The CBB :: View topic - The Loves and Life of Mary Constance Maynard

The Loves and Life of Mary Constance Maynard

#1: The Loves and Life of Mary Constance Maynard Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 6:01 pm

I have written fanfics before, but this is my first attempt at a CS drabble and it has been relentlessly trying to force it's way in.

Be warned.... I have written a good 10,000 words already, so it will be long. But I thought I'd tease it out a little, as I need to connect a few sections. Also be warned.... it takes place over many years so things may change!

Anyway.... here goes.... don't be too harsh! Razz

Introduction

Con Maynard heaved a huge sigh and looked at herself in the mirror. It wouldn’t be Con Maynard for very much longer. The time had nearly come for her to make her way down the aisle to meet her fiancé and she could not for the life of her decide whether she was excited or nervous. It had been some time waiting for this moment, but now it was nearly here Con was terrified.

When Mamma and Len were around, things seemed so much easier. Both of them were already married, and had evidently survived, but it wasn’t that. It was more that they spent so much time fussing and annoying her with the little things, that Con didn’t have time to think of her upcoming event. Perhaps that was why they did it. Con chuckled to herself. If it was, the pair of them had been doing a fantastic job. But now Mamma had gone to chase up flowers or something, and Len was having a good rest, as befitted her condition.

She looked beautiful, Con knew that, but that made things worse. What if she did something wrong? Everyone would remember and she would never live it down. Her hair was up, but wavy strands hung down, framing her face with its pink and white complexion. The veil, which she had yet to put on, was the same one used by Mamma, Len and a few others, yet was still as dainty and pretty as ever. And the dress. The dress was stunning, there was no other word for it. The moment Con has seen it she had stood there open-mouthed in wonder, setting Len off into fits of giggles. It was intricately embroidered and white. Virginal white.

Con felt a little wrong about wearing virginal white, since she was not. There had been a few loves in her life, and while her husband-to-be knew all about it, and was fine with it, even admitting a couple of incidents himself, Con had never been able to tell her family. Well, mainly her parents and Len. Margot knew and was fine with it and Con had never really had an occasion to discuss it with the younger ones, but Mamma, Papa and Len? All three were stringent Catholics. Not that Margot wasn’t, she was more so than anyone else, but it was different. They came from an older era where things were different. Yes, even Len, Len who had had exactly the same upbringing as herself and Margot. So far they did not know, and Con fully intended to keep it that way. It would break their hearts and she was not going to do that without a very good reason.

Going through her loves in her head, Con began to realise just how important they had been. If it had not been for them, she would never have recognised true love when she saw it. She might have let it pass her by, and there where would she be? The family’s maiden aunt probably. But she had and there was no point in regretting it when she was about to embark on the greatest adventure of her life.

Part 1: School Years

It had begun what seemed like so long ago to Con now. She had been fourteen, yes, a mere fourteen years old. Throughout her school life, Con had been placed in classes with girls older than herself, except for, of course, Len. By the time she was twelve, she had been with girls of fourteen and fifteen. While it may not have seemed like she had matured back then, it had forced some growing up inside her.

Every term her classmates had come back with tales of boys. Without fail. The stories had not always involved Chalet girls, but usually friends of theirs from back home. Girls who would go on dates with boys, kiss them, and even one who had become pregnant at the age of fifteen. For the most part, these girls were not looked down upon, but in fact viewed rather wistfully. Those Chalet girls who did involve themselves with boys, by circumstance, were forced to conduct it totally within the holidays, and therefore relationships were short lived.

“Don’t worry about it,” Len had said the first time such topics had come up in conversation. “We’re much too young to be thinking of things like that. Come on, let’s take a walk round the rose garden. It’s looking wonderful at this time of year.”

Reluctantly, Con had followed her. She told herself then that she wanted to understand people so she could write her characters better, but it was not until much later that she had realised the truth. She yearned for the kind of fun the other girls talked about. It was hard for her; she always received less attention than either of her sisters. Len was so responsible and understanding about everything and everyone, except her sister’s loneliness. Margot was the firebrand, always the centre of attention. She had improved as she grew older, but every so often it flew to the fore once again. Having a boyfriend, or even a friendship with a boy, would have given Con some attention of her own.

Living on the Görnetz Platz gave very few opportunities for such a friendship. It seemed like half the people there were connected in the school in some way, and all their own boys were still children. Even with the few locals living there it was a similar story. They were either too old or too young, no opportunities for any misbehaviour there. And though there were a few at the San, they would mostly be too ill. Besides, that could get risky with her father around. Con had an idea that Mamma liked it like this. She was always complaining about how girls grew up so fast these days, and she had made it quite clear that she would not accept it for any of her own.

Therefore, Con had made up her mind early on to take any opportunity she was given. Len did not seem the least interested, and strangely, nor did Margot. She did not care how long she had to wait, she knew the time would come eventually. And sure enough it did, with the entrance of Roger Richardson during that first holiday in the Tirol.

Last edited by LadyGuinevere on Sun Oct 31, 2004 8:48 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 6:14 pm

Ohhh, nice start - I'm definitely intrigued - looking forward to further posts! Laughing

#3: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 6:16 pm

*hooked*

brilliant opening

#4: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 8:00 pm

I can't wait to read some more of this!

#5: Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 8:17 pm

definitely hooked already......

*sits down, squatter-style, and hands round the megaphones*

#6: Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 9:15 pm

definitely intrigued! more please! Smile

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

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 10:48 pm

Oooooh...................

This looks very promising!!!
When will you be posting the next bit???

#8: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 10:52 pm

Fantastic opening. Looking forward to hearing more - a lot more.

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

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 10:08 am

Oooh. I scrolled merrily down, for more story (just returned to the happy world of CBB after exams, followed by no internet access!!!- and there isnt any!

More please! Very Happy

#10: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 10:27 am

If you insist!

Parts of the next few bits are taken from 'Joey and Co. in the Tirol' so any paragraphs in italics are EBD's words not mine (except where I've changed the tense or something for ease) and page numbers refer to the paperback edition. I've tried to make it so you don't need to have read the book to understand what's going on.

-----

Summer 1954

It was a gorgeous day at the Tiernsee, early in their holiday. The triplets had all awakened early, and knowing that Mamma needed to rest, had slipped out for a walk to Briesau before breakfast. As they made their way along the shore of the lake, they giggled over stories their mother had described to them.

At this point, the mountain wall swung out in a sharp curve and the path with it. The trio stepped out smartly as they rounded the curve. At almost exactly the same moment, two boys and a girl came tearing along in the opposite direction. The bigger boy, who was slightly ahead, crashed in between Len and Con, nearly knocking Con, who was nearest the edge, over into the lake. Len shrieked and grabbed wildly at her sister just in time to save her. He, having caught his tow in a rut, crashed headlong onto the path. The other two nearly fell over him, but Margot’s hand caught the grl’s arm and steadied her while the younger boy staggered madly and ended up in the ditch.

“Oh I say!” the girl panted as she got her balance. “I’m ghastly sorry! Thanks a lot! I might have taken quite a toss!” Then she was pouncing on the fallen leader. “Roger, you low hound! Hand that over pronto!” She dropped down on his back just as he was beginning to roll over, and stretched to snatch an exercise book he held in one hand. The other boy, having got to his feet, came to her aid.

“Two to one! Not fair!” Roger gasped, wriggling so vigorously that he nearly ridded himself of her.

“Not fair – nothing!” she retorted, clinging to her perch like grim death. “Take it from him Roddy!”

Roddy gave a wrench at the bppl and freed it. “Got it!” he announced triumphantly. “You can get up now, Ruey!”

Ruey was on her feet at once and grabbing her precious book from Roddy. Roger rolled over and began to sit up. Len gave a cry of dismay as he did so.

“Oh gosh! You’ve cut yourself – badly! Just look how you’re bleeding! And it’s filthy dirty too! We must stop this and get you cleaned up at once! Wet a hanky someone, and the rest of you tie yours together. This is an artery. It’s got to be tied up pronto!” (Joey and Co p29-30)

As they rushed to Roger’s aid, under Len’s direction, Con took the opportunity for take a good look at the elder boy. He was certainly quite a handsome chap, with his broad shoulders and tanned skin under a mop of red hair, perhaps a few years older than the triplets. Con curbed her thoughts immediately. She had only just met the guy, there was no need to throw herself at the first who came along! Or at least, not straight away.

“Con, go and see if you can find a phone anywhere and right for Father. If it’s an artery, it ought to be tied up as soon as possible.” (Joey and Co. p31)

Con jumped up immediately and rushed off. They had seen no one on the path this early in the morning, and the nearest chalet was some distance away. If the injury really was as bad as Len was making out, Roger needed help quickly. It was typical: the first eligible male she came across and he was badly injured!

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted some movement on the lake. A bit early wasn’t it? She squinted at the figure in the boat. Could it be? It was!

Suddenly she squawked, put her hands to her mouth and let out a long, clear yodel that carried right across the lake. the solitary boater, who had just paddled from the far side, heard her and glanced over his shoulder, by which time she was jumping up and down and waving madly.

“OK! It’s Papa! He’s got the boat out! He’s seen us and he’s heading fo here as hard as he can go!”

“Semaphore him ‘SOS’!” Len ordered. “I don’t like Roger’s looks at all!” (Joey and Co. p32)

* * *

Joey and Jack had taken over the well-being of the Richardsons as soon as they realised it was necessary. The Richardsons’ father was an astronomer who spent most of his time stargazing, living the children to do more or less as they wished, with Ruey in charge of the house. The members of society as upstanding as the Maynards, this was totally unacceptable, and Con was inclined to agree. It was no life for Ruey really, who was only a little younger than the triplets themselves.

Since his accident, Roger had been more or less confined to his bed. At first this had been in their chalet near the Tiern pass, but Jack Maynard had decreed it too isolated for them to stay over night, and so they had moved him to Die Blumen, the Maynard holiday home.

This had pleased Con no end. From the first moment she had set eye on Roger, she had liked in. And not in the same way that Len and Margot liked him. Though he was vulnerable after his injury, Con found this quite exciting, especially since it looked like he was usually so strong and she felt she would appreciate both those traits in a man.

Today was a few after the accident, bust still Roger had to stay inactive, something he loathed. Mamma had had a bad night with the twins, Philippa and Geoffrey and so she had stayed in bed a while longer. Len and Margot had taken it upon themselves to teach Ruey about babies. They had invited Con to join them, but since there were only the two babies, it was not really necessary. Roddy had disappeared to check out some fallen trees.

That left just Con and Roger. Despite her usual confidence, Con suddenly acquired some shyyness – no mean feat for a member of the Maynards! How was she to start a conversation? Butterflies grew to the size of houses in her stomach, but eventually she took the plunge and took elevenses to him, sitting as he was on the veranda, leg stretched out in front of him, watching the other girls from a distance.

“Tea?” she offered nervously. “I brought some of Anna’s best cream cakes. They’re delicious!” She sat down on the little stool, setting the tray on the coffee table that had been moved outside for exactly this purpose.

Roger acquiesced easily, secretly glad of a little company. “Cheers. What happened to Roddy?”

“He went off to climb a couple of trees that blew down last winter. Apparently they make a great base or something.”

The elder Richardson sighed so heavily. “Wish I could do that. It’s the perfect day for that kind of thing.”

“You’ll be up and about before you know it.”

There was a slight pause after Con’s reassuring comment, as both took the opportunity to take a few bites of one of Anna’s delectable cakes. Having scoffed his tremendously quickly, Roger quickly restarted the conversation. “Doesn’t Ruey look awkward holding a baby!”

Con giggled. “She sure does! Oh look, she’s never going to manage that! Shouldn’t Len say… ah there we go.” Ruey had found herself tangled along with Philippa and only Len’s quick correction helped her keep her balance. “I don’t suppose she’s had much experience with babies though, has she?”

“None at all that I know of. Not since Roddy was young anyway, and hoenstly, so was she back then! Even I barely remember it.”

From that point on they chatted quite amiably, all of Con’s nerves completely disappeared. She was mesmerised by his deep voice and friendly manner. Once or twice Len looked back from the centre of the garden to make sure things seemed okay, and all she could see was two friends deep in conversation. Once or twice she thought she spotted them just gazing, not saying anything at all, but she quickly put that thought out of her head. That would just be silly.

Last edited by LadyGuinevere on Sun Jul 04, 2004 12:37 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 10:55 am

Veeery interesting. Is it too early to ask for more?!

#12: Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 11:35 am

It's never too early! Smile

*starts chant*

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

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 12:17 pm

Fantastic! Please let us have more Smile

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

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 1:40 pm

Very intrigued, I hope theres more soon!

#15: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 1:43 pm

Very, very intriguing, more please.

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

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 3:08 pm

Wonderful!!!!!
Please may we have more?

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

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 3:09 pm

Loving this!

#18: Author: Lula, Location: Midlands, UK

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 4:33 pm

Ooh, I'm liking this! Interesting, I always thought Con should try and get a bit more of the attention, she always was pushed to one side.

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

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 6:46 pm

Excellent, good for Con!

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

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 7:39 pm

This is really good. It's interesting to see how things began for Con.

#21: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 7:55 pm

Since you're all massaging my ego so well, I'll let you have some more Smile

Same system applies as the previous post - all italicised praragraphs are EBD's own words and page numbers refer to the paperback. (ha! Just looked and there aren't any in this bit Very Happy

)

Can you tell my favourite character is Con? :p

------

Con was sat on the tiny mountain train with her mother, Roger and Ruey. The four of them had to go down to Innsbruck, leaving Die Blumen in the capable hands of Anna and Len. Her sandal had broken and as she had no spares, it was necessary to get a new pair. Ruey was currently engaged in an argument with Joey about the necessity of having more clean clothes while Con and Roger made eyes at each other.

Once Con had been fitted for new sandals and Roger’s business was also complete, Joey has sent the pair off to visit the Hofkirche while she purchased Ruey a completely new set of attire. With Mrs Maynard out of sight, and his sister as well, Roger did what he’d been planning on doing for a while as soon as they were along. He grabbed her hand and yelled, “Come on!” taking her through the streets to a quaint little side street where they could know they would not be disturbed.

With his back to the wall, he drew small Con closer. “So Miss Maynard….”

He got no further than that, for Con decided to take her chance before she chickened out. Standing on tip toes, she leaned forward and planted a kiss firmly on his lips, eyes gleaming. “Yes?”

“Nevermind.”

The pair of them stayed there for a while, simpley basking in in other. After a while though, they left, knowing that they would need to meet Mrs Maynard later, and it would not do to be late, especially with her formidable powers of deduction.

They raced through the visit to the Hofkirche, fingers intertwined all the way through. Having enjoyed the visit of just the two of them, both Con and Roger were disappointed when the clock chimed midday and they had to join with Mrs Maynard and Joey.

“We’re late! We’d better hurry!” Con pulled her hand from Roger’s and started to run. Despite all their good intentions, they had been distracted by their last moments alone just after leaving the church. Quite honestly, it was hard to keep their eyes off each other. She started running towards the square.

“There’s Mrs Maynard,” Roger panted, pointing. “But where’s Ruey?”

Both stopped dead still when they saw Mrs Maynard’s companion. Con realised immediately, and began to giggle, but Roger was not so sure. Having un-dropped his jaw, he stuttered, “R… Ruey? Is that really you?”

For Ruey now looked the trim schoolgirl, much as the triplets did, but without their beautifully cut features and colouring. Gone were her rats tails and now Roger barely recognised her.

“Come on then, children,” said Joey in an authoritarian manner. “Let’s go find some eats. I know a lovely little café just around the corner. I wonder if the owner will remember me?” She led the way, Ruey at her side, with Con and Roger dropping behind a little.

“Silly,” teased Con playfully, punching him lightly on the arm. “She’s not changed that much!”

Roger stuck out his tongue rather childishly. “It’s all right for you! You’re a girl! You know these things!”

“Did you enjoy the Hofkirche?” Joey interrupted as they reached the café.

Con nodded vigorously. “Oh yes, Mamma. It was really beautiful.”

Joey let it lie at that, and never noticed the surreptitious game of ‘footsie’ that occurred during the meal. Or anything else of that ilk.

------

Hmmmm.... I was going to post another short part as well. Should I?

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

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 8:21 pm

YES!!!! (I need consoling...I lost my tiffany necklace into the darned washing machine!!) Crying or Very sad

(fickle? me? certainly not...)

But yes. More please!

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

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 8:47 pm

Love the 'footsie'. Definitely want additional posts!

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

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 8:57 pm

Wonderful!!!!
More soon please!!!

#25: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 9:20 pm

Thankyou!

Looking forward to watching this relationship develop!

#26: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 9:28 pm

Oh go on then. This part concludes 1954.

----

Ruey, who had clambered into the Tub, gave [her brother] a yell. “Hi, Roger!” Mrs Maynard wants to speak to you at once. Better scram! She’s waiting in the garden.”

Roger waved an arm above his head to show that he understood, turned over and made for the Buchau landing with a powerful crawl which got him there in short order. He clambered out onto the shore-road, incidentally startling a couple of elderly ladies who had been so busy chatting that they never noticed him in the water and when six foot or so of young man heaved itself out of the water and crossed the road a few yards in front of them, clad only in the exiguous swimming trunks the boys all wore, they shrieked with dismay and alarm. Roger took no notice (Joey and Co. p161)

It was unfortunate that at this moment, Con happened to look up in his direction as she was clambering into the Tub. The sight of his tanned and toned body climbing up and out of the water in those tiny trunks made her literally weak at the knees. She lost her footing and fell out of the boat and into the lake, dragging Ruey along with her

“Hey!” spluttered Ruey, rather annoyed at her unexpected dunking. “What was that for?”

Len was more concerned with Con’s well-being. It was very unlike her to miss the boat. “Are you okay, Con? I mean, you’re not hurt or anything, are you?”

“No, no,” replied Con hurriedly. “I just lost my footing, that’s all. Honest.”

Her elder sister was satisfied with that answer, and having made sure she was safely in the boat said no more about it. Con was far to embarrassed by her temporary lapse to say anything for a while, but at least Roger had not seen her fall in!

#27: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 10:09 pm

BRILLIANT

You are totally mesmerising with this drabble. I WANT MORE!!

(please)

(pretty please)

(with a cherry on top of one of Anna's buns?)

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

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 10:37 pm

Yay! I'm away from the board for a mere two days and when I return there's loads and loads of fantabulous new drabble - and (even better) the promise of more! My cup runneth over!

#29: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 11:55 pm

Oh, I like this. And there are 10,000 words already? Shouldn't have to wait too long for the next bit then Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 4:17 am

Thank you, really like this!

#31: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 6:17 am

12,000 now actually *grin*

But I'm afraid you'll have to wait until I get back from work for the net part as it's on the computer upstairs and I'm not at the moment.

There's enough to keep going until the weekend at nearly this rate, and by the time I get there I hope to have the three connecty scenes I still need to write and then we'll have another weeks worht! Very Happy

Thank you for all your lovely comments Very Happy

~LadyG

#32: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 8:16 am

Well, I'm sure that it's worth waiting for. Quite an eye-opener!

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

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 10:34 am

Ooohh that was sooo good, I love this different insight into Con, looking forward to some more Very Happy

#34: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 10:41 am

What would EBD say? i can visualise her tightening up her face until she looks like a ripe quince!

#35: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 11:58 am

I'm really enjoying this Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 1:17 pm

This is brilliant!
Love the bit about Con being overcome by the sight of Roger in his tiny trunks!!!!!! Laughing

#37: Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 2:50 pm

Vikki wrote:

Love the bit about Con being overcome by the sight of Roger in his tiny trunks!!!!!!

Wouldn't you be at fifteen...six feet of tanned, muscly man in nothing but a pair of speedos?
Shocked

*drools at descriptions of Roger*

MORE, please, LadyG! This is fabulous Very Happy

I'd particularly like to see how Con keeps his letters to her private (I presume he DOES bother to write?). After all, her sisters must think they're perfectly innocent what's-gone-on-at-school type letters.[/quote]

#38: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 6:11 pm

Oh I'm sure EBD is turning in her grave Wink

But SHE started the bit about tiny trunks, not me! Blame her! Very Happy

I briefly mention letters in this one, though there's more later.

-----

Summer 1955

Con leapt out of bed, full of the joys of the world. Today was the day the Richardsons would be joining them for another summer holiday at the Tiernsee, and more specifically, Roger. She was friends with Ruey, and Roddy was okay, but it was the eldest of the three she was most interested in seeing.

It had been some time now, since she had seen him. A long time in fact. They had written to each other, but had to be careful, so as not to arouse suspiscion. Even considering this, Roger was a poor letter writer. Not only was his scrawl second only to his father’s for being unintelligible, but he never wrote half as much as Con did.

They meet them at the little station in Spärtz in the early part of the evening. Con knew she could hope for much interaction, not with everyone else, let alone a guest, in the form or Mélanie Lucas, but a few glances would sate her for the time being. They would still have several weeks together.

“Hi! We haven’t got to walk up have we?” Roddy demanded.

“No my lad. We’re going up in Minnie,” his guardian told him.

“Who’s Minnie?” It came as a chorus from the three.

“Minnie the minibus,” Joey said swiftly. “It’ll be a bit of a jam, but we can manage alright. They finished the new road up to the Tiernsee last April, so we may as well use it.”

“You’ve got a minibus? Roger exclaimed. “But when? You never said a word about it in your letters last term.” (Future p112-113)

Though he spoke in broad terms, Con knew from his brief glance that really he meant her. And he looked a little annoyed. Luckily, her mother came to the rescue for once, albeit unintentionally.

“She only arrived a day or two before we came here,” Joey explained. “I didn’t know myself, until almost the last.” (Future p113)

Roger’s face relaxed almost instantly, and Con breathed an internal sigh of relief. She did not want this holiday spoiled over something so silly. They were here to have fun, and have fun she would!

#39: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 6:24 pm

I wonder what sort of fun Con has in mind?

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

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 7:00 pm

*Retrieves mind from gutter!* Shocked

#41: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 7:15 pm

I should hope so, Lesley!

#42: Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 7:53 pm

I'm loving this! Con's one of my favourites too, and it's great to see her indulging in some "normal" teenage hormones.

MORE PLEEEEEEEEEEASE!!!!!!!!

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

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 7:59 pm

Would mooooooooore be too much to ask? Pretty please? Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 7:59 pm

Wonderful, please post some more soon!!! Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 8:14 pm

I'm enjoyign this so much, even though the later books are a bit of a blank to me. Looking forward to hearing about ALL of Con's loves Very Happy

#46: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 8:35 pm

Strangely, at this point, my mind wasn't even in the gutter! Lol! Very Happy

-----

The day dawned bright and sunny, but with a light breeze to temper the worst of the heat. Joey, seated behind her big coffee-urn, looked down the long table at her husband and remarked, “This looks to me like a day made on purpose.”

“Made on purpose for what?” he demanded.

“And excursion my love – an excursion. What else? And I propose the Zillerthal, which will be new ground to everyone but us two. Breakfast is early; it’s a glorious day and Phil and Geoff seem to have got over their teething for the moment. I can go with a free mind. What about it everyone?”

She had no need to ask that twice. Everyone was all over the idea and the noise they made about it might have been heard to the far end of the lake. Even the doctor was heard to say how fortunate it was yesterday he had Minnie refuelled and oiled so that she was all ready.

“What about eats?”Margot queried. “Do we feed there or take our own?”

“Oh, take our own of course!” This was Roger. “I don’t want to have to jam into a crowded Speisesaal at some hotel and wait for an hour before we can get anything to eat. Rod and Steve and I can dash down to Spärtz by train and buy fruit. You can pick us up there, can’t you Uncle Jack?”

“Easily!” The doctor felt in his blazer pocket and produced his wallet. “Here you are! That ought to be enough.”

“Then we’d better get off or we’ll miss the train.” Roger looked at his watch. “We’ve got ten minutes exactly. Come on you two! Excuse us Auntie Joey!”

The three went tearing off, peausing only long enough to snatch linen hats from the hatrack before they rushed out of the house and along to the terminus of the little cogwheel railway. (Future p144-145)

Con gazed after his as they fled, wishing they could be a little more obvious about it. He did look could when he ran. Roger was a broad young man, and moving quickly only made him look more powerful. She longed to be back in those arms. She thought that just before he left with Steve and Roddy that she saw him throw her a wink, but it could have just been a trick of the light. Probably was, in fact, otherwise everyone would have noticed. She sighed. Just thinking that showed how dreamy she was over it! Idly, she realised her mother was talking, but was too absorbed in her own thoughts to really pay attention.

“Con, you and I will see to the beds.” Len cried, bouncing out of her chair after gulping down the last of her coffee in a most unladylike way. “You come too, Mélanie. Margot, you and Ruey clear the table.Then we must all turn to and cut sandwiches. Goodness knows if Anna has anything ready!” (Future p145)

Meekly, the middle triplet followed her elder sister up the stairs, followed by an equally meek Mélanie. It was strange how Len always seemed the most forward, and certainly the most mature, of the triplets, yet she had not awakened yet to the opposite sex as anything other than friends. Perhaps it was all that responsibility people kept piling on her. She must have no time for anything else.

“Right,” Len said decisively. “Con, you and I will do the sheets, and Mélanie, you take the pillow cases. Any objections?” Of course there were none. “Oh I am looking forward to the Zillerthal! It should be totally gorgeous! Don’t you think?” Mélanie agreed emphatically, but Con was still lost in her thoughts. “Con? Are you okay?”

This time Con heard her. “I’m fine,” she apologised, “I was just…. lost in a story.”

Len nodded knowingly. “Best get it out your system quickly. You don’t want to miss anything today!”

The ‘lost in a story’ excuse was working very well still. In was good, for it was not exactly untrue. She was lost in a story, just not the one people expected. Through her life she had been dreamy, far more so than her sisters, and it still persisted, no matter how hard she tried. And she really did try. Now, while she was not always in the throes of a new story, she was often deep in thought and the result was the same. All the same, Len was right…. this was a trip not to be missed.

#47: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 8:45 pm

*laughs her head off*

I did wonder about Con's stories.

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

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 12:33 am

*wibble*
I now have this image of Con writing erotic stories in her spare time!!!!! Embarassed

#49: Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 8:49 am

Vikki wrote:

*wibble*
I now have this image of Con writing erotic stories in her spare time!!!!! Embarassed

Imagine Joey's reaction (or Len's) if she found them!!!! Laughing

#50: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 11:13 am

Stop putting ideas in my head, lol Wink

Luckily I've already written these bits, so no influence!

Just a short bit. More later.

-----

In Spärtz, they found the boys waiting for them at the foot of the mountain. Roger was carrying a flat case of plaited straw underone arm and a basket containing a magnificent melon on the other. Stephen and Roddy had a big basket of pears between them and Roddy bore a big bag of grapes in his free arm. Stephen was loaded with a basket of grapes.

A few minutes later, Roger and the other two were in the bus.Roddy and Stephen sat together. They were great chums. Roger took the remaining seat, and Joey, turning around, called Con to come and share with him.

“We’ve quite a way to go before we reach Mayrhofen,” she said, “and you’ll be horribly crampedif you all sit together like that. You can change with someone else later. Come on, Con!” (Future p148-149)

Con almost could not believe her ears! Normally it was Len they tried to put with Roger all the time. Inwardly, she was pleased, but she was unable to let it show. Not that she minded. Roger’s face said almost the same thing as she was feeling as she plonked herself down next to him. Not too close, but so far away she could not touch him.Delicately she reached out a hand, and the hole trip, they caressed each others hands, unbeknownst to the rest of the crowd in the minibus.

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

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 12:39 pm

This is great! And I love the idea of Con and Roger having a relationship right under Joey's nose! Will never think about Con's "stories" in quite the same way again!!!!! Shocked

#52: Author: Lula, Location: Midlands, UK

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 1:11 pm

Yeek... that's just sullied Con's innocence, ideas of stories like that Shocked

Anyway, it's really rather fabulous! Looking forward to more!

#53: Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 1:27 pm

These drabbles are dangerous! Everytime I have an idea and start to develop it, my characters are influenced by the way they're portrayed in these drabbles - i.e Con in this, amongst others.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

#54: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 2:50 pm

What a shock for Jo and Jack if they ever find out what's going on in their sheltered daughter's head.

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

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 3:29 pm

Hehe, I'll never be able to think about Con's dreaming in the same way!!! A very useful cover.

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

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 3:37 pm

this has inspired me to reread Future, and I'm seeing it in quite a different light now!

thanks

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

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 5:17 pm

Vikki wrote:

*wibble*
I now have this image of Con writing erotic stories in her spare time!!!!! Embarassed

Haven't you read CGGU, Vikki?

#58: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 5:40 pm

One more part for today Smile

I think CGGU influenced me a little, even though I tried not to let it!

Though really, I based it more on me at that age. I wasn't writing erotic stories in my head, but they were childishly romantic!

-----

Near silently, Con slipped out of her bedroom and tiptoed her way along the corridor in the dark, just as she had so many times before. She and Roger had been meeting in secret in an old store room. It was not ideal, but it was far enough away they would not accidentally disturb people. Or rather, they would reduce their chances. On several occassions it had been the leaving or returning to bedrooms that had caused someone else to wake, usually Mamma or Len, though once Papa had also been awakened. Hurried excuses had been concocted, yet so far, no one seemed to have cottoned on to it.

Roger was already waiting for her when she arrived. Taking her gently in his arms, and planting a kiss firmly on her lips, “Where have you been? I’ve been waiting ages!”

“Careful,” Con replied in a low tone. “Don’t you know that whispers carry? We don’t want to wake anyone, remember!”

She snuggled in to his strong arms, sensitive to his every breath. These snatched moments were absolutely wonderful for her, and hopefully for him as well. She raised her curly black head to his and kissed him passionately, just as always. She could never tire of this, she thought to herself. It was far to enjoyable, and the fact that they were not supposed to be doing it only made it all the better.

Suddenly, there was the sound of a floorboard creaking somewhere nearby. They separated instantly, hearts racing. “What was that?” Roger hissed urgently.

Con shushed him as she listened carefully. Slowly she peeked her head around the door, just in case. There was no sign of anyone walking around. Con turned back to Roger and shook her head. “Nothing. Can’t see anything at all.” She hoped she sounded more confident about it than she really was. Something told her someone was about, but there was no evidence of it.

“Well then, where were we?” Roger gathered her up again, just in time for the door to fly open and reveal a figured standing in the doorway.

#59: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 5:51 pm

OMG! who is it?

Did Joey and Jack not know about adolescence?

*Wonders if Steve and Ruey are indulging in similar thoughts, if not behaviour?*

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

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 6:01 pm

PatMac wrote:

*Wonders if Steve and Ruey are indulging in similar thoughts, if not behaviour?*

What a brilliant idea! Razz

#61: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 6:22 pm

PatMac wrote:

*Wonders if Steve and Ruey are indulging in similar thoughts, if not behaviour?*

LOL! I never thought about that!!!! Roftlmao.

There is a line in Prefects where Ruey says, "We don't talk about things like that." I'm reading THAT line in a whole new light now! Smile

And I'm not telling who until tomorrow Wink

~LadyG

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

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 7:10 pm

Oh good, something to look forward to then! Laughing

#63: Author: Lula, Location: Midlands, UK

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 7:20 pm

LadyGuinevere wrote:

There is a line in Prefects where Ruey says, "We don't talk about things like that." I'm reading THAT line in a whole new light now! Smile

Don't they say "those who talk don't do"? Does the vice versa also apply? Laughing

Loving it!

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

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 8:47 pm

Wonderful!! Looking forward to tomorrow Very Happy

*giggling at the ideas being put into her head*

#65: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 10:25 pm

Maybe Roger is rotating all the trips and the next one has arrived a bit to soon?

#66: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 10:47 pm

Ooooh just read this and now I'm toppling on the edge of a minor cliff. Very very interested to read more. *hint* Wink

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

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 11:15 pm

*starts a chant*
More soon please!!!!!

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

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 8:43 am

LadyGuinevere wrote:

And I'm not telling who until tomorrow Wink

~LadyG

It's tomorrow now!! Kiss

#69: Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 9:24 am

It's tomorrow and I have to go out in five minutes. I expect MORE when I get back Wink

*Tom? Drabble? More? Looks innocent*

#70: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 10:02 am

I'm loving this, its so perfectly illustrates that age, and sneeking around parents.

We used to go and stay with my mum's Best Friend and her family every year, they had a son the same age as me, and this is just us to a T.

We used to play murder in the dark... Hide and seek but with the lights off, and we would hide together and kiss Embarassed

and the lack of opportunity to be together when there is a house full, in our case 4 adults and 6 kids in a 3 bedroom house did not make for many opportunities....sigh

LadyG you are making me feel very reminiscent right now for those days.....

It was so Hormone filled yet so innocent

We used to hide down the bottom of the garden a lot Wink

#71: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 10:09 am

So, who is it?

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

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 10:17 am

Have finally caught up on the whole of this I've been tring to read it for two days and kept losing my connection! And now you've left us on a cliff!

Wonderful, funny, romantic, reminiscent all at the same time!

#73: Author: FionaW, Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 1:43 pm

#74: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 1:45 pm

This is great. I hope Joey hasn't found them.

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

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 1:57 pm

LadyG

I'm going home in an hour! Pleeeease tell us who it is!!

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

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 2:50 pm

Ellie wrote:

Maybe Roger is rotating all the trips and the next one has arrived a bit to soon?

*ROFL*
*assumes position at edge of cliff holding a placard bearing the word MORE*

#77: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 3:47 pm

OOOOO, i've just caugt up on this!
FAB!

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

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 4:38 pm

More drabble please! Very Happy

This is cruelty to CBB members!

#79: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 5:19 pm

Sorry! I didn't mean to leave you all hanging on this long, but my internet was down this morning (evil NTL) and then I had to go to work where I have no internet! (I did try to get it - apparently I need a posh password).

Anyway, the wait is over!

-----

“Well then, where were we?” Roger gathered her up again, just in time for the door to fly open and reveal a figured standing in the doorway.

“M-M-Margot?” Con stammered nervously. “Wha-wha-wha,” she could not even get the words out properly. This could all be disastrous.

But Margot was totally calm and did not seem in the least bit surprised. Instead she was all business. “Roger, I think you’d better get back pretty sharpish. I heard Roddy moving around and he might wake up any time soon.” When Roger seemed to hesitate she waved him on urgently, “Go, go! Seriously!” This time he went, with one last longing look in Con’s direction.

Con smiled, despite herself, and the next thing she knew was Margot had taken her in one giant bearhug. Totally confused, Con somehow managed to get out a question. “Margot, are you quite all right?”

Releasing her triplet sister, Margot beamed even more broadly than before. “Oh Con, I’m so pleased! I always felt one of us should at least!”

“What… what do you mean? I’m not sure I understand, Margot.”

“Well, one of us had to rebel like this! And it was never going to be Len… she’s far too prim and proper!”

“But what about yourself?” Con blurted out. She never had had much tact, and occassionally things still slipped out without thinking.

For the first time Margot floundered a little. “Oh, I dunno. I think my fate lies elsewhere. But I’m so pleased for you! For a while there I thought you were going to be like Len!”

Despite herself, Con turned pink again. All too often she was lumped in with either one or both of her triplet sisters. For the first time, she really felt special. “Well, ta for the flowers, Margot, but please, you won’t tell anyone will you? Mamma would die if she found out and Papa would be raging!”

“I think it’s Len you need to be more worried about!” As she caught Con’s quizzical glance, she expanded her statement. “It’s expected from Mother and Dad, but Len? She’d be far more disapproving. And for longer as well. Don’t worry, I won’t say anything. I still think it’s fantastic!” She gave her sister another quck hug. “Come on, we’d best get back to bed.”

Inwardly, Con felt so relieved as she lay her head down on the pillow. Not only had she relieved her burden, but Margot had also made her feel like she stood out from the crowd. And it felt amazing. She snuggled the blankets around her and settled to dream of Roger, safe in the knowledge that she was, at long last, able to be different.

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

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 5:23 pm

Oh lovely! Absolutely wonderful reaction from Margot! Laughing

#81: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 5:29 pm

indeed, excellent, ta!
Very Happy

#82: Author: Lula, Location: Midlands, UK

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 5:37 pm

Oh, I love Margot's reaction! Laughing

Unexpected, but in a way, that itself should be expected, hehe!

#83: Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 6:31 pm

I always did like Margot (my favourite after Con). I'm glad it wasn't Len who found them, or I'd be hammer

her.

for Con. Isn't it great when one feels amazing? Especially when you're also madly in love with a handsome hunk who wears small swimming trunks *sighs*

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

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 6:59 pm

A wonderful reaction from Margot - and you are so right that Len is worse than Joey

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

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 7:05 pm

Ooh, go Margot!

However, small swimming trunks can look truly appalling... cue many European men on holiday in iddy biddy spedoes who look TERRIBLE!

More please!

#86: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 8:59 pm

“I’m dying to see Auntie and tell her everything.” Mélanie said, “but I almost wish I were coming back with you.”

Mrs Raymond was to meet them in Berne to collect her neice and carry her off to the new home in Montreaux, Berne being closer than Interlaken.

“Oh well, you’ll be seeing us in less than a fortnight,” Con said comfortingly. “Anyhoe, you won’t have time to miss us with all your outfit to see to. Don’t forget to see that every single thing is clearly marked with your full name. Matey won’t love you if you don’t.”

“Too true!” Len sighed. “I can see us all spending the next few days sewing on nametapes. And we have the boys’ to see to as well as our own.”

“It’s been a gorgeous holiday,” Ruey said cheerfully. “Better, even, than last year’s – and that was marvellous, goodness knows!”

“Hasn’t it?” Con agreed. “And,” with a wicked look at Roger, “no on has tried to half-kill themselves.” (Future p238-239)

Even though Roger refused to rise, Con knew she would pay for that comment later. Or rather, that was why he had chosen not to rise. Later, when they were alone, he would pretend to be offended by her cheeky jibe, and she would have to give forth a variety of platitudes of adoration before he would look at her properly again. She had done it to him before, it was only fair!

Though last year’s holiday in the Tirol had been that magical start of things between her and Roger, she really did agree that this one had been even better. Incidents had been minor…. even her own accident with the wine!… and as a consequence, more enjoyable. And then there was the fact that though she and Roger had not progressed to the next level yet, for she was still young, they were more comfortable. Since Margot had caught them that night, Con had found herself more relaxed around him. She had a lot to thank Margot for, other than her help in covering. It was a real shame they would soon be separated by school.

#87: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 9:19 pm

Thankyou LadyG this is fab!

Please post more as soon as you can...

#88: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 9:49 pm

Lol! Very sweet sister. It must make a change for Margot to see rebellion from the other side Wink

#89: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 6:08 am

This is Fab.

I love con and Roger getting discovered, and the writing is technically brilliant, as well as everything else.

#90: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 6:12 am

Technically brilliant? Yay! Smile

Now I get to go to work and correct reports written in poor grammar Smile

-----

January 1956

After the incident in the snow, and the subsequent sleepwalking, Con had been sent down to Montreaux and the Emburys for a few days. She and Len had, along with one of the younger girls, been caught out for some time in a sudden January blizzard and it had weighed quite heavily on young Con’s mind. Everyone had assumed she had outgrown her tendancy to sleepwalk, and so had been completely surprised at her exploits.

It was so much more peaceful down here than at school, or even home. Both those places were complete hustle bustle all the time, and it felt great to just relax for a while. Plus, it gave her a chance to write to Roger without having to hide who she was writing to. That made a change.

Taking one last gaze at the cars going past the window, she scribbbed her final line about how she missed him and looked forward to being together again, before Mrs. Embury popped her head round into the salon and called, “Are you finished, dear? We’d best hurry to the store before it closes.”

“Nearly done!” Con replied, as she signed her name with a flourish and stuffing it into an ill-fitteny envelope and skipping out the door after her temporary carer, hair bobbing down her back. She looked the complete schoolgirl; no one suspected her little secret.

This time she had written a lengthy epistle, detailing exactly what had happened during the blizzard and how she had felt. It was one way to put it out of her mind once and for all, but she also wanted a little attention from him. Since the beginning of term he had been rather quiet, and it did not even seem he would be at Freudesheim for Easter. The Richardsons would be staying with their cousins, the Rosomons, in England, as Mamma was holding a house party. Enjoyable, it would certainly be, but it would mean Con and Roger would not be together until the summer, at to Con, that felt miles away.

Still, she thought to herself, this letter should really make him sit up and take notice.

#91: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 6:42 am

Technically brilliant - I don't notice the story has *been* written if you know what I mean, it's just there, and very readable.

#92: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 8:45 am

Love the way Margot is so supportive!

#93: Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 10:18 am

*has bad feeling about the ill fitting envelope Sad

*

When do we get the next installment, please?

#94: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 10:31 am

Agrees with Lulie about the ill-fitting envelope.

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

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 11:07 am

*also worries about the envelope and the fact Roger has been quieter than normal*

#96: Author: Lula, Location: Midlands, UK

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 11:09 am

Oooh... lovely! Sounds like something is brewing, however.

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

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 11:22 am

Glad Im not the only one fearing the envelope!

*Beginning to wonder who the second love might be*

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

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 4:20 pm

*comments to no one in particular*
"You know, these tenterhooks are very uncomfortable to sit on......."

#99: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 5:10 pm

'ill-fitteny' envelope - gosh my proof reading is worse than I thought!

Next part comes now... but it's not very much. I'm rationing Smile

-----

Like her mother before her, Margot had a horrow of the dentist and all his works. She kept the trouble to herself, even when the occassional twinges became a steady nagging which upset her nerves and made her edgy. For once, neither of her sisters realised it. Con was absorbed in a delightful secret which, out of school, filled her thoughts completely. (Triplets p80)

“Was there any post, Margot?” Con asked innocently, since her sister Len was also within earshot.

“Yes,” Margot growled, “Plenty. But none for you.”

Con’s face dropped, but she did not notice Margot’s tone. “Oh well. Perhaps tomorrow.”

She should really have had a reply from Roger. Did he not care? No, she told herself, there must be some delay with the post. There often was. Or perhaps he had not had much of a chance to write. He was in his last year of school after all, and he did have exams in his final term.

#100: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 5:29 pm

Ah! The pains of young love!

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

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 6:35 pm

Aw, poor Con!

Love this drabble - luffly to see the parts which Elinor refused to write - also wonderful to see someone actually portray Margot as the more sophisticated sister without the additional "but that was a shallow sophistication as opposed to Len's maturity" or words to that effect. Gr!

(Margot and Con fan here!)

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

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 6:39 pm

LadyGuinevere wrote:

Next part comes now... but it's not very much. I'm rationing Smile

Must you ration? Some more would be much appreciated! Very Happy

#103: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 7:39 pm

LadyGuinevere wrote:

I'm rationing Smile

But.. but.. but... there isn't a war on! *scraping the excuses barrel*

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

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 7:53 pm

Thank you Lady G - love the way you're including bits Elinor wrote but giving them different meanings!

#105: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 8:07 pm

Well, I'm rationing as I haven't written the final connecty part yet (ie. end of part 1) and I need to leave myself enough time to decide what to write there.

And also because then I have more of a buffer for later.

Fear not though, the next part will go up tomorrow morning before work. Assuming NTL doesn't die again.

As for Margot... she kind of wrote herself. I've never really been a big Margot fan, but it just seemed to flow with that bit.

I'm glad people are enjoying this Very Happy

~LadyG

#106: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 9:48 pm

And what time does 'work' start please?

#107: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 9:50 pm

Lol, work starts at 8:30am, but the next part should go up again 7am barring incidents.

~LadyG

#108: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 10:13 pm

and for the second time tonight I thought that there was more story !! Rolling Eyes

#109: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 6:18 am

Sorry

It's here now....

-----

Where was Roger’s letter? It had been over a month since she had written to him. Surely he should have responded by now?

It was too early to go and check the post yet. Miss Dene was never able to sort them before break, and that was when the train was on time. She sighed loudly. It had been a long wait and a few more hours would not hurt. At least, that’s what she kept telling herself.

When it came to break time, Con practically flew along to the hall, but had evidently been beaten my Margot, who met her at the door, brandishing a large grin and an envelope. “This what you’ve been waiting for?”

Despite her good training, Con temporarily forgot her manners and practically snatched it from hre younger triplet’s hands. “Finally! He does take his time!” Hmm. It seemed a little light. Well, it was quality, not quantity that mattered.

“Cave!” Margot warned quickly. “If you want to bury yourself in it, I’d do it someone else.”

Len and Rosamund Lilley had just rounded the corner. “Hallo there!” greeted Len. “Anything for us?”

Margot held out three letters. “Two for you Ros, and one for you, sis. Looks Auntie Daisy’s handwriting.

“Oh fantastic!” Len cried. “I haven’t heard from her in ages!” Thankfully she was so immersed in in her own, she never even noticed the letter Con had in her hand. Ros did, but merely raised an eyebrow and ignored it. She had never had the sheltered upbringing of the triplets, though it was by no means a bad one. Did Rosamund suspect something? If she did, she kept it very quiet.

There was no time to read Roger’s letter until the midday rest period. When that came, Con found herself a nice, quiet corner and settled herself to read, knowing that it could not possibly live up to the expectations she had built up.

Yet even though she knew this, Con was not preprared for the words she faced with in. Roger had not only written a letter of few pages, but what there was consisted of very spaced out scrawl, not unlike his own father’s. And his reaction to her horrific experience was lacklustre in the extreme.

“Blizzard sounds extreme,” he had written. “But you all coped. We’ve not had any snow here. Just rain. Lots of rain. It’s made the rugby pitch a complete mess, and the football one isn’t any better.”

And that was it. There was nothing in the entire letter that really made it sound as if he was the least bit interested in anything. It was like her whole world had just collapsed. Why was he no longer interested? Was there something wrong with her? Con was as hasty as most girls of her age and immediately lept to that conclusion.

She dwelled on this quite significantly over the next few days. There had to be a reason for it. And the more Con thought about it, the more she actually did not seem to mind as much. Perhaps it would be for the best. Roger was off to university in September, where he would surely be around plenty of girls, as well as copius amounts of alcohol. Con may be young, but she knew what went on there. Would she be able to cope with that? Looking deep in herself, Con knew that while she was here in Switzerland, she would get insanely jealous. And that was never a good thing.

For that matter? Did she even want him anymore? Sure, she had lost herself in him for a while, but where was it going? The enjoyment was already fading, and Con was not prepared to take the next step just yet. She was still only sixteen; there was plenty of time for that later. Roger was older than she was. Only two years, but at their age, it made all the difference. He would never force her, Con knew that, but he might wish it.

After a week of hard thought on the issue, Con made her decision. She would write another letter to him immediately and tell him that she thought it best if they no longer saw each other as anything other than friends.

The question was…. how would he take it?

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

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 6:44 am

No, Con! Don't do it!!!! Margot, talk her out of it quickly!

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

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 6:46 am

Good for Con! Thanks Lady G!

#112: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 7:18 am

go Con!

Sensible young woman.

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

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 8:41 am

Ooh. Interesting...but still...more please!

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

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 8:53 am

I'm glad Con is sensible enough to realise what teenage boys are like and is not being a "spineless jellyfish" about the whole thing!

#115: Author: Lula, Location: Midlands, UK

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:43 am

Ooh, Con seems very mature! I'm liking this!

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

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 10:09 am

Sounds like Roger's moved on to someone else!

Good for Con for being so sensible, and realising the importance of friendship

#117: Author: shoe__gal, Location: St Andrews, Scotland

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 12:19 pm

Ooh I am not liking Roger so much now...looking forward to finding out what is going on!

#118: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 12:52 pm

So am I, it would be good to see her next love. Well, if Roger no longer appreciates her...............

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

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 12:58 pm

Well good for Con if Roger really doesn't appreciate her anymore but... he's a t school too, perhaps he couldn't write anymore or it'd be checked by his masters etc.

I guess we'll find out when Con sends her letter.

#120: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 1:56 pm

why am i feeling so suspicious of Margot at the moment !!

Nell says that its because I have a suspicious mind, but I think its more to do with some of the comments that she has made with the letters recently....

Hoping there will be some more soon

PLEASE Wink

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

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 2:21 pm

Kathye wrote:

Nell says that its because I have a suspicious mind,

All these suspicious minds keep making me start to sing Elvis
'we can't go on together....' Cool

I'm getting some v odd looks

#122: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 5:21 pm

Oh poor Margot.... she always gets the blame! Lol.

Here's more. Soooo corny. I wasn't that happy with this section, but oh well.

-----

A mere two days after Con had finally got her letter sent out, she found another letter waiting on the slab for her. Strange. This time she had got there before anyone else, due to a cello lesson that had ended just before break, and she managed to make it out to the rose garden before anyone else made it anywhere near the stash.

She ripped the letter open. There was no point in waiting. As she had guessed from the postmark and scrawl on the envelope, it was indeed from Roger. And having scanned the contents, all she could do was laugh.

“Dear Con,” Roger had written. “I’m not really sure how to approach this, so I’ll just come out and say it and sorry if I hurt your feelings. I think recently we’ve grown apart. Things just aren’t the same anymore. It’s come to the point where I see you as more of a friend than a girlfriend.

“Perhaps if we could have been more open about it with your family (and mine) things would have been different. But as it is, there are so many things expected of me I just don’t think we should continue anymore.

“I hope you can understand my reasons for doing this, and I hope we can continue to be friends. I would hate to lose that.

“Roger.”

It was significantly shorter than her own, which had gone deeply into her feelings on the issue as Con was subject to do, but the gist was the same. It was rather ironic that they must have sent them off close together, neither knowing what the other was about to do. It looked like things would be just fine.

At that moment she spotted Ricki Fry and Odette Mercier heading her way. Con shoved Roger’s final letter in her pocket and ran off to join them, feeling far more relaxed than she had since the incident in the snow.

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

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 5:43 pm

*wondering who Con's next love will prove to be....*
*hoping we will find out soon*

#124: Author: Lula, Location: Midlands, UK

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 5:52 pm

I'm glad Con didn't take it badly... this is lovely!

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

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 6:18 pm

Well at least her first love ended fairly happily, or at least both of them wanted it to end anyway.

Thanks Lady G, looking forward to hearing who's next!

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

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:01 pm

Awww! How sweet! Next bit please!

#127: Author: Jay,

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 12:03 am

I'm thinking it's time for an Embury or two? Question is - which? (can't remember their ages.)

Really enjoying this by the way. I've always liked Con & I'm glad she's getting some happiness/experience that isn't broadcast around half the school & the rest of the family.

You're making a really good job of the characterisation as well. So all that's left to say is - MORE PLEASE!

#128: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 7:35 am

Oh I never thought of the Emburys! The school part was inspired by the books themselves, and they only really go there at a distance so to speak. We never really see them interract.

There will be some stuff from now on NOT related to Con's loves.... especially when I get to the university years. Which aren't that far off.

I'm gonna have to slow down a bit now, or I'll start hitting the point I've written up to! But here's a part for you to be getting on with Very Happy

-----

Easter 1956

The Sunday afternoon sun hung high in the spring sky as the Maynard triplets made their way along the Platz to visit their Aunt Grizel at the Sanatorium. Or rather, two of the triplets. Margot had been intending to join them, but had started with a head cold the night before and Matey had put paid to any last hope she had of joining them.

“Do you think she’ll be able to come ‘home’ soon?” Con asked her elder sister. “Papa did say she was making good progress.”

Len shrugged. “I don’t know. She did seem rather tired last time. Happier though. She’s definitely happier. Odd… you’d think she’d have been less happy cooped up in bed!”

A short time earlier, during the reunion Joey Maynard had planned at Freudesheim, there had been an accident, and Grizel Cochrane had injured herself in saving Len’s life. She had been confined to the Sanatorium, unable to move at present from a lying position, though they had started to use a pillow so she was not always flat. With an injury like hers, progress would always be slow.

Con had her own ideas about the change in their honorary aunt, but she kept them quietly to herself. Most of what she knew had been gleaned not from either of the participants, but from Ian Hamilton, a junior doctor who had been in the company of Neil Sheppard at the time of the accident. He was rather nice, that Dr. Hamilton. Totally unlike Roger in so many ways. Though they both had red hair, Roger’s was darker, a bit like Len’s, whilst Dr. Hamilton’s was fiery. Dr. Hamilton also shared her love of reading, something Roger never had really appreciated, and they had already conducted many in-depth discussions on reading material.

They met Dr. Entwistle just inside the building. “Hullo there, Len. And you too Con.” He nodded at each of them in turn, but the greeting to Con was a slight afterthought. “You here to visit Grizel?”

Nodding eagerly, chesnut ponytail bouncing, Len confirmed the visit, before adding, “Oh, Mamma sent a message for you.”

Not really listening to their amiable chatter, Con gazed around the room. There were only a few people in there. A bored looking receptionist and a mother with her son, probably waiting to visit someone. She sighed. Con had been hoping she would see Dr. Hamilton here. He was around here sometimes.

As they turned to go to Grizel’s room, Con spotted him out the corner of her eye. He must have seen her at exactly the same moment, for he quickened his pace and called, “Con!”

All three turned around as hurried up to greet them. “Con, I was to catch you. I brought that book you said you were interested in reading. Do you remember? The one I was telling you about last week.”

Con had to try very hard not to allow her excitement to bubble over. “Thank you, Dr. Hamilton,” she said quite calmly.

“You know you can call me Ian, don’t you?”

She suddenly went all shy. “It just doesn’t seem right, not using your title,” she stammered.

‘Ian’ laughed at her. “It’s not that important really. Honestly, it makes me feel rather old. Are you visiting Grizel? I’ll drop the book in before you leave.”

Con thanked him and disappeared with Len and Reg to Grizel’s pretty little room. But to tell the truth, it was difficult for her to keep her mind on the conversations at hand. It was a silly infatuation, she knew that, but nevertheless, she could not settle properly until he had indeed taken the time to give her the book.

#129: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 10:42 am

awww

Somewhat cute.

*sighs, contentedly*

#130: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 12:01 pm

Let's hope this turns into something good for Con.

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

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 12:05 pm

Yay! I always thought that Con and Hamilton would be a nice little couple Very Happy

#132: Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 2:28 pm

Awww... I liked the way Roger and Con ended amicably, and Con and Ian are just cute Very Happy

Just wibbling slightly over the summer as and when Roger returns to Switzerland and potentially sees Ian and Con's little crush on him... Confused

#133: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 3:40 pm

If Roger wanted to end things, it's his own fault if he suffers from seeing Con and Ian together!

#134: Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 3:45 pm

*points to Jennie about the comments I've made elsewhere on the board re. men*

(In other words, they're irrational neanderthal beings all the time, as opposed to we women who are only allowed to show our true colours once a month!) Wink

Oh, and if Con doesn't want Roger, I'll have him Very Happy

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

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 4:03 pm

Loving this! It's really realistic that one of the trips would have been interested in men!

#136: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 4:09 pm

Have you ever heard me disagree with your POV, Kirsty?

I do accept that some of the people on this board are married to human beings, it's just that I never got to be so lucky!

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

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 5:23 pm

AAww I like Con and Ian, I do hope we get to see more of them together

*hint hint*

#138: Author: Frances, Location: Milton Keynes

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 6:33 pm

Quote:

(In other words, they're irrational neanderthal beings all the time, as opposed to we women who are only allowed to show our true colours once a month!) Wink

How true. Much as I love my best-beloved, that sums him up completely. Don't think that he'd agree I restrict myself to once a month though.

Really enjoying this, but can anyone give me some idea of the age gap between Con and Ian? Just feeling slightly twitchy here, and can't lay hands on the relevant book at the moment.

#139: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 7:32 pm

[quote="Ciorstaidh(In other words, they're irrational neanderthal beings all the time, as opposed to we women who are only allowed to show our true colours once a month!) Wink

That's a bit tough on the Neanderthal women!

#140: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 12:31 am

I love the contrast between Con and Len, who is blissfully unaware of Reg's intentions.

#141: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 6:55 am

Con does like redheads, doesn't she!

#142: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 9:40 am

Would now be a good time to mention that I'm rarely nice to my characters and Con has got off lightly so far?

Following this part there will be an explanation of why.

-----

Skipping along the road to the Sanatorium, Con hugged the book close to her chest. She had been sent with a message for her father, as the phone lines appeared to be down again, but had taken the opportunity to return Dr. Hamilton’s book, as she had finished it the night before. Con had started reading it almost immediately, but somehow school had got in the way as usual, and it had taken her over a week.

Whether he would be there or not, Con could not know, yet something inside her really hoped he would be. Since she had borrowed the book she had seen nothing of him, not like Len and Reg, who was always popping into Freudesheim. When it came to it, even is she had finished the book before yesterday, she would not have been able to return it. This at least gave her a reason to speak to him now.

Having delivered the message to her father first, she was fortunate enough to run into Dr. Sheppard. “Oh hello, Dr. Sheppard! Is Dr. Hamilton around?” She thrust out her burden. “I need to return this to him.”

He smiled at her. “Now, young Con, I know he has specifically asked you to call him Ian. Between you and me, I think it makes him feel old.” He sobered up and continued, “But I doubt you will see him for some time. He was called back to England yesterday.”

Yesterday??? She really did not have any luck at all. First the fizzling out of her relationship with Roger, nw her rebound infatuation had ended before it even really began. “Oh,” she said, looking measurably downcast. “Do you know when he will return? I really feel I should return his book.”

“I really don’t know,” Dr. Sheppard replied, shaking his head. “It may be some time. He might not even return for anything other than a visit. I can take it for you, if you don’t want to hang on to it in the interim.”

Con thanked him and turned to return to school, but Dr. Sheppard stopped her. “He did leave a parcel for you though.”

“A parcel?” Con did not need to feign surprise. She had had no idea Dr. Hamilton would do that.

“Just one moment, I’ll fetch it for you.” He returned carrying a small brown parcel, about the size of a book before leaving her to it.

Con took a seat in the reception area and ripped open the package. It was indeed a book, brand new by the look of things, and one they had discussed some time previously. At the time he had told her he did not own it, and had not even seen a copy in years.

Sticking out of the front page was a handwritten note, in untidy doctor scrawl, though it was still more legible than Roger’s. There was also an inscription on the front page.

“Con,

“On a trip down to Interlaken I spotted this in a bookshop. I knew I’d mentioned it to you before, and thought you might like to read it. I would have liked to give it to you in person, but I have to return to England immediately.

“I will miss our literary discussions. Few people are as interested as you and I.

“Ian Hamilton.”

Hugging the letter and book close to her chest, Con sighed romantically. Perhaps he did like her after all. Noth that it really helped, since he was a long way away. And even older than Roger. Well, it was not like she really had a relationship with Dr. Hamilton anyway. He was just a friend. And now it looked like that was all he would be.

As she ran back to school, errand completed, Con thought about her chances of finding someone new while she was still at school. Very slim, she decided. As before, there was a positive dearth of eligible males her own age. With the departure of Dr. Hamilton it was pretty much none. There was Dr. Entwistle, Reg as she knew him, but Con had eyes. She could see the way he looked at Len. Yet Len did not seem to notice. Or at least not yet. It could not be long now. She was sixteen, same age as Con. And Reg did not seem the type to wait forever. Len would realise soon enough.

------

now I LIKE Dr Hamilton, and would have liked to include more of him here, but unfortunately, midway through Reunion (I have the page number written down somewhere) there's a comment about how Dr Sheppard has gone to stay with Dr Hamilton in Hampstead. And how Dr Hamilton has bought a motorbike. Neither of these bits suggest to me that Dr Hamilton was still on the Platz from that point on (nay, in fact he is living in Hampstead!) and so I had no choice but to do this.

However, it WOULD have been nice to see Roger's reaction to her crush on Dr Hamilton. But now I don't really mention much of Roger, so it's draw your own conclusion time! Plus I'm about to skip twoish years.

~LadyG

#143: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 10:13 am

Cool.

But we can always have her running into him later???????

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

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 10:20 am

Excellent, thank you

Im certain Dr Hamilton would have returned to the Platz, so like Angel I hope to see more of them when they are older Very Happy

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

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 12:25 pm

Also interested in what happens when Con is 18 - so don't be too long writing! Thanks! Wink

#146: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 12:28 pm

ohhh, con! DEAR DEAR

#147: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 3:43 pm

You'll all just have to wait and see! :p I've planend for all the way through uni, hehehehehe Twisted Evil

But I'll be extra nice and give you another part now, as you'll probably only get one tomorrow.

-----

Summer 1958

“What about you?” Margot demanded. “You're facing a big adventure, too, aren't you?”
Len flushed. “Nothing is settled and I don't know if it's what I shall finally want. Anyhow, I'm doing nothing until I've got my degree, that's flat.”

Con chuckled. “Well, you may have to reckon with Reg, my love. He knows what he wants, all right!”

Len shook her head. “He may, but I don't. It's something you've got to be very sure of. Anyhow, I want my degree before I settle to anything else. That means a wait of two if not three years. There's plenty of time to think it over.”

“Poor Reg!” Con laughed.

“If he really wants you he'll be patient,” Margot said, her blue eyes searching her elder sister's face. “But it's going to mean a few changes for him. However, I imagine he's thought of all that.” (Prefects p86)

Unless Con seriously missed her guess, Len knew exactly what she wanted, she just was not ready to admit it yet. For the past two years she had watched Len and Reg, and it was blindingly obvious to her. Of course, Len had shielded her self from an interest in boys. Perhaps that had clouded her judgement when it came to things like this.

Quite simply though, it was not at all fair. Con had been looking around for four years now, and she was left with nothing. Yet Len, who did not really care one way or the other, had managed to snag a potential husband without even trying! Though she was happy for her sister, she was a wonderful person after all, Con could not help feeling that maybe there was something wrong with her. Why could she not find a man?

As usual, though Con never let it show anymore, it made Con feel the diminished triplet, the shadowy one no one noticed. Len the nearly-engaged one, Margot the pretty one who was to become a medical missionary. Both things that people loved to talk about. Then there was Con, the middle one. Sure, she had her writing, but somehow that never seemed as interesting. Once again, she was pushed back behind her sisters. For the first time in ages, she missed Roger, even if it were for the wrong reasons.

#148: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 4:10 pm

Poor Con, but *excellent* characterisation of her.

Wonderful

Thanks

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

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 4:10 pm

Mmmmm, what is Con going to do - to prove she's not the forgotten triplet then?

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

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 4:24 pm

I had a feeling Con wouldn't be happy by Len's engagement. You have her so right has the forgotten sister. I hope she does do something interesting Very Happy

#151: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 5:58 pm

Depends how you look at it! Remember, it's university soon!

Sigh.... I should really write some more, but Conquerer is just too good to stop reading!

~LadyG

#152: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 7:05 pm

Healthy view of Con. Not so healthy of Len, though it may just be she matures later. Looking forward to what or who Con sets her sights on next!

#153: Author: ali, Location: medway, kent

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 7:30 pm

I just had the pleasure of reading this all in one go. I love the way you've used EBDs writing and fitted it so perfectly with what you want to happen, I'll never see certain bits in the same way again. Con is my fav too so I can't wait to see her uni life, hope its like mine!

#154: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 7:55 pm

LadyGuinevere wrote:

Depends how you look at it! Remember, it's university soon!

Sigh.... I should really write some more, but Conquerer is just too good to stop reading!

~LadyG

*grins*

Well, after you stopped me writing with this incredibly good piece, turn and turn about is fair play.

And btw, the next chunk of this story is utterly brilliant as well Laughing

#155: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 3:02 pm

Interesting

#156: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 6:00 pm

There may be a slight hiatus after this part... I need to write an extra one.

-----

It was late by the time Len returned from her trip to Freudesheim, Con knew she could not talk to her just then. After Reg had been lost in a flood, Len had been tremendously worried about him and had not had a moments peace until he was found. Even after that she had been on edge until she had beem able to see him.

The whole school had noticed it, even the Middles, though they did not put two and two together as many of the Seniors already had. After Len had pulled up a fair number of Upper IV B in particular for various minor breaches of rules, most of them were rather vocal in their annoyance at her, especially Val Pertwee, who commented that if she was going to continue like that, perhaps it was a good thing she would not be staying. Which was very unusual as ordinarily Len was one of the most popular Head Girls the school had ever had.

Amongst the Seniors it was a different story. The chatter that had been quashed by Len earlier in the term abruptly resurfaced, and the Prefects, including Con and Margot, along with Ruey from VI B, spent a good deal of time trying to curb the more ridiculous stories.

Privately, Con had her own ideas, but that was no reason to let idle gossip spread around the school. There was something in Len’s mood that told her all she needed to know. She, who had her own prior experience of boys, knew how to recognise the signs. And they were all there in spades. Con had hoped to speak to her sister before bed, to find out exactly how things stood, but alas it was not to be, and she retired to bed before Len had even returned.

However, next morning Con was able to catch her alone before Frühstück next morning. “Len? How was Reg? How did things go yesterday?” There was no undercurrent to her voice, it was too risky around the school. Especially with the gossip flying around as it was.

“I’ll tell you later,” Len replied quietly, desparately trying to hide the grin from her face. “You, Margot and Ruey. Oh, and Ted. While everyone else is packing the school things away, I’ll see if we can nad a spare classroom. You’ll hear everything then!

And with that Len sped off down the corridor, leaving Con to stand staring after her, more questions sitting on the tip of her tongue. There was definitely something going on now, Con was certain of that. There was no other reason for Len to be so whirly, even less so for her to call an elder family meeting.

True to her word, Len did arrange a meeting between them, though by that point all those involved had an inkling as to what was up. “I’ve brought you all here because I need to tell you something, but I need you all to promise that you won’t breathe a word of it to anyone before school is finished.”

Everyone agreed quickly, though Ruey did exclaim, “As if you need to ask!”

Len took a deep breath. “I saw Reg last night. He’s going to be just fine.” She paused rather dramatically. “And we’re now engaged.”

There was a good deal of hugging and congratulating of Len, until that young lady decided that enough was enough, and she would finish what she was saying. “Of course, we won’t be married for a few years yet. I want my degree first, it’s a useful thing to have these days, but then, well, we’ll see what happens.”

It was no more than Con had expected really. She was happy for Len, of course she was, but a twinge of jealously nagged at the back of her mind. For years she had been the most advanced triplet when it came to boys, even if few had known, and now Len had overtaken her. More to the point, without even trying, Len had snagged a man. It was not fair!

There was something else bothering Con. What if Len’s way had indeed be the right way? To stay innocent, and then the right man would just fall in your lap? If that was true, then had Con already messed up her chances by investigating? And would a good, kind man even look at her now? Not matter how hard Con tried to put it out of her mind, it was still there, niggling at the back.

Thank goodness university was coming soon. There no one would know about her past. She would be free of the overshadowing, partly at least, and free to make a fresh start. What could go wrong?

#157: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 6:17 pm

Poor Con, to think she's afraid she is sullied for ever by a few adolescent kisses and cuddles!

*Intrigued by 'what could go wrong'*

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

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 6:29 pm

Oh dear, Im not sure I like that last line, Im sure something will happen!!

Another lovely post, I promise to be patient for the next bit

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

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 6:48 pm

Have just caught up with a huge chunk of this and it's absolutely fantastic. Thanks Lady G!

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

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 7:05 pm

Poor Con - can understand why she felt jealous - hope she has a far better love life in Uni! Laughing

#161: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 7:07 pm

That old Catholic guilt!

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

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 12:46 am

This is wonderful! Poor Con!
I'm looking forward to the next bit, and trying to find some patience..... Wink

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

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 1:27 pm

Patience??? Whats that???

Wonderful! Thank you! More please!

#164: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 2:55 pm

We don't do patience on this board!

#165: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 5:09 pm

Jennie wrote:

We don't do patience on this board!

But I thought everyone played freecell when they were trying not to write!

#166: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 5:29 pm

Quote:

But I thought everyone played freecell when they were trying not to write!

I most definitely do that!

Not sure when the next part will be up.... probably Thursday, as I graduate tomorrow! Eeek!

~LadyG

#167: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 6:09 pm

Congrats on your graduation! Just keep the plot bunnies well fed Wink

#168: Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 7:05 pm

Enjoy your graduation - I must say I hated my first graduation but loved my second one.

Use the boring bits to think up more drabble. Oh and wear gloves, because your hands will get sore from all the clapping of people you don't know and don't care about! Shocked

(just remember to take them off before you go up on the stage!)

I was a bit miffed at my last graduation ceremony, actually. The day after it Patrick Stewart was made Vice-Chancellor of the uni and if our ceremony had been a week later we'd have shook his hand!!!!!!!!!!!! Life stinks at times Rolling Eyes

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

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 9:01 pm

Have just caught up on eight pages of this and I think it's FABULOUS.

Con comes across as really human and natural.

I hope Len gets old and fat at 30 while her middle triplet has a wildly romantic and most enjoyable life Twisted Evil

#170: Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 9:07 pm

Catherine_B wrote:

I hope Len gets old and fat at 30 while her middle triplet has a wildly romantic and most enjoyable life Twisted Evil

at Catherine, but I quite agree.

I must admit that at one point I wondered why Con was so desperate for a man, then I remembered that it did seem important to have a boyfriend and be ahead of friends (and triplet sisters!) at that age.

Cynical old me Wink

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

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 11:26 am

Very true, Lulie Sad

Love Catherine's comment!!

#172: Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 2:46 pm

Just found and read this story, and it's wonderful. It's nice to see Con in the forefront instead of being pushed into the background like she often was in the books.

I'm hoping she's going to find somebody right for her but I've got a sneaky feeling that it's not going to be that easy.

Star Wars

#173: Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 2:30 pm

Hope your graduation went well, LadyG!

and our Chancellor is the Princess Royal...but she isn't expected to shake 30,000+ students' hands every year (think of the co-ordination between the colleges required for graduation! Shocked

) so we just get a handshake from our Principal (Professor Adrian Smith) and the head of School (Dr Alistair Hudson).

*chants loudly for mmooorree!* Very Happy

#174: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 3:51 pm

When I graduated, we just had to walk in front of the Queen Mother and curtsey to her.

Are we going to get any more of this?

#175: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 5:04 pm

Oh you will.... hopefully this weekend. I got rather waylaid.

Graduation was good, if monotonous. And no one really special at mine.

~LadyG

#176: Author: Frances, Location: Milton Keynes

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 5:25 pm

*wails indignantly*

I thought there was more and ....there wasn't. Are you really really really hopeful for this weekend?

Not that I'm pushing or anything Smile

#177: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 3:35 pm

Frances, we always push for more drabble!

#178: Author: shoe__gal, Location: St Andrews, Scotland

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 8:43 pm

Just caught up on this - it's fantastic! Very Happy

Can't wait for the next part!

#179: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 6:19 am

There IS some coming soon, I promise.... I'm just waiting on my beta!

~LadyG

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

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 1:35 pm

*sighs* I was rather hopeful seeing you had posted

Looking forward to it soon Very Happy

#181: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 3:07 pm

LadyG, post it quickly, please..

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

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 3:19 pm

Seconds that. It's been days! Oops, that sounded rather like a whine. But can you blame me? This is fantastic!

#183: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 4:45 pm

It certainly is. Smile

#184: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 5:21 pm

::hangs head::

Yours truly being the beta in question.

It's worth the wait, promise, just needs a little ironing.

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

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 7:03 pm

We could dry clean it for you? Very Happy

#186: Author: Frances, Location: Milton Keynes

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 7:59 pm

*Sulks and stamps foot. Screams for more. Considers throwing tantrum, then wonders if it would be more effective to throw something much harder*

**Decides Angel would probably just throw hard object back**

#187: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 8:07 pm

*throws large pillow back*

You're only making it worse

I'm pressing for one long section, without the tantalising split. I can easily change...

#188: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 8:10 pm

I gave into Angels' suggesttion. I still think I should have split it.... plus I could then drag it out longer. It might be a little slow for a while, but it is there!

-----

Part 2 - The University Years

Autumn 1958

Leaning on the side of the veranda, Con gazed out across the garden and beyond. Her home since she was ten years old, and now she was about to leave it all behind. The whole country in fact. Though she was British by birth, and had spent her early years there, she had come to think of Switzerland as home, with its pure mountains and deep valleys. She could not imagine living without such a few. Over the years she had become accustomed to it, but now she was reimersed in its beauty, losing herself in a fairy world.

“Fancy a stroll, Connie?”

Her father’s voice from behind her startled Con, and she inadvertantly jabbed her elbow into the rail before turning around, rather surprised.

Jack Maynard guffawed heartily. “Careful there, you don’t want to get too lost. You’ve finished your packing, haven’t you? Well, in that case, come along. As it’s a fine day, and one of your last.”

He left her no room for argument. Though Con was not averse to going. She had seen little of her father over the past few days, as there had been a difficult case at the San. Tomorrow the three Maynard triplets would depart for their journey across Europe. Con had almost despaired of getting the chance to speak properly with her father before they left, but fortunately, the difficult patient had eased, and Dr. Maynard was finally able to spend some time with his family.

The two of them walked for about fifteen minutes, not really saying much other than the general small talk on the weather and the comings and goings of the Platz. The avoidance of deeper topics was conspicuous to both, yet still they persisted.

Eventually, when they reached a serene glade where there were several large boulders, a good shape for seating, Jack reached out and touched Con on the arm. “Let’s stop here,” he said quietly. “It’s a nice place.”

The two of them paused, looking out across the valley in the land both had grown to love, not saying anything for a few moments. Finally, Jack broke the silence. “It seems like we haven’t really talked much recently. How do you feel about university. Are you looking forward to it?”

Here Con floundered instantly. Caught off-balance, she could only repeat the first words that came into her head. “Yes…. no…. I’m not sure…. sort of a bit of everything!” she stammered nervously.

Her father chuckled, somewhat amused. “Is it that confusing?”

“Well, yes,” Con decided. “I’m looking forward to it, the new experiences and everything, but there’s also something else. I’ll be so far from home, even though Len will be nearby and Margot in Scotland, and it will all be so different from what I’m used to!”

Jack said nothing, but nodded knowingly. It was not far different from his own experience, and he had not gone quite so far away from home as his girls would be doing.

“What was it like for you?” Con added abruptly. “Was it as bad as you expected?”

Shifting uncomfortably on the boulder, Jack tried to put together his thoughts properly before answering. “It was different back then,” he began slowly, not really sure on how to express himself without making her more worried. “I came from a good family, yes, but few were accepting of Catholics. Of couse, there had been all the trouble over Ireland, and we weren’t in particularly high favour as a result.” He sighed, almost blowing Con away. “I won’t say it was easy for me, but I had it better than many. Yet even so…” Suddenly, Jack shook his head, realising who he was speaking to and why. “It won’t be like that fo you,” he soothed gently. “Things have changed a lot since that time.”

“It must have been tough,” replied Con absently.

She had never really considered her father’s time at university before. It was one of those things in the dim and distant past that stayed there. Nor had Con thought much about religious prejudice. She knew it existed, certainly. How could she not after Hitler and his hatred of the Jews. But having been brought up in and around the Chalet School where tolerance was second nature to one and all, it had never seemed quite real to her. Now, faced with the slightly strained look around her father’s eyes, Con began to understand a little and it opened her eyes to the world.

“You’ll find yourself out of the background there,” Jack said abruptly.

This gave Con rather a shock. How could he know? She had always accepted her fate, rebelling only in private. Had Margot mentioned something to him?

As if psychic, Dr. Maynard answered her question. “You forget, Con, that I am a twin. I understand exactly how you are feeling.” He sighed for a second time, and kicked the leaves on the ground. “I only wish I had seen it earlier. In you, I failed to recognise myself.”

“What do you mean, Papa? How could you be like me?”

He chuckled quietly at her outburst. “You’d be surprised, Con.”

Still Con was confused. “But you’re a doctor and Auntie Mollie taught maths before she married. How could you be in her shadow?”

“If it wasn’t for Mollie I would never have become a doctor,” Jack explained. “When we were younger, about the same age as the two Fs actually, I shared Bob’s tutor, and Mollie had a visiting governess who came three mornings a week. On the days when Miss Abdale was not at Pretty Maids, she managed to persuade old Mr. Johns to let her sit in with us. And she completely excelled in the maths classes.” He turned to his daughter. “You have to understand that this was unusual in a girl of our era. Girls weren’t supposed to be interested in things like that, but Mollie broke the mould. And luckily for her, our parents were thrilled by it, and encouraged her every chance they could.

“When it was time for us to depart the home and go to school, our parents sought out one for her that would allow her to study maths and study it well. I was sent to a good school, but I always felt second best to her. Our parents showered attention on their brilliant daughter. I was just left to one side. At that age I was nothing special, they could not show me off as they could Mollie.

“As time went on, I felt more and more neglected. I started to play up at school, cheeking the masters, playing tricks, that kind of thing.” He squirmed a little as he spoke. Jack was not especially proud of that part of his life. “Then, the summer we were fifteen, Mollie took me aside and gave me a good hard talking to. She told me to stop being such a silly ass,” Con stifled a giggle, “and to buck myself up. Much like you and Len did with Margot all those years ago.”

“Is that when you decided to become a doctor?” Con asked, curious. This was a story she had never heard before, odd considering the amount of tales that were passed around the family.

Jack nodded sagely. “Pretty much. Mollie could see what I could not. I was good with people and had a keen interest in biology. She helped me with the stickier maths and I made it to university to study medecine.”

“But I thought you were always good at maths? Mamma always said so!” This was one continuous period of revelation and she struggled to comprehend everything her father was telling her.

He smiled. “Well yes, compared to your mother I am! Yet until Mollie shook me up and took me on, I was barely treading water with it. Your Auntie Mollie has a great gift for making people see through the numbers.”

“Except Mamma.”

“Well, there had to be one failure!” Jack’s eyes shined at the thought of his still-youthful wife. “Mollie did her utmost best with your mother, and believe me, it’s a distinct improvement.”

Now it was Con’s to chuckle. “I do think Mamma hates maths more than me!”

“She certainly does,” Jack agreed. “You do actually have a reasonable grasp of it now though, Con. You’ve done yourself proud!” Con went faintly pink. “Anyway, the point I was trying to make was that until then, I was the shadowy one, the one no-one noticed.” He could not look even his daughter in the eye. “I considered myself worthless, not good enough. And when Mollie set me to rights, I vowed that no child of mine would ever feel like that. And I failed.”

Tears began rolling silently down his face and the breathing became haggard. Quite honestly, Con had no idea what to do. She had never seem him like this before, except perhaps once when he had lost a patient unexpectedly. Tentatively, she reached out and put an arm around him. “Papa, it’s okay. Truly. Yes, I did feel like that, but I always knew you and Mamma loved me. And Len and Margot too. For the most part I came to terms with it a long time ago. I couldn’t do anything else.”

Jack drew his second daughter into a hug. “I could have stopped that. If only I had noticed earlier…”

“It wasn’t your fault,” Con soothed. “It wasn’t anyone’s fault.”

He held her more tightly. “You are unique, Con, remember that. No-one can ever take that away from you. You don’t deserve to be overshadowed by anyone.”

Con smiled knowingly. “I don’t intend to be. Just as you didn’t.” She mused over her last sentence. Did that quite make sense?

They left the glade, arm in arm, to return to Freudesheim, a new understanding between them. For the first time in a while, Con felt that she was not the outsider of the family, but more a part of it than ever before.

Len greeted them at the gate. “Where have you two been! We’ve been looking for you for ages! Con, Mamma wanted to check something for you and Margot wanted to ask you something Papa. She was getting rather frantic! Oh shoot, it’s nearly time for elevenses. Come on, you two!”

She scuttled away quickly, leaving Con and Jack to exchange amused smiles before trailing after her. Nothing had changed here then.

#189: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 8:15 pm

"and if you ask for more after gorging on that long post then I'll throttle you"

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

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 8:17 pm

Gorgeous, thank you and well worth the wait. Very Happy

It's so interesting to consider Jack's position in the family, especially with his twin, as its never been something I have considered, and I like Con's developing maturity.

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

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 8:40 pm

Thank you Lady G! That was a lovely part, and it was great to see the relationship between Con and Jack, and also the insight into Jack's childhood, and relationship with Mollie.
The only thing I would say is that I think your instincts were correct, and it would probably have read better as two posts.

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

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 8:40 pm

That was excellent - a real insight into both Con and Jack. Thank you.

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

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 9:04 pm

Thank you Lady G, that was a lovley insight into Jack's youth, and into his and Con's relationship, you have a very gentle touch with them. I am really glad you are continuing this.

Re-beta reading, we don't have a system like on some boards where you have to do what your beta readers say, a lot of us do ask for advice from other writers on the board and have our work beta read, myself included for my latest drabble, but in the end you are writing it, so if you disagree with your beta reader then make your own decision. Advice can be valuable, but you need to weigh it and decide if it is what you want for your drabble.This is a good drabble, so be confident to make it go the way you want.

#194: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 9:10 pm

Carolyn P wrote:

Re-beta reading, we don't have a system like on some boards where you have to do what your beta readers say, a lot of us do ask for advice from other writers on the board and have our work beta read, myself included for my latest drabble, but in the end you are writing it, so if you disagree with your beta reader then make your own decision. Advice can be valuable, but you need to weigh it and decide if it is what you want for your drabble.This is a good drabble, so be confident to make it go the way you want.

Oh I know (and we do disagree on some things - of course I always win Smile

). It was only really a question of whether to post all at once or to tease it out til tomorrow. I'm not sure it would really have made much difference, and I didn't know where to split it anyway.

angel isn't the one causing the major delay actually - that's my realisation that some major details were worng and had to find my Oxford based friend who is notoriously hard to find! Very Happy

~LadyG

#195: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 9:15 pm

Thanks LadyG, I really enjoyed reading this, and can only echo everyone else's comments about how lovely it is to see a bit more of Jack's background and character, and his relationship with Con.

I'm sure that little talk will help her a lot as she goes off into the big wide world.

I actually feel quite envious now - much as I love and appreciate my dad, he didn't really go in for these little father-daughter chats!

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

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 9:16 pm

Excuse my ignorance but what is a beta reader?

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

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 9:20 pm

A beta reader is someone who can have a look over something before its published widely. To let you know if something isn't clear and may confuse people. They can sometimes give you good ideas (and save you from posting something which isn't a good as you think it is). They can also act as a final court for spelling and grammar (although most beta readers object to that, and a lot refuse to help unless the stories already been spell-checked!) I do it a little myself, mainly on BtVS fics (I like reading Faith/Xander, although I'm also doing a Xander/Mara Jade from Star Wars one as well *shrugs*)

Hope that helps

JackieJ

#198: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 9:21 pm

I actually feel quite envious now - much as I love and appreciate my dad, he didn't really go in for these little father-daughter chats!

Mine neither! In fact, mine isn't really a very sociable person. Hmm... now this scene sounds like wish fulfilment! Smile

I'm sure someone else can give a better explanation, but I define a beta reader as someone who reads one's work before posting/publishing, points out problems, errors and the like, and offers gentle criticism. It's quite useful (especially as I do make mistakes when typing), but they need to be accessible ideally! I had one once before ans she was worse than my Oxford friend for getitng hold of!

~LadyG

#199: Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 9:31 pm

If you're after accuracy checking on Oxford stuff I may be able to help having just spent four years there Very Happy

Very much enjoying this so far!

#200: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 9:33 pm