along and Jumping

bounce

this back up to the top today!

Pat and Carolyn? Have you forgotten Nell and Hilda? Shocked

#528: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 11:37 am

Nell Wilson opened the letter addressed in Madge Russell’s unmistakable hand, spread open the pages and began to read.

My dear Nell,

I hope that the term is going well with you and all the girls are settling in well. We miss having you so close and I am sure that Hilda misses you input into school affairs.

I wonder if you can help Jem and me in a little scheme we have in mind. As you know Jem has always wanted to take the San back to the Alps in the same way that I have wanted the school to return, but Austria is out of the question still, the political situation being what it still is. Blow Stalin and all his works!

Anyway, having successfully founded a Finishing Branch in Switzerland, it occurred to Jem that he could very well set up a branch of the San out there. So do you know of any suitable premises in your neck of the woods? Just as importantly from our point of view, are there any buildings which would house the school, preferably close enough to the San so that we could once more take the children of those poor souls who need the San’s help.

I am sure that you would be delighted to have Hilda near you again, as I know what good friends you have both been throughout your time at the Chalet School. Do please pull out all the stops to find us some accommodation as soon as possible.

Yours

Madge Russell.

Nell put down the letter slowly, thinking hard. It was quite amazing and not a little disconcerting to feel her heart give a thump of joy at the idea of bringing the school proper out to Switzerland. She had been ignoring the emptiness inside her with grim determination, but the letter had opened up that secret part of herself that she kept hidden form herself as much as possible. Now she had to admit it. She missed Hilda! They could bounce ideas off each other in a way not possible with anyone else, as if they were two sides of the same coin. She looked back down the years they had spent together and realised with surprise that since the War, and especially since Hilda’s dreadful accident, the motivation behind all the little tricks had changed. Whereas they had originally been quite maliciously meant, as a form of one-upmanship, they had changed in intent, though not in severity. She acknowledged to herself now that on her part she continued because life would be so much more dull without them, and no longer form any wish to cause harm to her adversary’. She had a sneaking feeling that Hilda felt much the same, but naturally had no way to prove this. Then Gill Culver came into her office with a problem to be resolved and she put her mind to other things.

In England Hilda looked across to Madge Russell sitting in the chair on the other side of the fire.
“Move the school out to Switzerland too?” she asked. “Where did you have in mind?” She resolutely ignored, at least for the time being, the leap of excitement that she felt at the thought of being near Nell again. Now was not the time to explore that!
“I have asked Nell to look out for somewhere for both the San and the school,” replied Madge. “I know that you two have a wonderfully long-running friendship and I thought how nice it would be if we could take the school somewhere close to Welsen.”

When Madge had gone, Hilda sat on by the fire deep in thought. Unknown to her, her thoughts were running almost identically with Nell’s. Madge thought they had a wonderful friendship, did she? Hilda smiled to herself at all the things they had done to each other, all the horrible things, she acknowledged. It was only when she found herself suddenly without Nell, when Nell was hundreds of miles away in Switzerland, that she finally realised that they were friends. There friendship was not as other people thought, that was true, Not what she had thought come to that. An unusual friendship that thrived on tricks, like the one she had recently had to deal with. She had enjoyed it in a funny kind of way and appreciated the effort Nell had had to put into the planning of it. She laughed out loud, with a wicked gleam in her eyes that would have astounded her staff, but not the staff at the school where she had been a pupil. Not Nell either she knew with a satisfaction that she could finally acknowledge.

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

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:10 pm

Yay! Thanks for the lovely long post Pat Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:52 pm

IT'S BACK

thankyou Pat

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

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:54 pm

Wonderful to see this one back Pat!!!

So, does this make it Carolyn's turn???

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

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 2:30 pm

Yay thats for the wonderful post Pat, so then, Carolyn where are you???

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

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 2:45 pm

Well according to
<-----

I'm in Lancaster.

#534: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 3:27 pm

Less prevaricating and more posting please! Mr. Green

See how Pat has posted a nice, lengthy instalment for you to follow!!

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

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 3:52 pm

Carolyn P wrote:

Well according to
<-----

I'm in Lancaster.

Smarta**e!!!!!! Rolling Eyes

#536: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 4:45 pm

October 18 is truly becoming a fortuitous day, not only RCS, but more of this too.

I just hope it won't be a month until the next part appears.

#537: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 7:38 pm

Thanks, Pat.

#538: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 10:08 pm

Yippeee!!! Very Happy

Thankyou Pat.

I love the way that Nell and Hilda's minds are both running along the same lines.

#539: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:46 am

Thank you Pat it is nice to see more of this. Nice to see that the friendship between Hilda and Nell has grown and they miss each other.

Carolyn - I know you are at work at the moment but we would appreciate some more soon. A soon soon please.

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

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 2:21 am

Susan wrote:

Carolyn - I know you are at work at the moment but we would appreciate some more soon. A soon soon please.

yes, I couldn't agree more!

#541: Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 12:04 am

Carolyn and Pat, I'm loving the drabble. I've hardly been near the board since the beginning of the summer and this is the first drabble I've read (I'm reading the fanfiction nominations). Its brilliant!

#542: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 2:54 pm

Giving this a shove up to page 1 from bottom of page 2!

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

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 3:02 pm

Thanks Sue! Evil or Very Mad

#544: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 3:04 pm

I thought you'd posted some Carolyn!!! Rolling Eyes

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

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 4:04 pm

Pat, I'm sure you are full cogniscient of all the things I'm trying to do at the moment....

but in appreciation of everyone's desires I will put some time aside for this as soon as I can. Will after Christmas be ok...although so far I have some free time the weekend before Christmas as well. Having said that I may still be a telephone queue to DH****L by then!!!

(guess what I'm doing as I type...my queue position is 34278964256797535880764332679054136863268)

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

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:25 pm

*hugs Carolyn!!*

BLOODY DHL! I had dealings with them LAST Xmas! Evil or Very Mad

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

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:49 pm

Having finally got through, after only a week of trying, they have said they will deliver to work on Friday...so we shall see!

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

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 9:53 pm

Well, I've just had a sneak peek at the next post (Thank you Carolyn!) and it's hysterical! People may want to invest in some incontinence pads before reading it...... Wink

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