The School By The River
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#1: The School By The River Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 7:21 pm


Please remember that I am in NO way an expert on this matter and any knowledge I do have is derived from an hour's research on the net! If anyone can see any glaring errors, please let me know, but also please remember that the Gornetz Platz is a fictional place and therefore I can't really apply logic to any such happenings since I'm not aware of it's characteristics. Besides, it's fiction! *g* Oh, and apologies to Ray - it was written on a spur of the moment idea, and I was fairly happy with this part. I'm not so happy with the next part though, I'll email it to you if I may *pleading smiley*
______________________________________________

Madge Russell turned away from the window out of which she had been peering. “Oh, I wish it would stop snowing!” she exclaimed in exasperation. “Doesn’t it ever ease up here, Joey?”

“My dear, you’ve been in Australia far too long if you can’t remember exactly what Swiss winters – and Austrian winters as well, for that matter – are like. It’s anyone’s guess as to when it will stop. Leave it for now! Come over here and have another cup of tea, and we’ll have a natter.”

Sighing in frustration, Madge conceded to her sister’s suggestion and even agreed to look through the photo albums for what felt like the hundredth time, and probably was. She loved her sister, but really! There was a limit to the amount of times that they could go over ancient history.

“Oh, look!” Joey Maynard exclaimed with a chuckle. “Here’s that photo of Corney playing the saxophone! How I laughed when I saw that! They had the cheek to ask me to sing as well. Remember, Madge?”

“How could I? I was up at the Sonnalpe at the time.”

There was a hint of bitterness in Madge’s voice which made Joey turn to look at her sharply. “Madge?”

Shaking the black curls as though to rid herself of the thoughts which kept presenting themselves to her, Madge ignored her sister’s question. Time enough to deal with all that later. Anyway, Joey wouldn’t understand. She was acutely aware of that, at least.

Joey stared at her sister briefly, willing her to confide in her, but was content to leave it until Madge was ready. She knew well enough that, had Madge been a difficult schoolgirl, she’d just keep pushing and pushing until whatever walls remained were broken down. But Madge, who remained under the illusion that Joey was still a delicate young girl, would stand no such treatment. No, Joey Maynard knew her limits, whatever anyone might say, and her sister was one of them.

“So what are we to do?” Joey asked, putting Madge’s state of mind aside for the present and concentrating on the rather more alarming matter at present.

“Isn’t it obvious?”

Joey rightly regarded this a hypothetical question, much to her relief, since she saw no such obvious answer.

The two sisters were interrupted by the front door of Freudisham being slammed open as Hilda Annersley and Nell Wilson entered, swiftly dispensing with wraps and making their way to the large Salon.

“Cold, you two?” Joey asked sweetly, noting the flushed cheeks and rapidity with which they moved to the large fire burning in the grate.

Nell Wilson gave her an indescribable look. “Just why you two couldn’t come to the school, I don’t know! We need to deal with some matters over there later anyway. Hello, Madge,” she added as an afterthought. “I’m presuming Joey’s filled you in on the situation?”

“Not all of it!” that young lady protested. “It’s your matter, anyway. Did you talk to the Committee?”

Hilda Annersley nodded. “Yes; I spent the better part of an hour speaking to the Head of the Committee, and Nell’s been communicating with them for the past six months or so, anyway.”

“Has she?” Madge turned to the Head of St Mildreds, the finishing branch of the Chalet School. “Nell, why on earth haven’t you mentioned any of this before?”

“I never thought anything would come of it,” her friend protested. “Rosalind heard a rumour through someone she attended university with, and I decided to see if there was anything behind it. Apparently, there is.”

Madge sat up with a bang. “Nell Wilson, for giving cryptic speeches, you’re second to no-one! For mercy’s sake, just give us the latest news.”

“Very well, but since I’m not aware of all the ins and outs of it myself, it will be a very brief explanation. You must have realised that avalanches are becoming more and more common around here? Yes?” as both Joey and Madge nodded impatiently. “Well, apparently the Swiss National Committee for the Scientific Committee on the Lithosphere – oh, for heaven’s sakes! Call it CHILP then, if you will. Anyway, they decided to do some investigating. The long and short of it is that they’re worried about the mountains, and particularly the rock surrounding the Gornetz Platz. There was an earthquake near here in 1356, and several since then, caused by a particular rock fault. I won’t give you the exact details, since I’m a little rusty on them myself in this particular area. But they’re extremely concerned about the likelihood of another earthquake, and there are apparently a great many weaknesses in the rock around here, caused by a process called over-thrusting, where the older and weaker rock is pushed above the newer rock. That’s one of the reasons for the increase in avalanches of late. Now it may be that nothing may come of it. We’ve had no earthquakes here in our time, and the rock, for the moment, is stable. But if it’s alarming enough to draw the attention of such an organisation to it, then to my mind it’s something which we must consider.”

There was utter silence for a moment as Madge digested this information. “If that’s your idea of a brief explanation, Nell, I wouldn’t like to hear you when you really got started,” Joey remarked mildly into the silence.

“I will, if you like,” Nell returned with a glare. “Don’t be so silly, Joey! This isn’t a decision which can be made lightly.”

Madge jumped to her feet, making her way aimlessly over to the window again. “They say there’s no immediate danger?”

Hilda shook her head. “Not of yet, apparently. In the future there may be. We’re not the experts.”

“But?”

“These aren’t our children, Madge,” Hilda reminded her friend gently. “Dare we take that risk?”

“No.” Shaking her head firmly, Madge came to the conclusion which Hilda had already reached. “Absolutely not.”

“So we move?” Nell questioned.

“We move. Again.”


Last edited by Gem on Tue Nov 23, 2004 10:39 am; edited 13 times in total

 


#2:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 7:45 pm


Gem, this is intriguing, and a great reason for them having to move again!!

*wonders where they will go......*

 


#3:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 7:57 pm


How fascinating. Where will they go this time? Look forward to hearing Gem.

 


#4:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 9:29 pm


Wow Gem!

Looking forward to where they are going to move too - and will Madge talk to Joey?

 


#5:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 11:48 pm


v v intrigued.

Shamelessly starts the chant for more......

 


#6:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 8:52 am


Very original ...

Wonder where they'll move to?

And very intrigued by Madge ...

 


#7:  Author: sonab PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 9:31 am


Can we make guesses??

I guess : Back to Briesau!! Question

Sona

 


#8:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 10:20 am


Hmmm, very interesting! Look forward to seeing where they move to. My guess Melbourne!!! Laughing Wink

 


#9:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 10:37 am


Just a mini-piece - there might be another update later on this evening. Madge is being rather difficult at present! BTW I'm re-thinking where to send the school at present, so please go ahead and guess - I may end up changing it if I particularly like one of the guesses!!

There was a long silence as all four women considered the implications of such an enormous undertaking. “It’s not as though we’re a small school any more, Madge,” Joey said at length. “Can we afford it?”

“We can’t afford not to,” Hilda interrupted. “That much is obvious, Madge.”

“I suggest we go over to the school and look over the books,” Madge said, rising. “That way we’ll know exactly where we are. Everything else will have to wait for now.”

Joey nodded in agreement. “Well, then, let’s go!” she announced, standing up and reaching for her wrap which had been tossed carelessly over a chair.

“Joey,” Madge said, hesitating. “I’m awfully sorry, but I think this is something that Hilda, Nell and I need to deal with. Obviously,” she added hastily, “you’ll know all about it in due time, since I presume your own girls will remain with us. There are affairs of your own which you need to attend to, though.”

Her sister was struck dumb for a minute. “What affairs?” she asked presently. “If you don’t mind me saying, Madge, I don’t quite understand why I’m being shut out of this.”

“You have no official link with the Chalet School, Jo. You were the first pupil, and you’ve always been a large part of it, but the school books are something which must be kept intensely private. You must see that. Besides, there is your own move to consider. The school isn’t the only building which will be affected.”

“Well, yes, I’m aware of that. I was under the impression that this move was to be a joint thing, but I see I must have been mistaken,” Joey said with dignity, doing her best to keep her temper. What on earth was the matter with her sister?

Madge raised one eyebrow. “And the San? What is the likelihood of finding two buildings of such large proportions with a conveniently placed pension in the middle?”

Flushing, Joey agreed coldly, “I see your point, Madge, and I thank you for drawing my attention to it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to consult with Jack.” She swept out of the room, leaving a most awkward situation behind her.

Hilda and Nell both stared at each other awkwardly, rather unsure of what to say. Normally, Hilda would have chalked it up to simple sisterly irritation, but the bitterness and repressed anger within those expressive dark eyes gave the indication that all was not well, and hadn’t been for some time.

 


#10:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 10:42 am


Hmmm, even more interesting...so how will this be resolved. Madge is obviously unhappy but I'm not sure this is going to help.

 


#11:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 11:28 am


OOh this is nice. Is Madge resentful that Jo has been close to the school for so many years whilst she was in Canada and Australia? Looking forward to more, there is so much possibility here.

My guess would be Briesau.

 


#12:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 12:01 pm


Intregued as I am as to where they will move, I think I'm even more hooked by what is going on between Madge and Joey.

 


#13:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 12:23 pm


oooh... I never thought Madge and Joey could have those sort of sisterly spats (I remember them well).

As for my guess, the Bavarian Alps, 'twould keep them on the continent and the scenery there is gorgeous. If it was near enough to Neuschwanstein they could have all sorts of fun with history.

JackieJ

 


#14:  Author: RoseaLocation: Edinburgh PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 12:36 pm


Agrees that was a v typical sisterly moment! I am very interested ih finding out the background to Madge's attitude.

One thing though aren't Joey and Jack also major shareholders? Wouldn't that give them some right to input?

Looking forward to more! Smile

 


#15:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 12:48 pm


ooh, this is fun
more please Gem
(although please don't write in yellow again, it's v hard on my poor ole eyes!)

 


#16:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 1:37 pm


Eagerly awaiting more over here please Gem!!!!

 


#17:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 3:27 pm


Eek - ructions! Shocked

Love the idea - and admit to being more interested in the Joey/Madge spat than the relocation Surprised

Perhaps they could move somewhere really different, away from all those mountains and then they'd have lots of scope for new activities?
    a desert in Dubai? Camel-racing instead of boats?
    the Australian bush? Great for orienteering? Wink
    Cape Town? Whale-watching?
    the Indian Ocean? Scuba-diving and shark-wrestling?

 


#18:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 4:02 pm


Very interested in Madge's reasons - though must admit to a tiny 'Yes!' when she told Joey!

(BTW only place you don't get earthquakes? Off the Earth! However you will get far more around mountainous regions.)

 


#19:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 4:21 pm


VEEEEEEERRRY interesting. Although I'm almost tempted to suggest the FCS route and just let nature take it's course! Some people would be very happy with that! Laughing













But I'm not one of them. I like this start too much!

 


#20:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 5:59 pm


Very interesting Gem, Poor Madge it must be hard for her to consider moving again, and must feel Joey has seemingly been move involved with the school more than here.

I would like Austria too, but perhaps because Madge has just returned from Australia this has given her ideas?

 


#21:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 6:31 pm


New Gem drabble! Very Happy

Well we've all noticed the large numbers of natural disasters in the area so moving out does make sense. It's unnerving seeing Joey and Madge fight though, just not normal.

 


#22:  Author: ShanderLocation: Canada PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 7:42 pm


More!!! Pleeeeeeeeeease! If there was a pleading smiley I'd be including it. I really want to know what is up with Madge and Joey.
At your earliest convenience please

 


#23:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 10:31 pm


*thinks Gem sounds very knowledgeable despite her admission to the contrary*

My guess for the relocation: Canada. The climate apparently rejuvenated the entire Russell and Maynard families, so it's probably a good location for the San.

 


#24:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 7:58 am


Little bit to keep you going! Might be more later on - depends on how long I spend shopping *g* Have to work tonight Crying or Very sad

______________________________________

The school seemed almost eerily silent as the three women entered, Madge lost in her own thoughts and her two friends staying silent in recognition of her pensiveness. Since the Christmas holidays had begun only three days ago, all pupils were with their families, and the majority of the staff were away, even Matey and Rosalie Dene having gone to spend a week with Cornelia Van Alden and her family. Hilda and Nell had originally planned to spend the holidays in Nell’s cottage in Devon, but the growing alarm for their situation had forced them to cancel, and Madge, who had been staying with Josette in Australia, had flown in as soon as possible.

“It will be a shame to leave this place,” Hilda said quietly, looking around. “We’ve been here so long now, and it really is the ideal situation for a school.”

Nell gave her a quick glance. “Not getting sentimental, are you Hilda?” she asked sweetly, and found herself rewarded with a glare. “I’m looking forward to it, actually. I think it’ll be an adventure.”

Hilda stared at her in despair. “Only you, Nell Wilson, would think that moving an entire school could be an adventure! It isn’t as though we’re small any more, as Joey said. We’re going to need much larger buildings than we’ve ever had before.”

“You’ve been saying for some time that we need to expand, but there was never any space up on the Platz,” Nell argued. “As well as that, the curriculum really needs to be increased – it hasn’t been changed in ten years! - and for that we’ll need more mistresses. I think this is an ideal opportunity.”

“Whether it’s an opportunity or not, it still needs to be done,” Madge interrupted matter-of-factly. “The first thing to do is find out exactly how much we can afford to expand.”

Nodding in agreement, Hilda turned towards the study. “My study should be warm – I turned the heating on before we left this morning. Nell,” with a quick glance out of the window, “the snow’s stopped now and the roads should be all right. Would you mind going down to send those telegrams?” Her eyes pleaded with her friend to trust her, and Nell, with a grimace at the thought of going out in the cold again, nevertheless understood and left without question.

“Telegrams?” Madge questioned as she and Hilda settled themselves comfortably in the study.

“Yes; Matey, Jeanne, Ruth, Rosalind and Rosalie should only be a week away anyway, so we thought we’d let them have their holiday out. But Nancy and Kathie were planning on spending the entire time in Italy. I hate to interrupt their holiday, but they’ll have plenty of others and we really need them back here. Searching all over the world for a school won’t be an easy job!” Hilda reminded Madge with forced cheer, which swiftly disappeared as she noted that look in her friend’s eyes again. Madge returned the smile weakly, then turned back to the books with an expression of determination which alarmed Hilda more than she cared to admit.

 


#25:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 8:01 am


Perhaps Hilda can find out what's wrong with Madge.

Thanks Gem!

 


#26:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 9:05 am


Wonderful!
Looking forward to the next bit Gem!!!!

 


#27:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 9:29 am


Interesting! Loved the spark between Hilda and Nell. Still intrigued as to exactly what worrying Madge, hopefully Hilda can find out.

 


#28:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 1:59 pm


Confused I hope Hilda or somebody can find out what's wrong with Madge soon. The banter between Nell and Hilda was great, moving the whole shcool is not going to be fun I'd imagine so the more cheerful they are at the start the better!

Thanks Gem.

 


#29:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 4:37 pm


*stacking up anti-Madge weapons* Am I the only one who has an uncomfortable feeling that Madge is gonna try and oust Hilda as Head....?

Shocked Mad

 


#30:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 10:22 pm


'Nother little bit! Expect a larger part, or maybe two or three smaller parts, tomorrow. Also huge thanks to Ray for making sure this part actually made sense!!! *g*
____________________________________________

Half an hour later, Hilda Annersley was becoming decidedly frustrated with her friend, which was a shock in itself. Understanding the necessity for privacy and the irritation caused by questions well meant but wrongly timed, she had always left others to come to her in times of need. There was a gentle sympathy to Hilda’s nature that made people want to go to her for comfort. Yet with every harsh word spoken, every cold glare, Madge Russell was pulling further and further away from her, and it worried Hilda. She’d seen depression – for she was certain Madge’s behaviour could be explained in no other way – like this only once before. It had taken Grizel Cochrane a severe accident and three months in bed before her tiredness had been lifted, and Hilda knew well enough that, had Neil Sheppard not made his intentions known, Grizel would be in much the same situation still. She had no intention of allowing Madge to reach such a stage, now that she was here. Besides that, the effect on Joey was more than a little alarming, and, to Hilda’s mind, unfair. She made up her mind.

“Madge!”

Her friend glanced up absently. “Yes?” Hilda looked straight at her, catching Madge’s gaze with her own, and Madge barely held back a sigh. Frowning as she heard the sigh and, seeing the reluctance in Madge’s eyes, Hilda swiftly re-considered the wisdom of pushing her friend for an answer. Beyond the reluctance and fear though, Hilda was certain she saw some part of Madge who was desperate for a friend’s support and guidance. And no matter how much she wished she didn’t have to, Hilda Annersley was going to give it to her.

“Madge, what is it?” Hilda asked more gently, as she saw the expression of horror arising on the younger woman’s face.

“It’s not fair,” Madge said in a low undertone, almost a growl. She dropped the book which she had been examining and leant forward, resting her head in her hands. To Hilda, it almost looked as though she was physically in pain, and she felt more than a little alarmed as Madge started to shake. “It’s not fair, Hilda,” Madge repeated through bitter laughter.

“What isn’t fair, Madge?” Hilda kept her voice as quiet as possible so Madge could ignore the question if she wished. The last thing she wanted to do was push her to breaking point.

Madge sat up, drawing her legs up to the chair and hugging them to herself. To Hilda, she looked almost like a young girl, vulnerable and terrified. “I got a letter from Len last week,” she said, with an almost dreamy smile. “She’s so excited, you know – first the marriage, then teaching, and now this. She says she’s going to carry on teaching after the birth though – she loves it too much to give it up.”

“She’s a very talented teacher,” Hilda agreed. She turned to catch Madge’s eyes in her gaze. “It runs in the family.” She saw the smile rising, and then reiterated her question, desperate not to lose the opportunity whilst Madge was talking. “What isn’t fair, Madge?”


Last edited by Gem on Fri Aug 13, 2004 10:36 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#31:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 10:28 pm


*eyes Madge warily...* And...?

 


#32:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 10:28 pm


Idea Light may be dawning.

This is very good Gem, shame I'm going to miss so much going away next week.

 


#33:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 10:36 pm


Ahhh, think I know whats wrong! Poor Madge!

This is great Gem, thanks!

 


#34:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 12:09 am


She's jealous of Len - not nastily, but that she, Madge, didn't have the same opportunity.

Poor Madge!! Crying or Very sad

 


#35:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 12:30 am


Oh poor Madge, it makes sense if she's jealous of Len. I can't imagine Jem would have let her work much afterwards, other than the little bits she did do. I can't imagine Joey being hugely sympathetic though Confused *wibbles*

 


#36:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 10:10 am


Poor Madge, it must be so hard for her to see Len have more opportunities open to her.

*Hopes Madge comes back to teach*

 


#37:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 8:03 pm


Oh I agree- she's definitely regretting lost opportunities and I'm sorry gor that and I hope the new school can find a place for her, RCS style..

But NOT if it means her taking over the headship!!

Can you tell I'm not the world's greatest Madge fan? Give me Joey and Co any day... *runs to hide*

 


#38:  Author: sonab PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 10:45 pm


I hope this drabble takes Madge back to teaching Gem... I thought Madge was a better Head than Miss Annersley. I prefered her 'reign' over the school during the dark ages. She seemed more approachable than Miss Annersley with her resonant voice and eyes that never needed glasses etc etc

Looking forward to more...

 


#39:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 11:09 pm


Have to say I totally disagree about that Sonab.

Hope Madge's problems are resolved, but not at the cost of Hilda losing her post.

 


#40:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 1:16 pm


Well, Lesley, I certainly never expected THAT reply! *g*

Next bit - am really unsure of how it reads though, so please bear with me! I won't be able to post tomorrow so I thought I'd put this bit up without it being beta-d.

___________________________________________

Madge only vaguely heard Hilda’s question, lost in her own thoughts. She repeated her query again, and for a moment Madge considered leaving the room before she lost all semblance of dignity. Hilda always wanted to fix everything, Madge recognised bitterly, then chastised herself severely. She knew well enough how fortunate she was to have a friend in Hilda Annersley – how fortunate she was with all her friends, for that matter. Yes, she was a lucky woman, yet for some reason she was able to put all that aside and concentrate on how much she had given up. Her sister and her family somehow had everything that she had thrown away, and Madge felt the bitterness rise within her alongside her disgust at herself.

“I don’t like how things have changed,” Madge began haltingly. “Everything’s different now, Hilda, and I don’t quite know where I fit in. You – you’re the Head. Each and every girl in this school knows that if they’re in trouble, you’re the person to go to. And that’s as much due to your character as your role.”

“Maybe so,” Hilda agreed quietly. “I think you’re underestimating the roles of the form mistresses and other staff, but this isn’t the question at present.” She stared directly at her friend, willing her to talk. “Do you feel that your role has been diminished, Madge?”

Madge shook her head vehemently. “I don’t feel it; I know it. After I married Jem – which, by the way, I could never regret,” she added hastily, not that Hilda had been in any doubt of that. “I missed teaching a little, but there was so much more to do. I was mother to ten children whilst we were still in the Tirol, if you count Jo, Robin, the two Venables and the Bettany children. Margot was too ill a great deal of the time, and Dick and Mollie’s eldest four were my children, at least when they were young. Then there was Josette and Ailie, and when we were in Canada, Margot. Do you know,” she gave a bitter smile, “every single night for the first week, Margot cried herself to sleep in my arms, and all I could think of was that I’d left Sybs and Davy behind.”

The dreaminess of remembrance shone in her eyes for a moment, before Madge shook her head violently to rid herself of such thoughts. “That’s in the past now. I love my children, but they don’t need me as much. Josette’s a mother herself now, and Sybs is hoping. The twins aren’t exactly babies either, and boys are always more self-sufficient.” Madge gave a little shrug, looking somewhat ashamed of herself. “I suppose that – no, I know that I was jealous of Joey, and Len. Len won’t have the large family that Joey did – I’d say about the same amount as I did. She’ll be wife to a doctor, as I was. And she’ll teach. She’ll know for the rest of her life, long after her own children have gone out into the world, that she’s making a difference. Len will be needed, as Joey is. You know her connection with the school, Hilda. Joey will always be a part of the Chalet School.”

“You don’t think that you’re needed, Madge?” Hilda kept her face as impassive as possible, yet inwardly she was in turmoil, wondering exactly how such a woman could be so completely and utterly wrong.

“Oh, I know I’m needed, Hilda, have no fear. I’m the Founder of the Chalet School – I will always have a role, no matter how detached I am from it. My children will always need me. It just seems an awfully empty life these days.” Madge gave a weak smile. “I suppose I took it out on Joey, seeing how she took her role in the school for granted.”

Hilda took a deep breath, hating herself for her reluctance. “Madge, will you take over as Head of the Chalet School when we move?”

 


#41:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 1:20 pm


AAAaaagghhh! Gem!!!!!
*grumbling* But s'pose Hilda offered.

 


#42:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 1:21 pm


Lisa, did you really think that Hilda would listen to that and NOT offer? The question is whether Madge accepts... Unfortunately, there won't be another update until Tuesday, unless I'm feeling particularly kind *g*

 


#43:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 1:38 pm


Hilda couldn't be true to herself and not make the gesture. Though I don't know that it's what Madge would want - it's a very much larger School now.

Looking forward to more whenever you produce - thanks Gem!

 


#44:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 1:54 pm


oh I agree with both of you. Hilda being Hilda she would not have been able to listen to that and not offer.

and like Lesley, all grumbles aside, I'll read whatever you write, Gem! Laughing Laughing

 


#45:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 2:04 pm


Hilda did have to offer, but I don't think Madge will accept it as she just hasn't Hilda's experince of teaching, and Madge will always put the school first. I hope she takes some English lessons though!

 


#46:  Author: CathLocation: Cornwall PostPosted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 4:12 pm


Oooh, I'm loving this Gem... yes sorry it's taken me so long to reply, but you know how it is! Laughing Heehee, I know where the school is being moved to... Gem told me. Very Happy I'm hoping Madge won't accept Hilda's offer though, I much prefer Hilda as Head! More, more, more please!

 


#47:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 4:48 pm


I have to agree, Cath, I prefer Hilda as Head as well. Madge was excellent but it was a much smaller school and Hilda has the personality to be able to manage a bigger school. I do hope Madge says no - but if she says yes, what happens to her marriage to Jem??

 


#48:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 8:32 pm


I suppose Hilda had to make the offer but I don't think Madge is likely to accept, well I hope not anyway. Maybe she wants an increased role in the school but I think going back to be Head would be a BIG shock for Madge.

Thanks Gem.

 


#49:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 9:31 pm


Intresting. I hope Madge doesn't accept, if she did, and then found that running a large school was too much for her she would feel even worse.
I have to agree that Hilda is the better head - Madge always had a slight tendancy to defer to the nearest male whenever she had a problem.

 


#50:  Author: KellyLocation: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 9:43 pm


This is really good. Just caught up on the last couple of posts.
Certainly this was not the direction I thought this would go - which makes it all the more interesting. Definitely intriguing.
I'm looking forward to more.

 


#51:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Aug 16, 2004 12:09 am


Very, very intrigued Gem!!! More soon please!!!

 


#52:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 16, 2004 10:16 am


liking this Gem
I was thinking more that Madge was jealous of Joey initially though - interesting that it's Len.

Hope she doesn't accept Hilda's offer, maybe they can find her some new role to get her teeth into that will challenge her and wake her up a bit. Although if finding a new house for the school isn't a challenge, then I don't know what is!

*thinks which European mountain ranges the school hasn't been to yet... Pyrenees? Italian Alps? Trannsylvania (ooh, vampires, that could be interesting - a kind of Dusk-to-Dawn type twist!)*

 


#53:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Aug 16, 2004 10:54 am


The trouble is that Madge has been a figurehead for so long that I don't know how you *could* find her a position within the school's senior staff- unless Hilda and Nell were to be persuaded to retire, I suppose. Both of those two have so much natural authority and are so much a part of the school that the girls themselves would always think of them as 'the Heads' and having pupils go to them rather than her would be even more hurtful for Madge.

Maybe Jack can go to Wales and Jem and go with the School and then Madge can take Jo's place! Laughing

 


#54:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Mon Aug 16, 2004 1:52 pm


Oh, this is great. I agree with the comments about Hilda being the better Head, but maybe Madge needs to be able to prove to herself that she can / can't do it. Hilda's wisdom would enable her to watch, but be there to help. (It would be an exciting story!!)

Actually, if you think about how radical and go-getting Madge was to start the school in the first place, it is funny how much she fades into the background. I spose EBD needed a vehicle to start the school and therefore unleash the character of Joey upon the world! Laughing

Like this lots, and can relate to this drawing of Madge's character.

*g* what role do you think Hilda would take on if Madge became Head? Cook? Matron? Gardener?

 


#55:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 7:41 pm


Oh, don't worry, I have ways around this... prepare to hate me in four updates or so Very Happy *hyped up on power*

I'm sorry for having taken so long to update - wish I could say I've been busy but I've been down the pub!!! Have been celebrating/drowning sorrows regarding results though. Also had a major case of writers block, and have been researching new location *really loving this power thing*

Okay, here's the update!

________________________________________________

Madge chuckled as she heard Hilda’s words. “Hilda,” she said firmly, “you’re a dear friend for offering, but I’m afraid I must refuse. I know how dearly you love this job, and you are good at it. The school has changed out of all recognition since I last led it, and the last thing I want to do is harm it.”

“There is no possibility of you harming your school by leading it, Madge,” Hilda argued softly.

“Oh, I doubt that I would do badly,” Madge agreed. “I’m well aware of my capabilities, Hilda – and my limitations.” She turned to look at her friend. “I know your abilities as well, Hilda, and they more than match my own. I’ve no intention of being compared to you unfavourably, and I’m very much afraid that it would happen should I follow you as Head.” Madge sounded very matter-of-fact as she stated her opinion, and it shocked Hilda how far she had come from the enthusiastic young mistress of the early days of the school. The Founder of the Chalet School caught her Headmistress’s expression and smiled, with just a hint of tired bitterness behind it. “I’ve no time or patience for hiding my feelings any more, Hilda. The truth is that I couldn’t do the job as well as you, not now the school is so big. Besides,” she added with a grin that seemed to remove twenty years from the weary expression, “I think that if we started to consider new Heads, we might need to go to the younger generation. There’s only three years between us. Oh, I’m not suggesting that it’s something you need to think about immediately – you’ve a good few years in you yet,” prompting a glare from her friend, “but it is on the cards, to steal one of Joey’s expressions.”

Hilda nodded in agreement. “Yes, I suppose it is. I’d like to see the school up and running in our new environment first though – wherever that may be!”

“Wherever it may be, indeed!” Madge agreed fervently. “I certainly shan’t be able to complain about being bored for the next few months, anyway. Do you have any idea?”

Shaking her head, Hilda sighed in frustration. “The first thing I did was consider all our previous locations, but it’s simply impossible. We number nearly seven hundred now, and it’s simply impossible to fit into any of our previous buildings. Besides that, very few are still available.”

“Maybe so; but we’ve got to consider the fact that if we separate from the San, our numbers could be greatly diminished,” Madge reminded her. “I may have been unfair to Joey, but I was right to an extent. We aren’t going to find space for the San and the School. We’ll need all available buildings for St. Mildreds and St. Nicholas’s. I know you want to have Biddy, Hilary, Joey and Grizel and co near us since their children are all still so young – even Joey’s youngest are only eight, and Marie-Claire is just five. Their commitment has to be to the San, though. You must realise that.”

Miss Annersley sounded just a little irritated. “Of course I do. It’s just a shame that we have to separate after so long.”

Rightly recognising this as a rather sensitive subject, and knowing that she herself might have similar opinions had she not been separated from those same people for the past ten years or so, Madge changed the topic of conversation. “How likely is it that the staff will come with us? You know them better than I do, of course, but I’ve always considered that we have an excellent set of staff.”

“We couldn’t ask for better,” Hilda returned promptly. “And whether they come with us will depend very much on where we go. I’m certain that the longer-standing members of staff will come with us, but we may lose some of the younger mistresses. I know everyone loves the school, for it’s a wonderful place to work, but the more ambitious members of the staffroom might want to move onwards. We can certainly count on Matey and Jeanne though, and almost certainly the Heads of Departments. It’s mainly the junior mistresses that may wish to leave, especially if moving requires learning a new language.” Hilda spared a regretful thought for Pam Slater, though she was certainly more than grateful for her replacement, Nancy Wilmot.

Joey poked a head through the door, smiling cheerfully at her sister and friend. For all her faults, Joey Maynard did not bear a grudge, and she saw clearly in Madge’s face her regret at her earlier actions. “Everything sorted?” she demanded.

“Yes, Joey – they’ve almost certainly arranged the removal and relocation of the entire school in less than two hours,” Nell Wilson responded with famed sarcasm as she strolled into the study, having been hiding in Hilda’s personal salon for the past half hour in order to give Hilda and Madge some time alone.

Flinging an indignant glare at her friend, Joey settled herself comfortably in a chair. “Well?” she demanded. “Satisfy our curiosity, do!”

“If you think we’ve found a new location, Joey, then I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed.” Madge found a slight pleasure in the irritation that crossed her sister’s face, then scolded herself firmly for it. “We’ve been studying the books, and luckily we needn’t worry about finances for the present. There’s only so much we can do until we decide where to relocate to, anyway. Put your thinking hats on, please!”

“I’ve no idea,” Nell said slowly, a wicked gleam starting to appear in her eyes, though it was apparent only to Hilda. “However, I did receive a letter this morning – and it was interesting, to say the least.”

There was a silence for several minutes, then Joey exclaimed, “Helena Margaret Wilson, would you mind explaining exactly what you mean by that?”

“Not yet,” Nell said innocently. “I’m not certain what it means myself yet. You’ll know more tomorrow.”

The silence continued for a few more minutes, after which Madge and Joey proceeded to tell Nell exactly what they thought of her. That didn’t bother her – she was more than used to it. The absolute calm from her co-Head, however, was for some reason far more alarming.


Last edited by Gem on Mon Aug 23, 2004 8:46 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#56:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 8:17 pm


Gem, I'm intrigued!!!!
More soon please!

 


#57:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 8:42 pm


I liked both Madge and Hilda's reactions to the thoughts of headship. I hope you are going to reveal this mystery location soon!!

 


#58:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 9:05 pm


Hmmmm I wonder who Nell's letter is from.

Hilda and Madge's conversation was very interesting, i'm glad Madge decided not to take the headship, I think she's right and she'll be needed anyway. It will be interesting if Joey, Biddy et al. stay wherever the San goes though!

 


#59:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 9:05 pm


I've just found this and I'm very glad I did! Thankyou Gem I'm really enjoying it Very Happy

So will we know the new location tomorrow too???

 


#60:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:38 pm


Verrrrrry interesting. Seems Hilda knows what's in the letter, either that or she's just not giving her friend the satisfaction of knowing that she wants to know!!

 


#61:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 12:16 am


Soooooooooooooooo glad to see this back

Quote:
Oh, don't worry, I have ways around this... prepare to hate me in four updates or so *hyped up on power*


Just a little bit worried though

 


#62:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 9:18 am


*agrees with Dawn*

Loved Nell's sarcasm and looking forward to who said what in the letter ... oh ... and where the new location will be ...

 


#63:  Author: sonab PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 9:45 am


This is becoming more and more interesting. Who is the letter from? Who could have space for the CS? A wierd suggestion but - Robin? Maybe the CS will merge with convent!!! I know... not very likely!! Who else has land? Maybe a move to Belsornia - like the school by the river or is the country still behind the 'iron curtain'??

*perplexed*

Sona

 


#64:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 11:23 am


Heh... *evil chuckle* You'll have to research yourselves to find out where the school's going - unless you care to wait until tonight, that is. Very Happy

___________________________________________________

The next week passed in a frenzy of organisation, with Madge travelling back to England and then Australia to consult certain officials. Though the Chalet School had begun small, it had grown to the extent that several people owned a great many shares and naturally had to be consulted before any complete decisions could be made. Joey, after various conversations with her husband, lapsed into a detached silence when she was with her friends and turned her attention to the details of her own home. The two co-Heads of the school also travelled to various locations, including the previous homes of the School, only to return frustrated and at a complete loss. Hence the scene of weary dissatisfaction which Nancy Wilmot and Kathie Ferrars stumbled across late one evening in the Head’s study.

They themselves were in a state of what could only be described as wild excitement, both looking beyond exhausted and yet decidedly more energetic than any of the other four occupants of the study. Joey and Nell were both sprawled inelegantly across chairs, staring at various maps, whilst Madge and Hilda continued to study the financial situation of the Chalet School with rather less enthusiasm than before.

“Have no fear, the Chalet School is successfully relocated!” Nancy announced as she bounced into the room. Her face could only be described as one broad grin as she gave a mock bow, an action which caused her partner to hit her arm lightly before greeting the other occupants of the room in a rather more orthodox fashion.

“Well, I’m glad that’s solved then,” Madge said dryly, referring to Nancy’s earlier statement. “Would you care to tell us exactly where it’s relocated to?”

Kathie Ferrars glanced up in surprise. “Didn’t Nell tell you? I wrote to her earlier on in the week.”

Hilda raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really?” she glanced at her co-Head. “No, apparently that insignificant piece of information slipped her mind.”

“I didn’t tell you because I’ve little to no knowledge of the area,” Nell justified easily. “It seemed far more practical just to wait until they got back. Kathie, how’s the geographical situation?”

“There’s always going to be a slight risk in mountainous areas,” Kathie responded, “but precautions have been taken, and the area we’re considering is a great deal more secure than the Platz. I’ve spoken to a couple of friends in CHILP, and they say we’ve nothing to worry about in the immediate future – and by immediate I mean the next hundred years or so,” she anticipated Joey’s question. “With the increase in the earth’s average temperature, it’s always going to be an issue, so don’t ask me for definites.”

Nell nodded. “Good. Rosalind had much the same opinion, but you’ve been there recently and she hasn’t. Thank you for researching that, Kathie.” She gave the junior mistress a quick smile.

“Mountainous areas?” Joey’s curiosity was heightened by this. “Oh, I am glad! The Chalet School belongs amongst mountains. Although I do miss the Tiernsee,” she added wistfully.

Smirking irritatingly along with the two young mistresses, and looking much the same age as them, Nell responded, “Well, I’m afraid we can’t offer you that, Joey – but how does the Lake Garda sound?”

 


#65:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 11:38 am


Aha! You went with that, then Smile

Good job so far, looking forward to more Smile

Ray *Smile*

 


#66:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 11:50 am


Oohh Lake Garda, that would be wonderful!

*spent a great holiday there this year*

 


#67:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 12:02 pm


I only just got to this drabble and it's superb. I'm only slightly younger than the triplets in RL (if you know what I mean when talking about fictional characters Shocked ) and some women of Madge's generation did envy the freedom we had to work and have a family.

so 'sweet Lady Russell' has had enough of her restrictions! Good!

I'm still nervous about why we should be hating Gem soon.

*imagination runs into overdrive - the earthquake happens soon and they are all wiped out?*

 


#68:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 3:40 pm


Might make it a rather short story PatMac! *g*

 


#69:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 4:19 pm


Gem!! I thought it was more story! Ive been merrily going through, ignoring the pleadings for more... and I got to the end so far! Grr.

More please!

 


#70:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 4:19 pm


Cancel that. I didn't mean to give you ideas Crying or Very sad

I think Holocaust corrupted me Wink

 


#71:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 6:37 pm


Still looking good! Thanks Gem. Laughing

 


#72:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 7:47 pm


*thinks Nell might have been asking for trouble*

It's a brilliant location though, 'd imagine it might take a while to find buildings or build their own but at least it's a step in the right direction Smile

More? please

 


#73:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 8:50 pm


Maybe the entire school will fall into the lake *convinced Gem's nasty hints have something to do with Hilda, Madge, the headship and the 'younger generation'*


C'mon, Gem. Satisfy our curiosity further and put us out of our misery!!!!!!

 


#74:  Author: CathyLocation: Australia PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 9:47 pm


Forgive my ignorance, but where is Lake Garda?

 


#75:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 11:36 pm


More soon please Gem!!!!!

 


#76:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Aug 25, 2004 12:34 am


Quote:
Forgive my ignorance, but where is Lake Garda?

Same question! Have I found the right one?
http://www.itwg.com/itwg_geoarea.php?COUNTRY=IT&AREA=9066

 


#77:  Author: CathyLocation: Australia PostPosted: Wed Aug 25, 2004 1:30 am


Kathy_S wrote:
Quote:
Forgive my ignorance, but where is Lake Garda?

Same question! Have I found the right one?
http://www.itwg.com/itwg_geoarea.php?COUNTRY=IT&AREA=9066


Thanks for the info. It seems to make sense. I guess Jack and Jem could maybe open a health resort instead of a San!

Cathy

 


#78:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Wed Aug 25, 2004 6:19 pm


Those who want to know where the Lake Garda is, I can pm some website addresses to you if you like, or you can wait for a couple of updates as I'm going to describe it in more detail. But please everyone, remember that I've never been there! Ally has been a HUGE help, but a great deal of it is found on the internet. If anyone who's been there sees some huge inconsistencies then I'll change it if I can, but I'm just going with my imagination at present.

Another thing - the title I was planning on using was EBD's "The School By The River". Does anyone have any huge objections to me using this? Just pm me if you don't think I should, I won't mind in the least.

___________________________________________________

Joey sat up with a bang. “The Lake Garda? Italy?”

“Have you both taken leave of your senses?” Madge demanded.

“Not to my knowledge,” Nancy returned, unperturbed. “I know it sounds mad, but…”

Madge interrupted, “It not only sounds mad, it is mad! There’s no way that we can move out to Italy without speaking a little of the language, and as far as I know, Sarah Denny only teaches a very select few pupils Italian.”

“Sarah Denny doesn’t teach at all any more, Madge,” Hilda said softly. “She retired last year.”

Flushing and looking more than a little ashamed, Madge pressed on, “Exactly! What on earth makes you think that this would be the ideal location for the school?” Her tone was biting, and Nancy reddened as she replied.

“I agree the language may pose a problem at first, but remember that we needn’t move straight away – the danger isn’t immediate, is it?” she glanced enquiringly at Nell, who shook her head.

“No, not yet. We will need to move at some point in the very near future, but I’d say we have at least a year before it becomes absolutely necessary. That was the timescale that we were looking at, wasn’t it, Hilda?” She glanced at her co-Head for confirmation.

Nancy nodded in satisfaction. “So, we begin Italian lessons immediately, dedicate some extra time to it – if we can spare it, that is. Timetabling is Rosalie’s department, not mine. As for the location itself, you only need to see it to know why we’ve chosen it. It’s right at the foot of the Mount Brione, and the towns of Riva and Torbole are either side. Kathie and I,” with a quick smile at her friend, “have visited them both several times, and I think I can safely say we won’t be at a loss for local history, especially with Rovereto nearby. They’re both tourist-oriented, but the buildings at the foot of the mountain are more or less in isolation, so we wouldn’t have to worry about being disturbed during lessons.”

“You’ve found suitable buildings, then?” Nell asked in surprise, glancing at Kathie. “You didn’t mention that.”

“No, because we hadn’t found them when I wrote to you. That’s why we’re here later than we thought – we stumbled across the buildings on our last day, and it just seemed too good to pass up. They were previously used as hotels and a series of holiday homes, but the owner decided to end the business since most people were staying in either Riva or Torbole. I don’t think he was particularly keen on the tourist business expanding between the two as well – from what I could tell, he’s opposed to change in any shape or form!” Kathie gave a quick grin. “Good for us, I suppose. He’s willing to take a lower price than he might get from someone wanting to continue to use them as hotels. And the buildings are absolutely gorgeous, and more than big enough for the school, St. Nicholas’s and St. Mildreds. They’re built in the traditional style, and from what Nancy says, they’re actually very similar to the original Tirol buildings. I’ve only seen those once, of course, during the coming of age celebrations.”

Hilda looked up. “Riva del Gardo? I’ve been there once, many years ago. From what little I can recall, it was an almost Mediterranean climate. Are you sure it’s suitable for a school?”

“It’s not as bad at the actual location,” Nancy reassured her. “Don’t forget it’s fairly close to the lake, so that cools it down. Also it’s rather protected by the mountain. We were a little disappointed by the lack of winter sports to start with, but Rovereto gets a fair amount of snow in the winter, from what I hear, and there are plenty of resorts around. If we can work out a deal with one of those, it will certainly be beneficial from a safety point of view. There’s also Madonna di Campiglio, which is a bit more of a trek but well worth it.”

“Well,” Hilda said cautiously, trying very hard not to laugh at the enthusiastic looks on the young mistresses’ faces, “it sounds perfect on paper, but we can’t make such a decision, as I’m sure you can understand, without seeing it first. Now I suggest we all book tickets - ”

She found herself interrupted as six tickets were placed in her hand, and glanced over at Nell. “I was under the impression that you hadn’t made a definite decision yet, Nell?” she asked mildly.

“Oh, I haven’t,” Nell said quickly, “but Kathie’s letter was persuasive, to say the least, and I thought we should at least consider it. It’s not as though we’ve made a great deal of progress in other areas.”

“I agree that it’s an area we must consider. However, may I remind you that the Senior Mistress, the head of the language department, the head Matron and the school secretary are arriving in two days? I presume you feel that they should have a say in the matter?”

Three faces dropped dramatically. “Well, of course,” Nancy said at length. “We’ll just exchange the tickets for a later date, and buy four more. It’ll just be a case of waiting a while longer.”

“Indeed,” Madge agreed, feeling it was time she joined the conversation again. “In the meantime, what are we to do about the language? How many of the language mistresses speak Italian?”

Hilda considered for a minute. “Almost all of them, I believe. Nell, you speak Italian, don’t you?” as her friend nodded, “and considering you two have spent the past three summer holidays in Italy, I’m presuming you’ve picked up at least a little.”

“Enough to get by,” Nancy agreed. “I’m more than happy to help with tutoring. Joey, can we call on you as well? I know that you speak it, or at least used to.”

“I’m a little rusty,” Joey said cautiously, “but I’ll do. I think you need to consider hiring a new mistress especially for Italian.”

Madge nodded. “Oh yes, certainly – if it happens,” she added prudently. “There’s no sense in tempting Fate.”

“In the meantime,” Hilda said, rising, “I suggest we celebrate – we’ve found at least one location! Anyone for hot chocolate?”

“Hot chocolate?” Nell demanded. “Bring on the wine, Hilda! We’re celebrating!”

Hilda flung a teasing glance at her friend as they headed in exodus towards her private salon. “You just like your wine, Nell!”

 


#79:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Wed Aug 25, 2004 6:54 pm


Aww. I love your Hilda and Nell too!

More soon please!

 


#80:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Aug 25, 2004 7:37 pm


Lovely - thanks Gem! Kiss

 


#81:  Author: KellyLocation: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Wed Aug 25, 2004 7:59 pm


Lovely.
I'm really looking forward to more.

 


#82:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Aug 25, 2004 10:23 pm


Perfect, I'm really looking forward to this new adventure.

If you need any more help just ask Very Happy

 


#83:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Aug 25, 2004 11:11 pm


Looking VERY good Gem!!! More soon please!!!!

 


#84:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 4:44 pm


I am so looking forward to seeing the school in Italy, more soon please.
I'm still wondering what you're going to do that makes you think we're going to hate you. But there's only about another two posts to go now before we get to that point isn't there?

 


#85:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 6:41 pm


This is lovely, Gem! *firmly putting all worrying/hate- inducing possibilities out of mind*

 


#86:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 7:18 pm


This part is un-beta-d, but I wanted to get it up as there won't be a post tomorrow - at least, I hope not. If I post, you know I've failed my driving test. *wibbling*

*evil evil evil evil laugh*


Matron, Jeanne de Lachenais, Ruth Derwent and Rosalie Dene arrived two days later, and immediately found themselves flung into a state of wild excitement, with arrangements being planned and unplanned, various letters being sent and flights out to Rovereto booked. Kathie and Joey, as the rather more imaginative members of the party, found various ideas squashed by a simple word or glance from either Head, but they didn’t allow a great many plans to be hindered by that. Jocelyn Marvell, in particular, would be thrilled to know how very strongly her form mistress put forward the argument for speedboats.

Joey was curled up in the comfy chair in Hilda’s salon, looking more pensive than Hilda thought she had ever seen her look before. Nancy, Jeanne and Ruth had disappeared off to Aldernest, the home of the Graves and Courvoisier families, with plans to celebrate the new location of the Chalet School to the best of their ability, and Hilda wondered mildly exactly what state her mistresses would be in the next morning. Nell and Kathie were poring over various maps in order to discover how the travelling route of the Chalet School pupils might be altered should they move to Italy, and she, Madge and Joey were sitting in a companionable silence in the salon.

“So, Joey, are we looking around for a new home in Italy as well?” Madge asked with forced brightness, trying to diffuse the sudden tension between her sister and herself. She knew well enough that she was partly to blame for it, but Joey’s distracted attitude over the past few days hadn’t helped matters.

“Depends on where Jack can find a practise,” Joey said bitterly.

Hilda sat upright suddenly. “Wait a minute – a practise! What about the San, Joey?”

Joey glanced at Madge, who had suddenly turned very white. “I’m presuming you know, then?” she asked coldly.

“Jem did mention something, and I thought it would be likely,” Madge said tightly, recognising that she was treading on very thin ice. At the same time, she wondered how her sister could have not seen this possibility herself.

“And I suppose you think I ought to have expected it?”

Madge shook her head, flinging a pleading glance at Hilda. “I don’t think you should have expected anything, Joey. I certainly didn’t think that it would close altogether, but I did realise that it would be reduced in size.”

“Yes, I suppose you would. It’s very fortunate that Jem’s job is secure – at least, I presume it is?” Madge abruptly woke up to the fact that Jack, despite his obvious credentials and experience, would find it a great deal harder than Sir James Russell to locate work in another field.

Hilda decided that it was time to take a hand, since Joey was glaring at her sister in a none too friendly way. “Joey, I realise why the San is closing, though I hadn’t considered it before,” she told her friend. “We are all wiser in retrospect, but you must remember that Jack is an excellent doctor – one of the best. No matter what his field of expertise is, there will always be work for a doctor.”

“One doctor, yes. We’re talking about finding jobs for the entire Sanatorium! The only reason why it’s been kept open these past few years is because it was the only hospital on the Gornetz Platz. There’s no need for an entire Sanatorium dedicated mainly to the care of TB sufferers.” Joey sounded almost angry, and Madge raised her eyebrows at Hilda once her sister had turned away.

Joey caught the glance as she put down her cup. “Don’t look like that, Madge. You know how much of a blessing Schatz’s discovery is, and I can only be overjoyed that at last we no longer need to fear TB. All I’m saying is that finding jobs for an entire hospital will be more than difficult, and Jack and the children and I are going to have to adjust.”

“It is indeed a blessing,” Hilda agreed, thinking back to one day over twelve years ago, in 1950, when Joey had come tearing into the staffroom to announce that at last the dreaded disease had been conquered and a treatment found by Doctor Albert Schatz. The celebrations had begun at once and continued all evening, yet the joy was tainted with the bittersweet knowledge that for so many, it was too late. She hadn’t even considered this consequence. “Well, you needn’t worry about the children, Joey,” she reassured her friend. “I promise you that as long as I am living they will want for nothing.” Madge nodded in agreement. “Or you and Jack either, for that matter,” Hilda added hastily.

A slow grin crossed Joey’s face. “Well, I’m glad to hear that, Hilda!” she said teasingly. “I thought for a minute you were going to leave Jack and I out on the street! Oh, you needn’t worry – Jack will find a job somewhere, I’m sure of it. And there are always my novels.” She spoke with characteristic optimism as she smiled at her sister and her friend, and Hilda returned the smile with relief.

“Coffee, anyone?” All three occupants of the room jumped in surprise as Kathie Ferrars entered, bearing a tray. She gave vent to a peal of laughter as she dispensed the coffee. “You must have been having a very intense discussion – I knocked twice! Sorry to come in unannounced, but I was about to drop the tray,” she added as an afterthought.

“Announced or unannounced, coffee is always welcome!” Hilda declared, glad for the reprieve. “Thank you, Kathie.”

“Did you hear the thunder earlier?” Kathie asked curiously, settling herself comfortably in a chair. “It sounded terrible! At least, I presume it was thunder,” she added. “Strange to have thunder with so little rain though!”

Hilda got to her feet. “You should know well enough that the weather here can’t be predicted!” she reminded her junior mistress. “Oh, goodness! Joey, you’re nearest the office – can you answer that?” as the phone began to ring. “I’m going to fetch a cardigan, it’s cold in here!” she gave an exaggerated shudder as she left the room.

“Why is it that out of a room occupying the Headmistress, Founder and a mistress of the Chalet School, I am the one answering the phone?” Joey demanded, a question which both Madge and Kathie considered to be rhetorical, as she headed towards the office with no idea of the news awaiting her on the other end of the phone.


Last edited by Gem on Thu Aug 26, 2004 8:22 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#87:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 7:24 pm


Thunder like sounds with no rain and a unacpectedly cold room - this does NOT sound good.

*nor, come to think of it, does that phone call!

 


#88:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 7:38 pm


*wibbling*

Why do I have a feeling that the next post is going to be the reason why we all end up hating Gem? Wink

 


#89:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 7:49 pm


Oh no. I can only think... avalanche??!

 


#90:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 7:53 pm


Ooooh.... that definitely is ominous....

*ponders whether Joey's question was rhetorical rather than metaphorical, I is confuddled as to how it could be metaphorical*

Please, may we have some more?

JackieJ

 


#91:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 8:11 pm


Now I'm wondering whether the school will make it to Italy!!

It's interesting to deal with the closing of the San, I wonder how Jack and the other doctors will cope (if they are still alive!!!!!)

 


#92:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 8:23 pm


Oops - thank you JackieJ, you're absolutely right! Have edited. That's what happens when I don't send my work to a beta, I make stupid mistakes!

 


#93:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 8:36 pm


And is this a fair place to stop for a bank holiday break? I think not. Something baaaad has happened, and all I can do is sit her biting my fingers until Tuesday!

 


#94:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 9:12 pm


*wibbles*

When you mentioned a cliff on msn earlier I realised there must be abit I hadn't seen... that does not sound good at all.

*trusts Gem no to murder half the school*

mostlymostly

 


#95:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 9:46 pm


Definitely sounds ominous!!! Good luck with your driving test Gem.

 


#96:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 10:00 pm


Oh no a cliff!

Thunder-like sounds and ominous phone calls... Confused

I'm really worried now! Sad

 


#97:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 10:55 pm


*wonders whether Gem has just sent the San sliding down the mountainside!!!*


Good luck on your driving test Gem!!!


*crosses things*

 


#98:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 9:14 am


Gem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm worried now, that all sounds ominous and not nice at all...

*good luck with the driving test, hope it goes well*

 


#99:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 11:19 am


*sobs* I hate driving test examiners. They're evil, mean, horrible frogs.

Update in a while though.

 


#100:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 11:25 am


Oh no! Gem!!! *hugs*

 


#101:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 11:27 am


*Hugs Gem* I agree they are evil!!

 


#102:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 11:35 am


Little bit! Thank you for the hugs, Nell and Ally - I needed them! *sticks even more pins in voodoo doll of examiner*

“Nell, are you coming?” Hilda paused at Inter V’s form room.

“In a minute,” her friend replied absently. “I just want to check this a minute.”

Hilda gave a sigh, then marched into the room to slip a hand through her friend’s arm. “That can wait,” she coaxed. “Come and talk to us.”

She jumped as she heard Joey yell out her sister’s name. “What on earth?” Nell asked curiously. “I know they aren’t getting on terribly well at present, but surely they haven’t been reduced to screaming matches!”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Nell!” Hilda returned scathingly. “Joey was answering the phone when I left – it’s probably Jem. Come along!” They strolled, arm in arm, down towards the office, where they found their three companions plus Matron and Rosalie.

“What were you shrieking for, Joey?” Hilda demanded as they joined their friends.

Joey turned to her, dark eyes huge in an ashen face. “Hilda,” she began, then stopped as her voice broke.

“What is it?” she asked anxiously. “What has happened, Joey?”

“There was an avalanche,” her friend began haltingly.

For a moment, it felt as though her heart had stopped. “I know – I assumed that it was thunder. I’m beginning to think that I may have made a grave mistake.”

“You weren’t to know,” Jo returned hoarsely. “You thought they were staying at Biddy’s and Hilary’s.”

Beside her, Hilda vaguely heard Kathie Ferrars cry out, saw out of the corner of her eye Nell catching her as she swayed. “Dear Lord, no,” she bit out finally. “Please, Joey.”

“It’s not definite – yet,” Madge said from beside Joey, wiping away a tear from Hilda’s face. She hadn’t even known that she was crying. “They can’t find the car, but maybe – the car could have protected them. We don’t know for certain, Hilda. Don’t lose hope yet.”

 


#103:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 11:50 am


Well, I was going to commiserate on the driving test but under the circumstances ... Shocked

Great cliff - but you've not really wiped out that many staff have you ... have you?!!

*thinking that Gem should make herself scarce before Cathy_B sees this - never mind everyone else!!


BTW - all the best people pass on their second attempt! Wink

 


#104:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 11:59 am


That was my second attempt, lol!

*reads the second part*

Eek! I forgot Cathy_B! And what do you mean, that many staff? There's only three of them! Plenty more where they came from Very Happy 'sides, you don't know what I've done yet. Twisted Evil

*hides*

 


#105:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 12:22 pm


Gem, you can run, but you can't hide

 


#106:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 1:22 pm


Only three?!! Shocked

LOL at my faux pas!! Sorry! Embarassed
You'll do great next time - third time lucky and all that ...
*looks for shovel to start digging ...*

 


#107:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 1:45 pm


*Joins Rachael in search for shovels etc.*

Gem, please tell us they're ok....

*more hugs*

poke examiner

 


#108:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 3:24 pm


More hugs here Gem, I'm planning on the third time lucky thing when I eventually get round to taking some more lessons, and nerves are horrible things.

Not a problem with the rhetorical thing, you'd said you hadn't had it beta'd and things like that do slip through (says the girl who likes the word desing.)

Nooooo.... you can't have killed off the staff, we seem to have several contenders for Lesley's cliff crown at the moment. *sighs and goes to dig out the abseiling equipment, along with a couple more shovels*

May we have some more please (so that we know that Nancy & Co. are alright)

JackieJ

 


#109:  Author: sonab PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 3:30 pm


This is really really good. I'm loving it.

Good luck with driving test.

Sona

 


#110:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 8:13 pm


Nancy, Jeanne and Ruth??? Impressive Gem. Laughing

 


#111:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 8:45 pm


Sorry about the driving test Gem Sad

But thankyou for the update... sort of....

Please say you haven't killed off all three of them?! Or even any of them at all??

*Wibbling in a corner now*

 


#112:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 8:50 pm


*eyes Gem VERY suspiciously* I think Nancy and Co are ok. That was just a red herring. I think Gem is working up to something much more spectacular...
*wibbles*

 


#113:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 9:35 pm


*likes Lisa T's suggestions*

*off to re-write update*

Thank you for the huggles everyone! Rachael, don't worry about it - I just thought it was funny! Very Happy


Last edited by Gem on Fri Aug 27, 2004 9:40 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#114:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 9:38 pm


If its any consolation - my brother passed his third time round!

More drabble would be nice too Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 


#115:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 10:08 pm


If failing your first test is a sign of intelligence, as I am convinced it is, does that mean every further test you fail the more intelligent you are? *hugs*

I'd say I'm glad to get the new drabble but I'm actually just wibbling madly, I suppose it's good it didn't hit the school itself.

 


#116:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 11:06 pm


Sarah_K wrote:
If failing your first test is a sign of intelligence, as I am convinced it is, does that mean every further test you fail the more intelligent you are? *hugs*




*big grin*
I LIKE that idea!!!! Very Happy


*hugs Gem about the test, but throttles her for the cliff!!!!!!*

 


#117:  Author: DonnaLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 11:10 pm


gah! as I was reading this from the beginning I was really hoping that I'd have missed any nasty cliffs. Great drabble though Gem!

oh, and it took my brother three attempts to pass his driving test! Just keep at it and you'll be fine. In the meantime, if you need any help with the voodoo, I'm here and willing! Smile

 


#118:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 1:14 am


An avalanch already? This move will probably have to happen much sooner than later.
Good cliff, but surely they're not really dead?

And commiserations on the test - I agree examiners are evil frogs.
*Joins in with the pin sticking*

 


#119:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 2:30 am


You can amend your updates all you like, Gem, so long as you amend them in the right way...

Twisted Evil Twisted Evil

 


#120:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 2:44 am


Quote:
surely they're not really dead?
Ellie would never do such a thing Very Happy .

*offers reward for handy avalanche-defeating St. Bernard*

 


#121:  Author: karryLocation: somewhere cold and miserable! :( PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 8:12 am


{{{{Gem}}}} I was told yesterday that the best drivers pass on their third time by my colleague at work! My middle sister is the best driver I know (yep! she passed third time as well!)

Twisted Evil Test examiners!

 


#122:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 9:48 am


Thank you for commiserations on driving test - Donna, voodoo sounds good!! He's male, so aim for where it hurts Twisted Evil

Update in a little while, providing bunnies are more co-operative than they were last night.

ETA: I finish my exams in real life and now I'm taking them in the CS world!!! How unfair is that??

 


#123:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 11:13 am


Sorry for spreeing! Update though, so hopefully it'll make up for it!

*runs and hides*

“So what exactly happened?” Nell asked insistently of Joey. All six friends were huddled in Hilda’s study whilst Rosalie attempted to gain some kind of hope from the Matron up at the Sanatorium, Helen Graves.

Joey gave a smothered sigh. This was the third time that she had explained the tragedy to Nell, and with each telling a positive result seemed less and less possible. At the same time, she recognised that Nell’s scientific brain needed to know everything, needed to establish all the facts before coming to any kind of conclusion. She envied her that. Her own wild imagination was drawing too many conclusions for her comfort at present. “The rock face by the road leading up to Aldernest was weakened by the snow,” she explained. “It just gave up, apparently. It’s not a terribly bad avalanche – Jack says it shouldn’t take too long to get through to the car. It’s just a matter of seeing how much the car protected them. I don’t know any more of what happened until we talk to one of them.”

“And what if we can’t?” Kathie’s tone was icy as she listened to what Joey had to say.

“Yes – all right – thank you, Helen.” Rosalie hung up the phone and turned towards her friends. “Helen says there’s still no news, and the road up to the San is completely blocked off. There’s nothing we can do but wait here.”

“Ridiculous!” Madge leapt to her feet and began to pace, joining Kathie who had been at the same action since hearing the news ten minutes before. “There must be something.”

“Don’t you think that if there was something we could do, we’d know?” Matron asked sharply. “The best thing that we can do is remain here. Every available male on the Platz is searching for them, and ambulances are standing by. Even if we went up there, we wouldn’t be able to help. Without the proper equipment and with no assistance, we’d be more likely to cause problems than solve them.”

The friends lapsed into a silence, with Joey, Madge, Rosalie and Kathie continually pacing the floor and reducing Hilda to a state of dizziness. Nell was muttering quietly under her breath, and after an initial confusion, Hilda realised that she was speaking The Lord’s Prayer. The tension which had been building up within her dissipated instantly. Of course.

“We should pray,” she offered quietly, looking at her junior mistress with a comforting sympathy. “Whatever may happen is out of our hands now, but it is not out of the hands of the Lord.”

Kathie gave a bitter laugh. “The hands of the Lord, Hilda?” she demanded. “I’d say an avalanche is an act of God, wouldn’t you?”

“It’s an act of nature, and therefore an act of God. He has the power and the will to guide us and our friends, and He will, Kathie, if only you let Him.”

Kathie looked so far from the enthusiastic young woman that she knew that Hilda wasn’t even sure they were the same person. Something told her that should their fears come to light, this new Kathie would be someone she would get to know very well. “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away,” Kathie quoted. “Well, I’m sorry, but I think He’s taken away just a little too much this time!” She turned and fled from the room.

Joey turned to follow her. “Don’t, Joey,” Nell held out a hand to stop her. “Leave her for now.” For a moment, Joey started intently at her friend, then nodded and resumed her pacing.

The sound of the phone made them all jump, and Kathie came tearing back into the room. Seeing the expressions of terror on each and every one of her friends’ faces, Joey turned to take the phone. “Helen, is that you?” she questioned. “Have they been found yet?” She listened intently for several minutes, then nodded. “All right,” she got out with an effort. “Thank you, Helen.”

“Nancy is in surgery,” Joey said after a moment, turning to her friends. “She’s got several broken ribs and a collapsed lung, but she should survive. Jeanne and Ruth –” Her voice broke as she spoke.

“How are Jeanne and Ruth?” Hilda demanded when no answer was forthcoming.

“What about Jeanne and Ruth, Joey?” Her voice was growing more insistent. Had anyone else been speaking, she might have feared hysteria. But that was ridiculous – she didn’t lose control, she simply didn’t. Besides, there was nothing to fear. It was all a big mistake, and her friends were fine. All of them. “Joey!”

Making a huge effort to gain control of herself, Joey gulped back tears. She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d cried – oh, yes. Len’s wedding. With the panicked schedule that she’d adopted over the past few weeks, in an attempt to prevent this very tragedy, it seemed a lifetime ago. And for two of her oldest, dearest friends, it was.


Last edited by Gem on Sat Aug 28, 2004 2:04 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#124:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 11:23 am


Perfectly done, Gem

Ray *nods and reaches for the tissues*

 


#125:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 12:12 pm


I can not believe what you have done Gem!

You are so so evil Razz

PS May we have some more please?!

 


#126:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 12:52 pm


*sniffs and reaches for the box* drat, it's empty. This always happens when someone does this....

 


#127:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 1:04 pm


*replenishes tissue box*

I'm sorry!! The bunnies made me do it!! *sobs*

 


#128:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 1:54 pm


Good excuse Gem, but...
As Ray said, it was handled perfectly, well done.
Is the the first time that Ruth & Jeanne have been killed?

 


#129:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 2:02 pm


I think they were probably killed in Holocaust, Ellie! Very Happy

 


#130:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 2:17 pm


Well done Gem. Crying or Very sad

 


#131:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 2:17 pm


Well, yes,that goes without saying really Very Happy
Perhaps I should say this is the first time they've been singled out.

 


#132:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 3:20 pm


*takes a tissue*

I was prepared for it to be those two (I didn't think you could do that to Kathie) but its still very powerful and sad to read Crying or Very sad

 


#133:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 4:02 pm


*wibbles!!!*

Gem!!! you little horror!!! Shocked Shocked

*(thinks that maybe the only reason Gem didn't bump off Nancy too, is fear of retribution from CathyB!!!)* Wink

 


#134:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 4:07 pm


bawling and poke Gem's bunnies.

(Thanks for letting Nancy escape, though!)

 


#135:  Author: DonnaLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 5:13 pm


Crying or Very sad very well done Gem - but did you have to?! Wink

 


#136:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 7:31 pm


Oh Gem... I was already over emotional from all the athletics and now I'm just heartbroken.

*lights a candle for Nancy*

Please let her pull through.

 


#137:  Author: BookwormsarahLocation: Cambridge, UK PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 8:02 pm


Nooooooooo! At least it wasn't Nancy, but still...

Crying or Very sad

Now I have to go and explain the loud yelp to my bemused mother...

 


#138:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 9:46 pm


*stares in shock at screen Shocked *

You killed Jeanne and Ruth..... whatever the more serious consequences are the coffee will never be the same.

*Joins the vigil for Nancy, and hopes it won't be too long (and end's with a living Nancy!)*

JackieJ

 


#139:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 9:49 pm


Gem!!!! Though as Ray has said very well written, pleased that Nancy has survived, not sure Kathie would have coped if not, but poor Ruth and Jeanne.

*sniff*

 


#140:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 11:03 pm


Aaaaaaaaaaaaagh!!

Have just caught up on five pages of this.

Can't be anything but upset about Ruth & Jeanne but I'm awfully glad you didn't kill Nancy. You won't, will you?

 


#141:  Author: NickiLocation: New Zealand PostPosted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 4:41 am


Another one I've just read from the beginning (so I jumped straight past the cliffs Laughing ).

Beautifully written!

Any chance of MORE!!

 


#142:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 6:10 pm


JackieJ wrote:
*stares in shock at screen Shocked *

You killed Jeanne and Ruth..... whatever the more serious consequences are the coffee will never be the same.

*Joins the vigil for Nancy, and hopes it won't be too long (and end's with a living Nancy!)*

JackieJ


*g* and the coffee is crucial, of course! ROFL ROFL

 


#143:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 9:17 am


*moans weakly*

I need coffee... when I killed Jeanne I forgot that I'd agreed to two nights of partying in a row...

Update in a little while.

 


#144:  Author: CathLocation: Cornwall PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 11:44 am


*yelps* Argh! How can I have missed this much?! Gem, that last update was fantastic. But evil nonetheless, though I was prepared for it. Twisted Evil More please! (once you've recovered from your hangover Wink )

 


#145:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 4:19 pm


bawling Gem, how could you?

The only way you could make up for killing off Jeanne and Ruth would be to post some more Wink

 


#146:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 5:35 pm


Cath wrote:
*yelps* Argh! How can I have missed this much?! Gem, that last update was fantastic. But evil nonetheless, though I was prepared for it. Twisted Evil More please! (once you've recovered from your hangover Wink )


Cath, you have an advantage here!! Please can you nag Gem in person for us? Wink Wink (lots, and loudly!)

 


#147:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 5:46 pm


Sorry folks! This ickle bit would have been up yesterday if I hadn't been called into work for a full-day shift, and at the latest this afternoon if I hadn't been called into work AGAIN. Bank holiday out of my scheduled hours and I don't even get pay and half!!!! poke Co-op

*wanders off into a blissful alternate reality where all CBBers are paid for drabble-writing*

__________________________________________________________

“Jeanne and Ruth,” Joey’s voice trailed off. She cleared her throat and tried again. “They didn’t make it. They were sitting in the front, and that’s where the majority of the damage was caused. Nancy was in the back, that’s why she survived.” She sounded so very matter-of-fact to Madge as she stated the news. But how else were they to deal with it? This tragedy, these women they were talking about, they weren’t their friends. Jeanne had been passionate, enthusiastic and energetic, whilst Ruth was much more restrained, always the first choice for a shoulder to cry on. They were indestructible in that they had always been there and they always would be. The alternative was simply unthinkable. No, these women were unrelated.

Kathie’s voice was shaking as she asked, “Have they cleared off the road yet? Can we get up to the San?” Rosalie flung her a quick glance and moved over to make room for her friend. Gratefully, Kathie collapsed into the space provided and buried her face in Rosalie’s shoulder.

“Not yet,” Jo responded mechanically. “Some of the men are still moving the debris, but obviously, most of the doctors are now up at the San operating on Nancy.”

Madge nodded without really absorbing the information, and the silence settled across the room, each occupant acutely aware of their loss but recognising how much worse it could have been. Several times, she opened her mouth to speak, then gave up. What was there to say?

The next few hours passed in something of a daze, the group separating into pairs – Kathie and Rosalie, Nell and Hilda and Joey and Madge. Their arguments seemed nothing short of petty in comparison, and each seemed to have forgotten their respective jealousies. It was only Matron who stood alone, continuing with the day’s work as always. Indeed, Nell and Hilda took the same stance, planning the move. Their fortitude only served to remind Madge of the continual losses that her friends had faced. They dealt with their pain with strength and grace, and far too well for her liking.

In the early afternoon, the call from the police came to say that the road up to the San was now clear and declared safe. Five minutes after Kathie, Hilda, Nell and Rosalie had left, with Rosalie driving at a somewhat erratic pace, another phone call came for the Chalet School – this time from Helen Graves.

 


#148:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 5:52 pm


No no no no no! It can't be bad news! Gem wouldn't be that cruel to Kathie (and to us), would she?

 


#149:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 5:56 pm


Well if she knobbles Nancy, Cathy_B will have her revenge!!

 


#150:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 5:59 pm


Lisa_T wrote:
Well if she knobbles Nancy, Cathy_B will have her revenge!!


*decides that it would be safest to hide behind Lisa now, just in case Cathy decides to extract revenge on me without hearing what's happened*

 


#151:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:02 pm


Or alternatively Gem-dear, you could always post the next bit and put all our minds at rest!!! (I HOPE!!!!)

 


#152:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:04 pm


.. or otherwise, I'll hand you straight over! Laughing

 


#153:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:06 pm


Gem!! You horror!! Please post the next bit now!

 


#154:  Author: Pim - guesting PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:08 pm


Argh! Argh! Argh! Gem, I read all of this in one go and where do you leave me? On top of a flipping great cliff. Don't you dare do anything nasty or... or... Oh I don't know! Just write some more and put me out of my misery.

*stomping off to have a good sniffle now*

 


#155:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:10 pm


Lisa_T wrote:
.. or otherwise, I'll hand you straight over! Laughing


*wibbles madly*

Off to write update! Am going out at 8 though so it depends on how it turns out and how much beta-ing it will need.

*huggles for Pim* Don't cry, Pim! Sad

 


#156:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:35 pm


More please!

You can't do a Lesley on us and leave us with this evil cliff!

 


#157:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:37 pm


Gem! Haven't you done enough already? What on earth have you got planned now? Please don't let it be anything nasty.
(Or it least, if it is going to be something nasty let it happen before I go to work.)

 


#158:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:38 pm


*g* Sorry Kat and Ellie but I think I might have to leave you on the cliff! Update isn't happening and I'm going out soon. It'll either be up late this evening or tomorrow morning.

Last edited by Gem on Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:39 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#159:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:39 pm


You're EVIL!!!

 


#160:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:39 pm


Kat wrote:
You're EVIL!!!


*beams with pride* Laughing Laughing Laughing

 


#161:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:41 pm


*Gleefully jumps back to thread in anticipation of an update*
*Wanders off disconsolently after reading Gem's post*

 


#162:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:45 pm


I think that Gem has learned the CBB lessons just a little too well.

 


#163:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 6:56 pm


Nice cliff Gem - have a gold star! Laughing

 


#164:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 7:21 pm


*curses Gem..... and Lesley for the cliff courses that have been RCS 1, 2, 3 and 4 being a little too comprehensive*

Noooo.... you wouldn't be that evil, would you? *looks hopeful*

*carries on with the vigil for Nancy, hoping that it isn't going to be a wake*

Please.... let us know...?

JackieJ

 


#165:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 8:18 pm


Razz to Gem

Cliffs apart (and you can probably guess how I'm feeling about THAT) this is great. For some reason the bit that caught my attention the most was Madge's slight annoyance that Hilda and Nell seemed so able to cope, I've felt that about friends in the apst and it made it all very real.

 


#166:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 8:56 pm


Lesley wrote:
Nice cliff Gem - have a gold star! Laughing




Dammit Lesley!!!!!!!!
Must you encourage her??????

 


#167:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 9:33 pm


You wouldn't kill Nancy now, would you Gem?



I mean, if you'd really wanted to kill her, you'd have killed her straight away.




I think.

 


#168:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 10:20 pm


Vikki wrote:
Lesley wrote:
Nice cliff Gem - have a gold star! Laughing




Dammit Lesley!!!!!!!!
Must you encourage her??????


Yes! Wink

 


#169:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 10:41 pm


I've just read the whole lot all the way through - its great Gem ! I can't believe you killed off Jeanne though but please don't kill off Nancy...Kathie would never be the same and Cathy_B might lynch you!

Hope there is more soon.

 


#170:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 9:38 am


Just as a warning, this update raises some issues. I promise that it WILL become happier over time - this drabble is getting rather too depressing/morbid for my liking!

*runs in, drops update off, runs away again*

BTW this is only a mini-update - there will be one later on today as well, providing I get stupid chores done. *growls*

____________________________________________________

“Helen!”

Hilda called out to her friend as soon as she saw the Matron coming down the hallway, pushing a wheelchair. Helen Graves, after a moment’s conversation with her patient, left the elderly woman with a trainee nurse and hurried towards the small party. She looked very tired as she stopped before her friends, pushing back stray hairs which had escaped from her hat. “Thank heavens you’re here!” she exclaimed. “I tried to get through as soon as I heard that the road was open, but Joey said you’d already left.”

“We left as soon as we heard the news,” Nell interrupted abruptly. “Helen, I’m sorry to be rude, but we’re all more than a little concerned. How is Nancy?”

Helen gave her a quick, concerned glance. “She’s well enough, considering the circumstances,” she said cautiously. “The operation was a success, and, despite some possible complications later on, she should be fine physically. I can’t tell you much more than that. Jack told me to tell him as soon as you arrived; he’ll be able to give you more information.”

“Thank you, Helen,” Nell said gratefully. “We’ll come and find you as soon as we can find out something more from Jack.” She turned to leave, but was stopped suddenly by Kathie’s hand on her arm.

“Wait a minute, Nell.” She stared directly at Helen, deep brown eyes searching her face. “What are you not telling us, Helen?”

The Matron shook her head. “I don’t know any more about her physical condition, or at least not the definites, and it’s not my place to discuss it with you. I’m sorry, Kathie, I truly am, but that’s how it is.”

“Oh, I understand that all right,” Kathie agreed hastily, “but there’s something else. I need to know, Helen.” Her voice shook once again as she spoke.

“Yes, I suppose you do,” Helen agreed cautiously. “It’s just – she hasn’t said anything to me, but judging by her condition at present I’d say she was conscious for at least part of the time.”

Kathie shook her head in frustration. “And?”

Hilda’s breath caught in her throat. “Joey said it seemed likely that Jeanne and Ruth were killed instantly,” she whispered. “Oh, Nancy.”

 


#171:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 10:22 am


GEM! YOU RATBAG! COME BACK HERE AND PUT OUR POOR MINDS AT REST!!!!!!

Grrrr....

Thank you though Kiss

 


#172:  Author: Caroline OSullivanLocation: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 11:00 am


Thanks Gem. Hope you get your chores done quickly Very Happy

 


#173:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 11:03 am


Shocked Shocked Shocked

 


#174:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 11:57 am


Gem wrote:
Kathie shook her head in frustration. “And?”


For some reason this line of Kathie's seemed very appropriate Gem...I wonder why...

more please...

 


#175:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 2:35 pm


I am glad that I've caught up with most of this in one go, I don't think my nerves could have stood it otherwise...
damn it, I have so much work to do and this is so much more appealing...

*wanders off to see if that procrastination party in BV has been started up again...*

 


#176:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 2:36 pm


The tension is mounting nicely, so we need to read some more to dispel it.

 


#177:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 3:17 pm


*wibbles*

Poor Nancy!!! And Gem, get back here and post please!!!!

 


#178:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 5:08 pm


Chores? You think chores take priority over drabble, Gem? Call yourself a CBBer? Please come back and post some more while I still have some fingernails left!

 


#179:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 5:20 pm


ARGH!!!!!!!!


Gem, we need MORE!!!!!

 


#180:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 5:25 pm


*giggling madly*

Should be posted soon.

ETA:
Ann wrote:
Chores? You think chores take priority over drabble, Gem? Call yourself a CBBer?


Don't worry Ann, I don't think that! Unfortunately, my mother does. Gr.

 


#181:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 5:44 pm


I thought that was more drabble Sad

Doesn't your mum realise that it's unwise to upset drabble-hungry CBBers?

 


#182:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 5:45 pm


Another mini-update! HUGE thanks to Ray for this one - didn't make any sense before she beta'd it and helped to re-write my mindless mutterings *g*. There MAY be an ickle part later on tonight - depends on how co-operative bunnies are!

_____________________________________________________

Jack Maynard was hurrying down the hallway as the four women approached him. “Jack, do you have a minute?” Nell requested. “We won’t take up much of your time.”

He glanced swiftly at his watch. “I’m needed for a delivery in a few minutes, but I can give you as much time as you like when I return. Will that do? Eugen or Phil can give you as much information as I can if you want to hunt them out before I get back. Or,” with a quick glance at Kathie, “a few of you can go in and see her if you wish. Biddy’s in there at present so only one more at a time, please. And don’t stay in there too long,” he warned, continuing on his way.

“Wait a minute!” Nell called him back. “Jack, does she know? About Ruth and Jeanne, I mean?”

“She knows,” Jack responded, halting in his stride. “I told her myself, as soon as she came around. I felt it better for her to know straight away than to worry herself sick over it.”

The relief in Kathie’s voice was palpable. “She didn’t know before, then?”

“How could she? She was unconscious the entire time." Jack paused, as if debating what to say. He continued, rather more gravely, "As far as I can tell, she initially passed out from the shock. It was bloodloss and some minor head injuries that caused her to remain unconscious." Then, apologetically, he added, " And now, I’m sorry, but I really must go!” He suited action to the word and hurried off down the corridor.

“Thank the Lord!” Nell said with feeling.

“Agreed,” Rosalie said grimly, “I was afraid that – ” She broke off abruptly. “Never mind. We needn’t fear that, thank goodness.”

“No, we needn’t,” Hilda agreed. “Well, what now? Kathie, would you like to go and see her? I’d like to try and find Eugen and Phil if possible, and find out some more details.”

Nell nodded in agreement. “I’ll go with you – and Rosalie, would you mind phoning Joey, Madge and Matey? We promised to keep them updated, and they must be frantic by now.”

Nodding in agreement, Rosalie tucked a hand through Kathie’s arm and literally dragged her to the room which Helen Graves had indicated to them. She knew well enough how terrifying the prospect of seeing her friend in such a condition would seem to the younger woman.


Last edited by Gem on Tue Aug 31, 2004 5:48 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#183:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 5:47 pm


Thank you Gem Kiss

But please let Nancy be ok!!!

 


#184:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 5:56 pm


Thanks Gem - Wouldn't your Mum be open to negoiation, you know, no chores until the drabble is finished, then you'll do double for the next couple of weeks, or months, or years.... Wink
That way we could find out how Nancy is rather sooner.

 


#185:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 6:46 pm


Nicely bringing the tension along Gem - not bad! Wink

Maybe leave more time between posts - or say you can't post during the day - it works for me! Twisted Evil


(BTW cracking story!)

 


#186:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 7:09 pm


I do hope you're not implying that you can post during the day Lesley!!!!

 


#187:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 7:13 pm


Pat wrote:
I do hope you're not implying that you can post during the day Lesley!!!!


No, when I'm at work I have no Internet access - but Gem could easily say the same - we'd know no different! Wink

 


#188:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 7:23 pm


Lesley - Do you HAVE to encourage her ?? Laughing

Gem -its great and i'd love some more whenever you're ready oh course!

 


#189:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 7:29 pm


Lesley wrote:
Pat wrote:
I do hope you're not implying that you can post during the day Lesley!!!!


No, when I'm at work I have no Internet access - but Gem could easily say the same - we'd know no different! Wink


As we don't with you, Lesley Green!!!! However, since you're consistent....!! Wink Wink

 


#190:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 8:30 pm


Gem, for the good of your health, it would be best not to take any advice from Lesley!! After all, look what happened to her in Kat's bedtime drabble.......

 


#191:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 8:46 pm


Does that mean you want me to slow down on the updates, Lesley? Wink

And Vikki, *g* Don't worry, I'm attempting to ease up on the cliffs. They're bad for your health *looking warily at CBB lynch mob*

ETA: Sugar, I love your signature!

 


#192:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 8:48 pm


Glad to hear it Gem! I KNEW you were a sensible girl!!! Wink

 


#193:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 9:15 pm


*Wonders if Gem is going soft*

*Decides that I should not air that view*

I feel so sorry for Kathie, I hope her mind is releaved of so of its burden soon!

 


#194:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 9:25 pm


Aw Gem, you disappoint me! Being thrown off a cliff, twice, didn't stop me!

(And the only reason for Hilda's dream was because of that bedtime drabble! Twisted Evil )

 


#195:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 9:33 pm


Well, I didn't say I was giving them up totally, Lesley *g* Just for the next few updates or so...

And that dream was MEAN! I was crying all the way through the updates - prompting my mother to remind me yet again that they aren't real people Rolling Eyes

 


#196:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 9:37 pm


I have a feeling I've missed something....will someone please enlighten me? Dream? What dream? Unless Lesley wrote the dreaming thing?

poke Gem
Shouldn't you be doing something?
Laughing

 


#197:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 9:42 pm


She means the dream sequence where we all thought Nell was paralysed poke Lesley

And I posted two updates in one day! Isn't that enough?

*sighs*

Yes, I'm writing an update. But I'm not posting it until tomorrow as I'm out tomorrow afternoon so won't be able to post then. Very Happy

 


#198:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 9:44 pm


Lisa_T wrote:
I have a feeling I've missed something....will someone please enlighten me? Dream? What dream? Unless Lesley wrote the dreaming thing?

poke Gem
Shouldn't you be doing something?
Laughing


Lisa - I was referring to Hilda dreaming that Nell had broken her back - at the end of Break - the only reason I wrote that was as a response to Kat's bedtime drabble and everyone's reaction! I hadn't intended to have any more cliffs - Break was nearly finished!

Sorry Gem - going totally OTT.

 


#199:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 8:56 am


Pat wrote:
Lesley wrote:
Pat wrote:
I do hope you're not implying that you can post during the day Lesley!!!!


No, when I'm at work I have no Internet access - but Gem could easily say the same - we'd know no different! Wink


As we don't with you, Lesley Green!!!! However, since you're consistent....!! Wink Wink


*reminds all and sundry that Lesley may not have internet access during the day but she has access to various computers and e-mail all day ... (how else do I get sneak previews?!) and I have access to the internet!!*
*leaves wheels whirring and brains cogitating*
*whistles innocently Wink *

Great posting, Gem - so pleased that Nancy was unconscious the whole time and looking forward to a nice scene between her & Kathie ...

 


#200:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 9:39 am


I can't believe there's no more drabble and just a page of yibble! Though am pleased to hear that Nancy was unconcious all the time - hope Kathie will feel better once she's seen Nancy's ok.

Oh and Gem, pleased to see you've been learning your lessons well!

 


#201:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 9:40 am


Vikki wrote:
After all, look what happened to her in Kat's bedtime drabble.......


Keep me out of this!


Lesley wrote:
the only reason I wrote that was as a response to Kat's bedtime drabble and everyone's reaction!


You deserved evey 'ouch' of that cliff Lesley! Razz Wink

Apart from that, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let Nancy be ok Gem! And btw... more would be v v nice *smiles beautifically*

 


#202:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 7:45 pm


Here's the requested more! Various members of the medical profession may disagree with the fact that Nancy's already talking and off oxygen only hours after her op - my excuse is that she's a fast healer! Sorry if there ARE any inconsistencies, but never having had a pneumothorax (collapsed lung for those like myself who had to look it up in the dictionary!) myself or met anyone that has had one, I'm a little stuck for detailed info!
____________________________________________________

“Biddy?”

Kathie stopped outside Nancy’s hospital room, finding her oldest Chalet School friend stood by the door. “Kathie!” Biddy exclaimed, straightening up and wiping at her face with a handkerchief. For a moment, she paused, then reached forward to embrace her friend. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, and Kathie’s heart leapt.

“Is she –” She couldn’t quite formulate the question.

Biddy frowned as she saw the anguish on her friend’s face, and then realisation hit. “Goodness, no!” She drew back sharply. “Kathie, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. I promise she’s fine. She’s in there.” Biddy gestured to the door. “Go on in – we’ll talk later.” She turned and fled down the corridor before her friend had a chance to answer, leaving behind a very bewildered Kathie.

Her friend would have to wait, Kathie decided, pushing her concerns aside for the present. Right now, Nancy was her first priority – who was she kidding? Nancy had always been first.

Cautiously, Kathie pushed open the door to Nancy’s hospital room, her stomach churning. For a moment, all she saw was an empty bed and her heart leapt, despite Biddy’s claims to the contrary. “Oh, God, no!” she managed to gasp out.

“Something wrong?” Nancy sounded distinctly amused, and Kathie spun around as she entered the room, realising with utter relief that it was a double room and Nancy was in the other bed.

Her hand over her pounding heart, Kathie moved closer to the bed, scrutinising her friend. Bandages and machines seemed to cover every inch of Nancy’s body, but she only saw the grey tinge to her face and the suspicious redness of her eyes. Nancy gave a weak smile and nodded to the other bed. “Sorry for scaring you,” she apologised softly. “I should have realised.”

Kathie shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. You’re safe.” She inhaled sharply, struggling to keep her composure. “Don’t you ever scare me like that again, understand?”

“It’s a deal – I scared myself just as much, anyway. It’s an experience I’d rather not repeat.” Nancy’s tone was still purposefully light, but her own calm was beginning to crumble in the face of all that she might have lost.

“Glad to hear it.” Kathie perched cautiously on the edge of the bed, very nearly falling off it in her efforts not to hurt her friend.

Nancy saw the wary expression on her partner’s face, and struggled not to laugh, knowing very well that doing so would hurt. A lot. “Kathie, you needn’t sit quite so far away,” she chuckled. “I promise I won’t break if you touch me.” Seeing the still worried expression on Kathie’s face, she reached out, grasping the slim hand in her own. “See? I’m still here, in one piece. Safe and sound.”

“Not quite,” Kathie said finally, then rebuked herself sharply as Nancy flinched. “Nance, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…”

Shaking her head, Nancy squeezed her friend’s hand. “It’s all right – I know you didn’t.” Despite her best efforts, her resolve was failing, and she looked up at Kathie with tear-filled eyes.

“Oh, Nance,” Kathie moved closer, carefully. “Don’t, not now. You’re tired and hurt. Get some sleep now, and we’ll talk later.”

“Will you stay?” Nancy’s voice sounded very small suddenly, and Kathie once again cursed whatever had brought this tragedy upon them.

She forced a smile, putting all such thoughts out of her mind. It wasn’t about her, not now. “I wasn’t planning on going anywhere.”

Content with that answer, Nancy closed her eyes and made a final desperate effort to rest. Maybe it was the drugs, or Kathie’s hand in hers, but this time her memories of the accident passed her by, and she slept peacefully.

Kathie sat absolutely still for half an hour, making certain that Nancy was fast asleep. Then she removed her hand cautiously from her friend’s grasp, rested her head on the bed, and wept.

 


#203:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 8:09 pm


Poor Kathie. She needs a hug.

 


#204:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 8:19 pm


I don't know who to hug first!!! Nancy or Kathie!!!!
More soon please Gem!

 


#205:  Author: CathLocation: Cornwall PostPosted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 8:38 pm


Poor Nancy. Poor Kathie. Sad Lovely update as per usual. More. More?

 


#206:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 8:42 pm


Crying or Very sad


Beautifully written, Gem.

 


#207:  Author: AlexLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 8:42 pm


I like Queen. And speaking of pneumothoraxes, my brother had a spontaneous one today. He is ok but milking it for all it's worth. Apparently tall thin men are more at risk for the than everyone else.

 


#208:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 8:56 pm


That's what I discovered in my hasty research, Alex. Hope your brother's okay! Give him my best.

ETA: *giggles* No, Alex isn't randomly declaring that she likes Queen - she's referring to a post of mine beforehand which I deleted, I think. I didn't realise anyone had read it, otherwise I would have left it there.

 


#209:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 8:59 pm


Crying or Very sad

Thanks Gem. Best wishes for your brother, Alex.

 


#210:  Author: KellyLocation: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 9:15 pm


Thanks Gem, I'm really enjoying this.
Hope your brother is ok Alex.

 


#211:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 10:08 pm


Lovely Gem, thank you Very Happy

 


#212:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 11:32 pm


Excellent thanks Gem - and Nancy's recovery from pneumothorax is feasible - it's before, when one lung isn't working, that they look like death warmed up!

 


#213:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 8:19 am


Beautiful, Gem

 


#214:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 10:57 am


Lovely, thanks Gem. Very Happy

 


#215:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 11:19 am


Thank you Gem, that was lovely Crying or Very sad

 


#216:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 9:47 pm


Sorry everyone! This would have been up earlier, but the internet decided it didn't like me for most of the afternoon, only sorting itself out five minutes before I was due to go to the pub. Mini update's here now though! ETA: The Henry Scott Holland quote is paraphrased, btw - I will pm the whole quote to people if they want it.

______________________________________________________

Having spent much of the afternoon talking to Phil Graves about Nancy’s condition, and afterwards phoning back to the Chalet with an update, Hilda, Nell and Rosalie found themselves at a loss as to what to do. Rosalie had peeked in at Nancy only half an hour before, and found both her and Kathie fast asleep. Since disturbing them was something none of them wanted to do, they found themselves in the small San chapel. As it was only used for private prayer, all religions shared the fair-sized chapel. At this time, it was deserted, and the three friends each found themselves seated separately, needing this time alone to absorb the events of the past few days.

Sitting at the very front of the chapel, Hilda closed her eyes, praying with all her heart for her friends – yet all she could hear were Kathie’s words reverberating through her mind. “Well, I’m sorry, but I think He’s taken away just a little too much this time!” Despite everything she’d ever believed, ever known, Hilda found herself asking the same questions, and wishing that she wasn’t.

Unbidden, a recollection came to her, of a time when she hurt as much as she did now. Jeanne’s voice, so very French, no matter how much English she spoke, seemed almost to whisper into her ear. “I don’t know why God does the things He does, cherie. All I can do is trust that He has plans for us, and that Thérèse’s path is different to my own.” The words had cemented Hilda’s faith at the one and only time that it had wavered, and it served to do the same now.

A smile touched her lips, and she bowed her head. “Thank you, Jeanne,” she murmured.

“Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well.”

Hilda smiled as she heard the whispered words, and turned to see that her friend had made her way silently over to sit beside her. “Quoting Henry Scott Holland,” she said in the same low tone, giving Nell a friendly nudge. “I’ll make an English major of you yet.”

Nell laughed quietly, mindful of their surroundings. “Jeanne said that to me, that night when we were all so certain that you were going to die.” She thought back to those few terrible days, when she had first come to realise how much Hilda meant to her. She’d known that she was fond of her beforehand, but it was only in the face of losing her that she came to realise the intensity of her love for her friend.

Jeanne had been a pillar of support then – always had been, and it distressed her that she’d never told her friend how much she meant to her. She’d been taught, and the practise had been continued in the Chalet School, to her dismay, that such words were “soppy” and unnecessary. Nell knew well enough that Jeanne had not been stupid, that she had known how truly loved she was and that she didn’t need the words. She could only pray that Ruth, who had hidden her feelings so well, knew the same.

Had known, Nell corrected herself sharply. And Ruth had known, she was sure of that. She didn’t dare to believe anything else.

“And I said the same to her, when we lost Mdlle,” Hilda finished. “We’ve come full circle, Nell.”

This time the laugh rang out. “Not even close, Hilda,” Nell disagreed. “Not even close.”


Last edited by Gem on Thu Sep 02, 2004 11:23 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#217:  Author: karryLocation: somewhere cold and miserable! :( PostPosted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 10:12 pm


Quote:
A smile touched her lips, and she bowed her head. “Thank you, Jeanne,” she murmured.

“Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well.”


Thanks Gem! This is so well written! This quote was one that sustained me when my DH died at the age of 28, and it means a lot - {{{{Hilda and Nell}}}}

 


#218:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 3:21 am


Thank you, Gem. Lovely scene!
And I'm so glad Nancy is doing better....

 


#219:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 3:33 am


But I want to know MORE!
BTW despite the system telling me I'm posting this on Thursday, it is actually 13.31 on Friday. Can I adjust my settings or does it default to GMT?

 


#220:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 4:56 am


Gem, that was beautiful - thank you. (Lesley in tears.)



*Miss Di - if you click onto Profile at top of page, you can adjust the time settings to reflect how far ahead/behind GMT you are.*

 


#221:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 8:29 am


Gem that was beautiful. If you carry on like this you'll have me crying in the middle of the office!

 


#222:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 9:02 am


(((Karry)))


Gem - beautifully written and very poignant
I think you've captured the relationships there perfectly

 


#223:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 9:37 am


Beautiful, Gem! Thank you!

 


#224:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 9:45 am


Very moving, thank you Gem

 


#225:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 5:05 pm


Gem that's just so beautiful. Thanks.

 


#226:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 1:05 pm


Update, since I won't be able to post tomorrow, and probably not Monday either.



Madge entered Hilda’s office silently, bearing two steaming cups of tea, and Joey glanced up as she did so. She was curled up in one of the big armchairs – an impressive feat considering her height and the fact that she had borne eleven children – and to Madge she looked more like her little sister than she had ever done over the past twenty-five years. Her hair, still growing out from the accident of over a year ago, could only be described as a disgrace to a decent woman, due to the fact that they’d all been up for over twenty-four hours and her toilette was the furthest thing from her mind.

“Where’s Gwyn?” Joey asked quietly, accepting the cup from her sister with a nod of thanks.

“In her room – she said she wanted to be alone. I wasn’t sure about it, but she insisted.”

Joey nodded. “Gwynneth’s a solitary person at the best of times. Better to leave her be for a while. She and Jeanne were very close, and she’s known Ruth a long time.” For the life of her, Joey couldn’t help a slight choke in her voice at the end of the last sentence.

“Well, you know her better than I do,” Madge agreed, wishing her voice didn’t sound quite so distant.

Sitting forward suddenly, and nearly tumbling out of her seat as a result, Joey placed her cup on the desk. “Look, Madge! I don’t know a great deal about what happens behind the scenes, so to speak, in the school, but you’re the Founder. What say we see what we can do about this move? I haven’t spoken to Hilda about it, but I’m presuming we’re on a much tighter timescale. I’ll be happy to get out of here as soon as possible, myself.” She gave a slight shudder.

“Agreed,” Madge said grimly, thankful to have something to do. “I’ll talk to Hilda about the move as soon as I think I should. For now, we need to delay the plane tickets, at the very least. We were supposed to leave first thing tomorrow.”

“Cancel two of them – no, wait, cancel four. I very much doubt that Nancy will be fit to fly for a while, and she can’t be left alone.”

Madge hesitated. “That’s going to cause a problem. Kathie and Nancy are the only ones who’ve seen the buildings and know the location well, and from what I’ve seen Kathie’s most likely to stay with Nancy.”

Despondently, Joey sat back in her seat. “You’re right. Well, be prepared to drag her kicking and screaming onto the plane, for that’s what it will come to!” She gave her sister a quick grin, which Madge returned warily. The events of the past few days had opened her eyes to more than her distance from the Chalet School, and she wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. She was still shocked at Joey’s apparent indifference to the situation, and beginning to think that she’d misjudged her younger sister in a great many ways.

Joey looked over at her sister, who appeared to have drifted off into thought. “Well, at the very least, Jack and the children and I are more or less settled!” she said brightly, bringing the subject back to a more comfortable topic of conversation. “Oh, didn’t I tell you?” as Madge exclaimed. “We’re going to Die Blumen,” referring to the Maynard holiday home. “The Head of the San up there says they can always do with more doctors, and he and Jack have become friendly over the holidays that we’ve spent there, anyway. Oh, Jack’s hours will be reduced, of course, and the pay will be less than we’re used to, but we’ll manage. It’s not as though we’re not such a lengthy family any more, anyway – the triplets can fend for themselves, now, and it won’t be too long until Steve and Chas are doing the same. The younger ones will be at school during term-time, so it’s only really the babes that we’ll have to fend for. I’m going to talk to Len about having the girls in the holidays, and if Jack and I can come there as opposed to the girls coming here, it will certainly save the pennies. I don’t mind telling you, though, that we’re going to get a house near the school as soon as possible. I want Phil near me if no-one else,” Joey admitted, with a thought for her youngest child, more delicate than any of the others.

“So when will you see them?” Madge asked incredulously, amazed that her sister was willing to separate from her children so easily. Her own children had gone to boarding school, but it had not been a decision that she'd made lightly - in fact, she doubted she would have made it if it hadn't been for Jem's insistence.

“I don’t know,” Joey shrugged lightly. “It’s the price to pay for good education, Madge. I had to be separated from my boys for months at a time, and I always knew that the girls and I would be separated eventually. Oh, if I find a good school nearby, they’ll go there. It won’t be the Chalet School, but they’ll adjust. We’ll all have to, I suppose.”

“But can’t Jack find a practise near the school?” Madge asked desperately, wondering why she was so upset about something which she’d recognised herself. “It seems wrong that you should have to be separated from the school, Joey. You’ve been such a large part of it for so long.”

Joey laughed. “Well, then, it’s time that other folks took a turn. And any jobs and homes near the school must go to the Peters’, and Len and Reg, obviously. Hilary, Grizel, Biddy and I are all agreed on that.” Madge, knowing the worsening condition of Phoebe Peters, stayed silent out of sympathy. She knew well enough how Phoebe would react to being separated from her daughter, Lucy, now a shining light of Vb, and a close friend of Joey’s fourth daughter, Felicity.

“Oh, by the way, I have a question for you,” Joey added casually. “As you know, Die Rosen, having once been a school, is more than big enough for Jack and I, even when the family is visiting. Jack’s been looking over the plans, and he doesn’t think it would be too difficult to separate it into two apartments – the design would be similar to Aldernest,” remembering how Madge had exclaimed over the chalet. “What do you think, Madge?” Joey’s eyes twinkled. “Think we could manage to live together again without killing each other?”

 


#227:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 1:25 pm


Hmmmm! Very interesting post, Gem. Joey seems far less comcerned about the deaths than I'd have thought -and to be happy about separating from the School?

Still, be nice for the Maynards and Russells to be together again.

Thanks Gem.

 


#228:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 2:20 pm


I'm not sure yet that she is unconcerned, maybe she's dealing with the practicalities rather than brooding upon the subject, it's probably her way of coping.
And maybe she would like to get away from the school for a while - all the talk about being a Chalet girl when she's 90 may be a case of making the best of a bad job - perhaps she fels that she's become trapped into that lifestyle.

 


#229:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 2:41 pm


I'm intrigued by her unconcern and more so by the idea of her moving away from the school. Sad to hear that Phoebe is suffering again Crying or Very sad

 


#230:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 3:40 pm


She's behaving most uncharacteristically, Shouldn't she be in bed sleeping off a large dose by now?

 


#231:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 6:30 pm


It probably hasn't sunk in. My guess is she's still living in happy-clappy-Joey-land and it'll all hit her on the plane 'tomorrow'.

Thanks for more Gem!

 


#232:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 9:02 pm


Thanks Gem!!!

*waiting eagerly for more!*

 


#233:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Sep 05, 2004 2:03 am


She's very likely still in that state that hits after something awful happens, when you're buzzing around, keeping yourself from internalizing the reality.

 


#234:  Author: MoraLocation: Lancaster PostPosted: Sun Sep 05, 2004 9:51 am


*looks around for something large and heavy to throw at Gem* Twisted Evil I am exceedingly glad I had to catch up and read most of this in one go! I'm still trying to recover my breath.
That said, it is beautifully written and I'm looking forward to MORE... Wink

 


#235:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Sun Sep 05, 2004 8:07 pm


This is wonderful Gem. It's nice to see Joey and Madge getting on better, and the offer of them living together is something that could be mad, maybe Jem could go back to the Tyrol San as well.

Looking forward to more when it appear Very Happy

JackieJ

 


#236:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 1:39 pm


Gem this is really fantastic. I have just caught up on all save the first few posts. Gald I wasn't able to read it post by post as the cliffs were rarther high. Looking forward to the next update.

 


#237:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 4:09 pm


Gem... *pleads*

me thinks you are too busy calling for more on other drabbles to get on with writing your own.... Wink

 


#238:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 4:22 pm


Update! If you've already read this, please re-read the second to last paragraph - a little bit got left off when I highlighted it Embarassed Sorry!

The plane dipped suddenly, causing Madge to grab her armrests with a mild expression of panic, squeezing her eyes shut. It straightened out again, to her intense relief, and she opened her eyes to see Nell grinning.

“Not a fan of flying, Madge?”

Madge glared at her. “Not in the least! I’d rather have my feet firmly on ground, thank you very much.” No matter how many times she flew, and she was a great deal better at it since their move to Australia, she had never quite become reconciled to it.

Her friend rolled her eyes. “You’re exactly like Hilda,” causing Madge to wonder whether Nell considered that an insult or not. She envied the friendship between the two, and even more so after these past few days. She couldn’t even describe it, but something told her she would never know such a friendship. Jem was the only exception, and their relationship was sustained by something entirely different. Nell’s and Hilda’s friendship never had, and never would, reach such a stage, but they only seemed to be stronger for it. Once upon a time, she and Joey had been as close – Joey had been her sister, her friend, and confidante. Now, Madge barely recognised the stranger in her younger sister’s place.

She glanced across the row to where Joey and Kathie were sitting – Joey had been right, incidentally; it had taken a great deal of persuasion to convince Kathie to come to Italy for even four days, and she’d only agreed after Biddy, Hilary, Helen and Grizel had promised that between them Nancy wouldn’t be left for more than an hour. It had been mainly up to Rosalie to do the convincing – Madge, Hilda and Nell had all been busy up until the very last minute, planning Jeanne’s and Ruth’s funerals, making phone calls and sending telegrams. Joey, after the initial day which they had all spent together, had withdrawn from her friends, putting on an act of excitement at the changes which they would all undergo, and seeming less than concerned at the situation. If it hadn’t been so obviously a façade, Madge knew Joey would have found herself on the receiving end of several concerned speeches. As it was, they had to leave her to deal with it in her own way and time.

It was Joey's obvious state of denial that had caused Madge to simply ignore her sister's offer to move in, having murmured something about needing to discuss any such changes with Jem and escaping the room as soon as possible. She knew well enough that Joey was in no such state to make any concrete decisions at present, and she had said as much to Jack when she saw him.

Her fingers gripped the armrest even tighter as the plane began a slow descent, only leaving their position to rub her ears as a sharp ache made itself known. Hilda, sitting next to Nell in the window seat and reading an Italian phrase book, looked just as uncomfortable, whilst Nell happily chewed a sweet and looked around Hilda out of the window. Finally, less than ten minutes later, they were landing safely, and dragging their weary bodies out of their seats. Smiling weakly at the perpetually happy stewardess handing her a small carry-on bag, Madge made her way out of the plane. The first people she saw were Len Entwistle and Con Maynard, both leaping up and down like leapfrogs, and holding a banner saying “Welcome to Italy!”


Last edited by Gem on Tue Sep 07, 2004 6:34 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#239:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 5:06 pm


Poor Madge! I love Con and Len's greeting Very Happy

Thanks for the update Gem.

 


#240:  Author: CathLocation: Cornwall PostPosted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 6:42 pm


Poor Madge. Sad Yay, Len and Con appear! Smile Update soon? Make up for the weekend? Please? Wink Lovely update as usual, by the way.

 


#241:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 8:20 pm


Poor Madge, I sympathise about flying. I hope Joey and Madge get to be friends again as well as sisters, thanks for the update Gem Smile

 


#242:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 10:05 pm


*grin!*

Love Len and Con's bouncy greeting!!!

May we have some more please Gem?

 


#243:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2004 12:10 am


*also grinning at Len and Con* now, do they know about Jeanne and Ruth, or are they just trying to cheer everyone up? (if the latter it could be construed as nice but insensitive. Id I'd had to organise funerals, try to handle my own grief, think about moving a school and THEN have to fly, that kind of greeting would be the last straw)

Lovely as always Gem!

 


#244:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2004 1:43 pm


Thank you Gem. Poor Madge. Wouldn't fancy visiting anywhere after what they have just been through but hopefully looking for suitable premises will help them.

 


#245:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2004 2:53 pm


Thank you, Gem - wonderful as ever. Poor Madge, yay for Len and Con, hope they're not seen as being insensitive though.

 


#246:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2004 8:28 pm


Thanks Gem!

 


#247:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:19 am


Update!

“Mama!” Len reverted to the baby name as she flung her arms around her mother, holding her tightly. Con was greeting Madge in a similar fashion, and soon all the greetings, brief but warm, were made.

“What on earth are you two doing here?” Hilda demanded. She noted swiftly that Joey’s head was buried in Len’s shoulder, and drew the rest of the group a little way away from them. “I thought you were at Die Blumen?” The two elder triplets, along with Len’s husband Reg, and Con’s fiancé Roger, had been staying at the second Maynard home for the past few weeks. For Reg, as a relatively new doctor, holidays were few and far between, and Len had insisted that they meant to take advantage of them when they came. Roger had been living at Die Blumen for some time, since he worked as an Engineer at the big hydro-electric company there, and Con spent her holidays there.

Con nodded. “We were, but when we heard what had happened and what you had planned, we jumped on the first train out here. We were going to go to the Platz first, but we thought that by the time we got there, you would have already left.” She sounded absolutely calm, almost unaffected, but the suspicious redness around her eyes told a different story, to say nothing of her white-knuckled hold on her bag.

Rosalie’s eyes widened. “How did you hear? About coming out here, I mean,” she added in parenthesis. “I wasn’t exactly thinking of it when I spoke to you,” she mentioned to Con, and the younger woman nodded, remembering that ‘phone call. It had been brief, as finances necessitated, but obviously distressing. Con was only grateful that Roger had been in the room as well at the time.

“Auntie Hilary spoke to Roger’s employer’s wife – you must know her, surely? She’s a friend of Nancy’s, apparently. Anyway, we heard that way.”

“Ida Reaveley!” Hilda exclaimed. “Of course! I should have remembered that Hilary would contact her. Those three were inseparable at school.”

Len nodded, turning away from her mother for a moment. “Yes, that’s her. Her husband has given Roger some time off so we can help out, and she’s coming out herself to visit Nancy as soon as she can.”

“In the meantime,” Con recalled her sister to the situation, “I think we should go and find your hotel and get some rest. Everything else can be dealt with later.” She cast a surreptitious glance over the group, noting blood-shot eyes ringed with shadows, and, in a few cases, red rims. The only person who seemed to be outwardly unaffected was her own mother, who looked, as their father would put it, “all eyes”, but remarkably composed with Len’s arm flung reassuringly around her waist. The two sisters exchanged glances, and Con noticed Len making the same observations and coming to similar conclusions.

She herself tucked a friendly arm through “Auntie Hilda’s”, vowing to get her brevet aunt alone for a while as soon as possible, and knowing that Len would do the same for her godmother. Partly due to their character, and partly their role in the school, Con had already come to the realisation that both Heads would have put aside their own feelings, as usual, for everyone else’s sake. They were more than likely to continue doing so for some time, and she knew well enough that it was good for no-one. She could only hope that it hadn’t entered Matron’s head to dose each and every member of the party – Margot had already expressed her concerns, in a rare letter, on the practise which she felt was used far too commonly by the San and the Matrons of the school. For what it was worth, Con agreed. She couldn’t see any benefit in such a situation. Drugs would heal no pain in this way; only time, and love.

The small party trooped away from the rapidly-crowding waiting area, only to find that in their absence, Reg and Roger had managed to collect all of their luggage and procure three taxis. It was a small gesture, maybe, but it made all the difference to the women wearied of organising and planning. Len and Con swiftly arranged seating, separating Madge and Joey – a quick glance had told Joey’s daughters that something was very wrong here – and making sure that Hilda and Nell were together. Overall, the rapidity of the organisation and movement exhausted the already over-tired friends, and more than one person fell asleep in the taxis on the short journey to the hotel, soon to be known as the Chalet School.


Last edited by Gem on Sat Sep 11, 2004 9:35 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#248:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 12:31 pm


Ooooh.... I hope Len & Con can help everyone. And yay for Margot's theory about the dosing.

I realise it's a bit soon, but could we have some more please Gem Very Happy

JackieJ

 


#249:  Author: ellendLocation: Bow, London PostPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 12:35 pm


Lovely Gem.

 


#250:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 12:48 pm


Thank you Gem, glad Len and Con came up trumps. Hope they all get a good sleep before they have to start looking round the buildings.

 


#251:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:09 pm


Perhaps they'll be able to talk some sense into Jo.

 


#252:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:24 pm


Thank you Gem, good to see a thoughtful Con and I hope her and Len will be able to begin to help Joey and the others.

I also like Margot's thoughts on doses.

 


#253:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 2:28 pm


Well done Len and Con! Thank you Gem, any chance of the next bit! Wink

 


#254:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 4:20 pm


oh good for Len and Con! More please Gem!!!!

 


#255:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 6:14 pm


Gem, may we have some more please?

 


#256:  Author: MoraLocation: Lancaster PostPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 7:56 pm


Yay! I was going to come on here and whinge but now there's more drabble I'm smiley... but sad at the same time, for all of the CS people.
Love Len and Con being so understanding. Thanks Gem!

 


#257:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 10:17 pm


Excellent Len and Con, for recognising that Joey will need help, for realising that Hilda and Nell can only lean on each other, for organising everything.

And Gem? Perfect.

 


#258:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 2:50 pm


Oh. That bit was sp wonderful. I love that Len and Con were so competent and able to see what was needed without actually interfering exactly. They really have grown up, noticing that Hilda and Nell needed each other etc. I also like Margot's observations on the "doses" nice touch!

 


#259:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 8:17 pm


Only a mini-update, sorry! Might be another bit tomorrow though.
__________________________________________________

Contrary to the biting winter of Switzerland, there was nevertheless a sharp nip in the air which became apparent as the small group of taxis drew closer to Lake Garda. Len, hanging out of the window with little regard for her hair – or her mother’s exclamations – shivered as she withdrew reluctantly, and pulled her coat tightly around her. Suddenly she gave an exclamation and pointed, causing Reg to duck violently for fear of having an eye put out. Con, who was in the second taxi with Rosalie, Roger and Matron, and Kathie, in the last with Hilda and Nell, seemed to have noticed the same thing.

“It’s there!” Con explained to Rosalie, who was looking more than a little confused, since Con’s exclamations had awoken her from the first restful sleep she’d had in the past week. Following Con’s gaze, Rosalie turned in her seat to see the new home of the Chalet School.

From their position at the foot of the Sarca Valley, the three buildings at its height seemed almost impossibly stately, gazing over the smaller houses scattered around the valley in a manner reminiscent of a schoolmistress watching over her pupils. The centre building boasted five stories whilst its neighbours, smaller but no less grand, had only three. They were arranged in a semi-circle, connected by the curved stone terrace which passed along the ground, first and second floors, supported by pillars which had once been a sparkling white but now showed their maturity. Three sets of white steps at the foot of each of the buildings led up from the slight embankment to the terrace, and then to the buildings themselves. They were cream, with white trims, and white railings running along the end of the terraces. The hotels themselves were flanked by palm trees, various fruit trees and scattered evergreen shrubs, which they found later were known locally as the maquis. Though they could not see now, they later found that behind the hotel there were two large playing fields, tennis courts, and a swimming pool.

As the taxis drew up to the splendour before them, Len turned to her mother with a smile. “Isn’t it beautiful, Mama? We came out here yesterday, as you know, asked the first local we saw which hotel was to be sold as a school, and came straight here.”

“It’s perfect!” Jo agreed fervently, and so had the last word. As usual.

 


#260:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 8:51 pm


Lovely descriptions Gem, I can really imagine its situation, just perfect!

 


#261:  Author: CathLocation: Cornwall PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 9:23 pm


Already told you what I think of this update, sort of - the description is wonderful, it sounds beautiful. I want to go there. Laughing

 


#262:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 9:24 pm


Oh... it's such a wonderful description. It sounds just like the way EBD describes the various buildings the school is housed in, I've got a really clear picture in my head now. Thank you.

 


#263:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 10:23 pm


Beautiful description - I'm there already!

 


#264:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 10:44 pm


fantastic Gem
great discription - sounds ideal

 


#265:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 11:21 pm


Not exactly a "mini-update"!

*asks for more anyhow*

 


#266:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 11:31 pm


Lovely Gem! Thank you hunny!

 


#267:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 10:14 am


Lovely description of the buildings - would like to go there if it is nice and warm as it is rather chilly here today.

 


#268:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 12:36 pm


I last caught up with this when Gem was threatening a crisi 'in about another 4 posts' Shocked

It's moved on a lot since then and I'm glad to be spared the wait at all the cliffs. I wibbled enough in skimming through the yibble Wink

I think all the reactions are very realistic. Joey seems to be in denial, and understandably. First she finds her husband is losing his job in middle age which means diffiuclties financially, the school is moving and she can't follow it so she loses her connections there and her younger daughters will be away from her, her sister came back with a chip on her shoulder, then she loses 2 close friends in an avalanche. I love the way Len and Con are dealing with the situation.

Lots of little touches like the 'dosing' comment and the way Hilda and Nell are coping too.

Query: Do I need to keep the drabble harness on, or are we past the cliffs?

 


#269:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:16 pm


Oh, you need your harness all right PatMac... just you wait... Twisted Evil

______________________________________________________

“Coo! That must have been some hotel!” Joey exclaimed as she exited the taxi, which had stopped by the house since the driveway passed all the way around to the back. “Do we really have all three, Kathie? It doesn’t seem quite right to me! I’m rather expecting it to be rat-ridden or something similar.”

“I certainly hope not, for the price we’re paying for it!” Madge retorted. “Don’t be so ridiculous, Jo! Is it likely?”

Snubbed, Joey returned to silence, but only after muttering under her breath, “Well, it might!” Len raised an eyebrow at her aunt’s tone, but decided to leave it for the present. As her mother often said, there was no point in asking for trouble.

“Well, I for one agree with Joey,” Nell responded in an effort to keep the peace. “It does seem too good to be true, so we’d better make sure that it isn’t!” Her words seemed to rouse the small party from the reverie into which they had fallen at the sight before them. Encouraged by the chill that had fallen, they crowded through the big double doors in the centre, leaving only Con and Hilda standing outside.

Con had been staring into the distance, but as her brevet aunt turned, she touched Hilda’s arm. “Look, Auntie Hilda,” she said softly, and the Head turned to follow her gaze. The glistening waters of Lake Garda could be seen from the height of the valley, seemingly close enough to touch. The hour was late and the lake touched by sunset, flame and water uniting in their purest forms. “Isn’t it miraculous?” Thinking of her earlier concerns, Con squeezed her aunt’s arm in silent sympathy.

For a moment, Hilda was lost in thought as she drank in the sight before her, desperate to see the truth of her faith. Once again, Jeanne’s strength comforted her when it seemed her own devotion might fail. “I am waiting for you, somewhere very near, just around the corner.” And as she stared at the light, radiance which had never failed to find the darkest corner, she heard those words as though they had never been spoken before. They had been her mantra at every loss, every hurdle, but somehow, this place, this untainted beauty, had changed her.

Hilda turned away from the sight. It would be there tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that. “Yes, it is,” she agreed, tucking her arm through Con’s. “He is.”

 


#270:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:56 pm


Lovely Gem.

 


#271:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 2:10 pm


Another goosebumpy drabble. This is lovely Gem, well done.

 


#272:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 2:33 pm


That was lovely Gem!!!
Thank you!!

 


#273:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 6:25 pm


Beautiful.

 


#274:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 7:00 pm


Lovely, Gem, very atmospheric.

 


#275:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 9:42 pm


<3
That was a beautiful update. It's amazing how nature can affect people, how it can change our feelings or bring things home to us.

 


#276:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 10:24 pm


oooh this is incredible. More Gem please!!!!

 


#277:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 10:36 pm


Thanks Gem - that was beautifully written Smile

 


#278:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 8:28 am


Wow ...

Gem - this is just superb!
Intriguing storyline, great characterisation and fantastic writing ...

But one thing concerns me ...
... you weren't thinking of doing too much studying at Aber, were you?! Wink

 


#279:  Author: sonab PostPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 8:46 am


I love the description of the school as a schoolmistress, Gem, and the description of the lake. Its beautiful.

Its not going tobe a ghost story is it? Maybe that'll be the trouble with the new school - not rats but ghosts!! The ghost of Jeanne rattling through the corridors chanting French irregular verbs to strike fear in to the hearts of the Middles. Laughing Maybe each house could have a resident ghost a la HP.

Got a bit carried away there.....

Beautiful story Gem cant wait for the rest..

Sona

 


#280:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 2:31 pm


Just caught up Gem. This is beautiful. Makes me want to jump on a plane to Italy right now. Tensions are still there between Joey & Madge though, I hope they can sort them out.

More please?

JackieJ

 


#281:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 4:03 pm


Poor Jo, still in denial about what is happening.

 


#282:  Author: MoraLocation: Lancaster PostPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:56 pm


Perfect. Hilda's last two words just made it.
And as for the school- *turns into whiny child* I wanna go!

 


#283:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 1:00 pm


With an arm still slung through Con’s, Hilda pushed open the wide oak doors, noting with pleasure the stained-glass diamonds in the centre. Stepping through into a large, square hallway with carpeted floors and panelled walls, the first thing she saw were the wide stairs directly in front of her, in a layout similar to the Gornetz Platz school. The second thing she saw was the elderly man, small, with a generous girth, and carrying a wooden cane, its obvious cost contradicting the immediate impression that this man gave. His smile suggested perpetual and invariable enthusiasm, which she knew would irritate Nell, Kathie and possibly Madge, considering her current mood, within half an hour. However, every observation – Hilda was always careful never to judge by a first impression, but she simply couldn’t help it in this case – flew out of her mind as soon as she realised that this elderly Italian man was dressed in full Tyrolean dress.

Her first reaction was to laugh loudly and madly – or at least, she wanted to. However, Hilda Annersley had not dealt with hundreds of schoolgirl pranks for nothing, and she successfully stifled her giggles. Joey and Con were not so lucky, unfortunately, and Joey was turning an alarming puce colour.

Deciding that it was best to jump in both feet first, Hilda summoned her best Italian – which, admittedly, wasn’t very good. “Good evening, sir,” she said formally. “I am Hilda Annersley, Headmistress of the Chalet School, and these are my companions.” She swiftly introduced the rest of the party, wishing that Joey could at least calm down enough to regain her original colour.

Bright blue eyes twinkled as Aberto D’Amico spoke. “Madam, your Italian is excellent,” he responded, kissing her hand as was the Italian style. “But if I may, I would enjoy this chance to practise my English. I speak it so rarely, and it is a beautiful language.” Hilda, recognising that Signor D’Amico was fluent in his English, knew that the change of language was for her benefit and liked him immediately.

He gestured to his outfit, almost beaming. “Unusual, yes? I spent several years in the Tyrol as a little boy, and when Signorina Ferrars,” gesturing at Kathie, “tells me that the school was in the Tyrol, I felt it appropriate – and entertaining,” smiling at Joey, who choked audibly, causing Nell to pinch her violently. “This was my grandfather’s outfit, you see, and to wear it would make him happy.”

“It is very appropriate,” Hilda responded, but he was talking again.

“You must be very tired – you will not see the house tonight. I will show you your rooms – free of charge, of course,” with another beam, “and tomorrow you shall explore the house for your school. Now! My grandsons shall take your luggage upstairs, and your rooms are this way. Follow me, please!” He led the way at an alarming pace for an old man, and Rosalie and Kathie, both of whom had slept in the taxis and were still half-asleep, had a struggle to keep up. Half an hour later, everyone was settled in their rooms, each finding a tray with a light supper on their tables. Wearied by journeying, bed was not long forthcoming, and within an hour all lights had been dimmed, bedcovers turned, and, with a peace that had seemed so far away of late, the occupants of the new Chalet School slept.


Last edited by Gem on Mon Sep 20, 2004 1:31 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#284:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 1:02 pm


Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing


Brilliant Gem!!!! Love the old man in Tyrolean dress!!! And Jo's struggles not to laugh!!!

 


#285:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 1:03 pm


What a character! Love him!! Razz Razz

 


#286:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 1:13 pm


Lovely updates Jem, what a great place for a school, I also wantto go there!
I like the way that you are continuing to show the different characters reactions to all they have gone through lately too. I'm getting a little bit worried about Joey though.

 


#287:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 1:50 pm


Lovely Gem, thank you!! Love Aberto D’Amico or Albert the Friend! Wonderful!

 


#288:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 2:11 pm


*hoping that we see plenty more of the perpetually enthusiastic Signor D'Amico*

Any chance of some more soon Gem?

 


#289:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 3:13 pm


Thank you Gem another wonderful update.

 


#290:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 3:17 pm


Wonderful Gem, that was a lovely amusing interlude and its good to see Hilda's mood brighten after the sorrow.

 


#291:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 3:43 pm


Lovely, Gem, thank you. A new character - does he remind anyone else of Herr Braun?

 


#292:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 3:57 pm


Nell wrote:
Lovely Gem, thank you!! Love Aberto D’Amico or Albert the Friend! Wonderful!


Didn't actually realise that at the time! See how good my Italian is Embarassed The name of the hotel (which I have shamelessly stolen from a real-life hotel as the layout and so-on is based on it) is even more appropriate!

... they wouldn't sue me, would they? After all, everyone's saying they want to go there! *looking very very worried and hoping said owners of hotel aren't CS fans*

 


#293:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 5:12 pm


It's a great name and he's a brilliant character! I love Joey turning puce (though I still have no idea what that colour actually is!)

 


#294:  Author: ellendLocation: Bow, London PostPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 5:41 pm


Just caught up with the last week's installments. To be boringly repetitive, the description is great and I think this is a great area to move the school to.

Are we going to learn what Madge's problem is soon?


Ellen

 


#295:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 8:08 pm


Lovely post Gem! Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

Like Nell pinching Joey to try and stifle her giggles!

 


#296:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 10:21 pm


If someone were to pinch me to stifle my giggles, I would giggle even more!

Thankyou Gem, a lovely chapter again Smile I wonder how Miss Annersley could say 'very appropriate' with a straight face - she is truly amazing!

 


#297:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 1:27 am


Marvellous!
*still bemused at the deference with which we still tend to treat Hilda here.* oh well. I suppose there's always St. Hild's. Or Lesley! Twisted Evil ROFL

Joking aside, Gem, this is beautiful.

 


#298:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 4:11 pm


Sarah_K, puce is a brownish purple, or purplish brown. Not a very attractive colour, but now you know.

 


#299:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 6:25 pm


*g* It become a very popular colour for gowns in the 1770s or 1780s in France. I'm sure I remember reading something about Marie-Antoinette's craze for the colour that led to the name... *racking brain*

 


#300:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 7:31 pm


The next morning, Con awoke with the dawn. For a moment she stared around wildly, bewildered by sleep and wondering where on earth she was. Then, as she came to her senses, Con slipped out of bed, moving cautiously as Roger stirred slightly, and made her way to the window. The curtains were drawn slightly as was her preference, and she pulled them back altogether as she stared at the sight before her. The mist of the morning was easing, enabling her to see the sun rising across the lake, only just visible over the top of the valley. For a moment Con thought of her brevet aunt as she recalled standing with Hilda, watching the sun set the previous night. The weariness radiating from her mentor had concerned her, alarmed her even. She’d always known her aunt to be in control, capable of handing any situation with a minimum of fuss and yet as much compassion, and more, as required. The woman that Con had seen yesterday was no more in control than she herself was.

A slight tap at the door made Con turn sharply, glancing at Roger with alarm. She let out a breath of relief as Len’s auburn head poked through the door. “Feel like a walk?” Len whispered as Con put a finger to her lips. “It’s gorgeous out there.” As Con nodded, she pointed down the corridor. “Use the bathroom down there – less likely to wake anyone. I’ll see what I can rustle up by way of food.”

She suited action to the word and disappeared, leaving Con to grab an armload of clothes randomly from the suitcase – such a varied and unique array, in fact, that Len later sent her back to get changed, remarking that she wasn’t walking anywhere with her dressed like that!

Half an hour later found both sisters dressed and fed, strolling arm in arm down along the terrace and down the wide steps. “It is beautiful here,” Con remarked absently – and rather unnecessarily, since they’d already discussed the location several times. They were both avoiding subjects that needed to be considered – problems ignored could be left unaddressed, and usually unsolved - unhealthy and dysfunctional, maybe – but certainly far more comfortable for all concerned, at least in the short term.

Len made a sound of agreement, thinking furiously. “Things aren’t right,” she said, finally.

“Of course things aren’t right, Len, they’ve just lost two of their closest friends and nearly lost a third,” Con sighed. “And on top of that, all this! Plus whatever’s going on with Mother and Auntie Madge. I do think that they could have chosen another time to start up a case of sibling rivalry,” she added crossly. “They’ve been close friends their entire lives, they had to start arguing now?”

“It is rather irritating, but I suppose if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen,” Len agreed tactfully, privately feeling that most of the problem seemed to lie with her Auntie Madge, at least in her eyes. Then again, she didn’t know the whole story, and Con, generally more accepting of their mother’s faults, would remind her of this. The eldest triplet was in no mood to add another duo of squabbling siblings to the situation. “Anyway, there’s nothing we can do,” she added, rather more quietly. “I knew and loved both Mdlle and Miss Derwent, but it wasn’t the same, and they all know it. Better that we avoid that subject unless one of them feels they need to broach it with us.” Con looked mightily relieved, having had a horror of such conversations arising. “Anyway, if we end up taking this place – as I certainly hope we will – then there’s a lot that will need to be done. If we can help out on that score, it should make things easier for all concerned.”

Con frowned. “So long as you don’t overdo it,” she scolded, glancing at her sister. “That’s the last thing we need at present, so please don’t go asking for trouble!”

“Now is it likely, with Reg around?” Len demanded. “Oh, he has to go back soon, I know – his holiday is nearly up, and since most of the doctors at the San will have to take time off to go house-hunting, he can’t get any more. All the same, Con, I’m rather more sensible than you appear to give me credit for!” She looked highly indignant, and her triplet couldn’t help but laugh.

“Yes, I know all of that – but you must admit that you have a tendency to barge in and do everything that’s needed without a word of complaint,” Con justified her concerns, then grinned broadly. “Mother’s mantle – thank goodness you and Steve between you took my share!”

Len’s response was to cuff her sister lightly on the arm. “Cheeky brat! Really, as your elder sister, Con, I think I deserve a modicum of respect!”

“You’d hate it if I did,” Con responded with certainty.

Pausing, Len thought it over. “Yes, you’re right. Of course,” she added wickedly, preparing to make her getaway, “I’d expected that, being that you’ve inherited Margot’s and Mike’s share of Mother’s mantle!” With that last insult, she fled.

 


#301:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 8:04 pm


Aaaawwww! Lovely interplay between the two. Thanks Gem.

 


#302:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 8:55 pm


That was nice Gem. It's good to see that the younger generation are being sensible and realising that there's things wrong with their elders.

More please?

JackieJ

 


#303:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 9:03 pm


Thanks Gem
Any chance of some more before you disappear off to uni ?

 


#304:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 9:18 pm


Lovely interlude between the two.

 


#305:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 9:52 pm


Lovely scene between them, thank you Gem Very Happy

 


#306:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 9:58 pm


Lovely Gem!!!


Thank you!

 


#307:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 11:18 pm


Nice to see Len and Con so close.

 


#308:  Author: MoraLocation: Lancaster PostPosted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 12:11 am


Lol! Sisters! Thanks Gem for the shiny story. *still giggling about the Tyrolean costume*

*randomly dreaming about going to a CBB gathering in the hotel in Italy where this is set* Well, I can dream!

 


#309:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 8:12 am


Lovely, Gem - nice to see the relationship between Con & Len and their views on what's going on with the "olds" ...

 


#310:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 10:21 am


Lovely Gem, thank you!

 


#311:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 5:33 pm


Thank you! Very Happy

 


#312:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 5:52 pm


I do hope it isn't going to be toooo long before there's more of this.

 


#313:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:46 am


*le sigh* I've just caught up on pages of this, lovely Gem and more soon please.

 


#314:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 2:07 pm


Last little bit for a while! Only a mini-update, but be grateful that I was merciful and didn't leave you on the upcoming cliff!!

*leaves CBBers wibbling and skips gaily off to Aber*

It was nearly eleven o’clock before Hilda awoke, finding the hotel cloaked in silence. Washing and dressing hastily, she made her way downstairs. With a minimum of wrong turns, she found Signor D’Amico, Len and Con seated in what had been named to them as the lounge, which was immediately to the right of the entry hall, facing over the terrace. It was charmingly decorated a pale yellow, with dark green couches and armchairs placed at convenient spots throughout the room. The furthest end boasted several bookcases, which Joey had already found. Separated from the other occupants of the room, she was curled up in a chair, immersed in Gulliver’s Travels. Only a very keen eye would have noticed that she had not reached any further than page 3.

“Morning, Auntie Hilda!” Len greeted her brevet aunt warmly. “Did you sleep well?”

Hilda returned the smile, then turned to apologise to the hotel owner. “I am so sorry, Signor D’Amico – I had no idea of the time.”

“Ah, there is no rush!” he returned, noting with interest that she had not answered Len’s question. “Have you eaten? No? Then please allow me to accompany you – your other companions have only just awoken, and they eat in the restaurant. I will show you.” He escorted her through the big double doors at the far end of the lounge to enter a room similarly decorated, but with several dining tables, seating from four to twelve, arranged around the room. The rest of the party, with the exception of Kathie and Rosalie, were seated around one of the larger tables, tucking into a full English breakfast with gusto.

“Good morning,” Nell greeted her friend warmly. “I wondered when you were going to grace us with your presence!”

Hilda raised an eyebrow. “And how long have you been awake?”

“Hours!” came the succinct reply. “Went for a walk down by the lakeside.”

“Well, that explains your appetite,” Hilda returned dryly, sitting down beside her and nodding an agreement at the waitress who came to enquire if she wanted a full breakfast. Nell’s only response was a nod as she attacked her bacon with a vim, and Hilda gave her a quick glance. The cheerful banter continuing between the two friends was common enough; but something had changed. It was too forced, too unnatural. Nell was trying to convince her that she was fine, and she was attempting to make her friend believe the same thing. If they hadn’t known each other so intimately, it might have worked; but they did, and they weren’t.

 


#315:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 2:21 pm


Just thought I'd check for more in between scanning images - and there was! Thank you Gem.

Another lovely bit, like the insigth into Nell and Hilda's relationship and the way they are trying to be ok even now.

 


#316:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 2:30 pm


Thanks Gem, another great bit. I really hope that one of them makes an attempt and they are able to talk and console each other.

Enjoy Aber!! Very Happy

 


#317:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 7:20 pm


aaw that's so nice, Gem. More when you can. Just remember- none of those ten hour fresher drinking binges. You're expected here! Very Happy

 


#318:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 7:37 pm


Thanks Gem!!!
*hopes Gem won't neglect the CBB....* Wink

 


#319:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 7:43 pm


Thanks Gem, glad to see another part. But about this cliff - not knowing what it is is just as bad, if not worse, than hanging onto a narrow ledge by the fingernails.

 


#320:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 8:42 pm


Thanks Gem. Lovely take on Hilda and Nell - they'd better hurry up and start talking to each other!

 


#321:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Sep 25, 2004 12:59 am


*worries about Hilda & Nell*
*worries about upcoming cliff*
(*hopes Gem majors in drabble-writing at Aber*)

 


#322:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Sat Sep 25, 2004 11:33 am


*wibbles a little* Gemmmmmmmmmm, hurry up and find the Aber computer room!!!!!!

 


#323:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 8:34 am


Thank you Gem, poor Hilda and Nell hope they are able to be honest with each other soon.

Hope you are enjoying Aber but hope you are kind enough to make it here soon to post the next bit.

 


#324:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 9:15 am


Come on Gem - where are you?
You're not going to drink your way through the whole of Fresher's Week are you?!! Shocked

Hilda and Nell need to talk ... properly ...
As do Madge and Joey ...

 


#325:  Author: Gem as Guest PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 2:16 pm


Sorry people - I promise I have tried to find the computer room before! It's a bit hard to connect my laptop to the internet and so on, but I think I've got it figured now. I have to wait an hour before it's actually connected though so I'm in one of the computer rooms - actually the room in Edith's building, but I haven't managed to find her yet!! And no, I haven't drunk too much... yet... *g* It's only the third day though! I will try and get an update up in the next few days - my lectures don't begin until Monday, and since I had a six hour car journey up here, I had plenty of time to plan the next few updates!!!

Am off out for a while now - have "get to know you" drinks for both English and History, but I should be back by nine-ish, so alterations aside, you can probably expect a little bit at about 10/11ish.

 


#326:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 4:19 am


Miss Di looked at Gem with her hazel eyes which had never yet needed glasses. "I understand how difficult it can be to find computer rooms in large universities - especially after a few beverages - but really Gem, who is your responsibility too? Your friends and peers on the CBB, or those acquaintances of only a minute?"

Gem never told anyone the rest of Miss Di's advice, however she did endeavour to improve the frequency of her updates and eschewed the riotous 'fresher' functions which could have had a bad influence on her studies.
:
:
:

OK I'm dreaming but hopeful!

 


#327:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 8:27 am


Laughing at Miss Di
Nice try ... although it clearly hasn't worked Rolling Eyes

Quote:
Am off out for a while now - have "get to know you" drinks for both English and History, but I should be back by nine-ish, so alterations aside, you can probably expect a little bit at about 10/11ish.

I just knew that was tempting fate!!

*bangs sharply on Gem's door, ignoring the pleas for quiet as Gem clutches her throbbing head Drunk Pale Drunk *

megaphone OI!! Where's the next post?!!!

 


#328:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 8:28 am


Gem, I take it you had a better night out than you expected then given lack of update? Wink

Pim - subtle as a brick wall Protest

 


#329:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 12:38 pm


Gem you little

Come back and post us some more!

 


#330:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 1:43 pm


Ummm....

Yeah, sorry 'bout that.

Let's just say my liver now hates me and I will have to stay in tonight to give it a rest, so you can probably expect an update then!

*staggers back to bed*

 


#331:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 2:28 pm


So which of Aber's many pubs have you been frequenting...I can recommend my favourites if you like!!! Wink

Look forward to more tonight!!!

 


#332:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 3:48 pm


Gem - ONLY your liver is hating you? That's not a real hangover, they're the ones when your whole body hates you...

 


#333:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 5:51 pm


Gem last night > Drunk Cheers party

Gem today > bawling

Frustrated drabble readers > Protest swear fume poke Bang Head Screen of Death

 


#334:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 7:20 pm


Problem is though - Gem is a first year university student - so it'll be Cheers party Party Angel and then ZZZZ for a number of nights!

 


#335:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 7:48 pm


*Asks for more!*

 


#336:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 8:01 pm


*joins in pleas for more* Where did all the fancy new smilies come from? Plot Bunny <- how appropriate for this board! Laughing

 


#337:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 9:14 pm


I think we can write Gem off for the week Cheers and maybe the weekend too tongue ZZZZ

 


#338:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 9:36 pm


Nope, it's nearly done! The next update will most definitely be up tonight, I promise.

Very Happy at Miss Di. It worked - kind of! Made me giggle anyway.

ETA: Well, it's still today!! (Just)


“Well, shall we move on?”

Joey, awoken abruptly from her reverie, looked up at their smiling host with a sudden feeling of annoyance. She didn’t want to move on, she didn’t want to move at all. She just wanted to stop. ‘That’s not going to happen, Jo,’ she reminded herself, ashamed for even recognising the brief lapse. Raising dark eyes to blue, she smiled brightly. “Yes, please show us around, Signor – this place is so beautiful, I simply must use it in my next novel! That is, if you have no objection?” she added politely, though her expression expected no disagreement.

He beamed broadly. “No objection at all, Mrs Maynard – but it is your sister who will be the owner soon, we hope. You must ask her.” The light faded from Joey’s eyes as quickly as it had sparked, and she only nodded. “In the meantime, please, allow me to show you around the hotel. I hope that it is more than satisfactory for your needs.”

The rest of the party seemed to have split up into small groups, Len slipping an arm through Nell’s and drawing her away from the rest of the party whilst Kathie, Matron and Rosalie were standing together in a corner. Con was heading towards her mother with an expression of grim determination on her face and Aberto D’Amico, noticing it, left Joey and moved towards Hilda and Madge who were heading the group.

The hotel, named La Casa di Sogni, translated as The House of Dreams, and with good reason, Joey decided. Though it was now used as a hotel, it was a family home first and foremost, as Aberto told them. Various works of art by the children and grandchildren of the family were framed and placed with as much reverence as the more famous paintings and copies distributed lavishly throughout long corridors and rooms, of which there were many. It was swiftly decided that the restaurant would be used as the Speisesaal and the lounge as the staffroom, whilst the second lounge, to the left of the entry hall, would be redecorated as Hall. The kitchen, which stood immediately behind it and connected to the restaurant, would remain as it was. The two smaller rooms at the very front on the left hand-side would be designated to Rosalie and Hilda as their respective offices, something which they both exclaimed over with delight. The bedrooms on the second floor would be stripped of their paper, colour-washed, and used as form rooms. The remaining three floors would be used as dormitories and common rooms, with the very top floor assigned to the staff and one room designated to the prefects.

St. Mildreds and St. Nicholas’ were slightly more difficult, since Madge was inclined to feel that the finishing school and kindergarten should re-join the school, something which Nell strongly disagreed with. She kept her temper in the face of Madge’s heated arguments, but it was only with an effort. Hilda saw it and, once again, successfully diffused the situation with a quick glance at Nell and a strong counter-argument for Madge, but it was not to be deferred forever.

 


#339:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 11:31 pm


Why try to fix something that wasn't broken? It was working perfectly as it was, Madge! Scratch

Thanks Gem!

 


#340:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 12:03 am


Thanks Gem. It's so nice to feel I am a moderating influence on the young and impresionable (koff koff).

Is Madge's temper feeling the effects of your late night? Twisted Evil

 


#341:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 8:12 am


Aah - the quick recovery powers of the young! Wink

Nice post, Gem ... but tensions continue to mount ... I feel an explosion may be imminent ...

 


#342:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 10:19 am


Lovely post - interesting to see how every one is trying to difuse the tensions but I'm with Rachael on expecting some kind of explosion... Bomb

 


#343:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 10:43 am


Thank you Gem!! A lovely post with many undercurrents.

*Agrees with the explosion ideas*

 


#344:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 11:53 am


I love the way you are showing them all trying to cope in their different ways - but, Madge has a serious problem somewhere and I agree with the explosion guess.

*Hastily constructs bunker and provides supply of hard hats*

 


#345:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 1:49 pm


Thank you Gem. Wasrather inclined to blame Jo for the problem between her and Madge. Looks like I am wrong? What is wrong withe woman? I know she is the major shareholder but surely she should listen to the people who run the place from day to day!

 


#346:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 2:34 pm


Uh oh... *begins wibbling again*

Thank you Gem... I think!

 


#347:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 6:04 pm


Okay, here's a mini-update. I don't know when the next will be up, probably not for a few days or so, unless I can find some time tomorrow.

Later on that evening, the three Heads congregated in Madge’s room to privately discuss the situation. It had been officially decided that the new Chalet School would be situated in La Casa di Sogni, and contracts were being drawn up. The move was going ahead, rather more swiftly than had been originally planned, but things had changed. The thought of the enjoyment that should have come in travelling, exploring and learning was destroyed by the constant reminder that their party was incomplete.

“I just think that it would be nice to have the school together again!” Madge argued, returning to the original topic of their debate. “They could all sleep in one building, and have the classes in another. There would be plenty of room.”

“And how exactly does that constitute a finishing school?” Nell demanded. “The whole concept of St. Mildreds is that the girls have left! If we put them in a building where they are still seeing the same people, being taught by the same teachers, we create nothing more than another Special Sixth! What’s more,” she added as a sudden idea came to her, “most of St. Mildreds were prefects in their last years at the School proper. If we allow them to continue in the same building, they will be seen in the same light by their juniors, and they’ll more than likely be treated in much the same way.”

Very little of her argument was actually making sense to Hilda – Nell had a tendency to lose coherency when annoyed - but it seemed to be her duty to recall her co-Heads to their senses. “Either way, it’s not something that can be considered straight away, so let’s put the question aside for the present,” she proposed, but Nell was talking again.

“Hilda, have you taken leave of your senses? It shouldn’t be considered at all!”

Madge’s eyes flashed, then dulled. The darkness in her face alarmed Hilda, and she put out an arm to pause Nell. “Of course,” Madge retorted, her tone malicious and her face dead, “I’m sure the prospect of you losing your role as co-Head hasn’t affected your judgement at all, Nell.”

 


#348:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 6:35 pm


Shocked How can Madge be so mean? I hope whatever it is that is that is making her act like this is sorted out soon (and that we find out what it is... hint hint)

 


#349:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 7:51 pm


*wibbles a lot more than she was doing earlier*

Gemmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... come back!

 


#350:  Author: Guest PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 7:56 pm


Ooooooh dear, the tension is building.


*grabs hard hat and finds nice solid table to shelter under*


Ellen

 


#351:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 8:01 pm


Anyone want to join me in my bunker? It's fully bomb-proof, and very very cosy. I've just put down some new rugs.

 


#352:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 8:11 pm


Madge is incorrect - as well as being somewhat nasty - Nell became Co-Head when the School was at Armiford - well before St Mildred's. Even if St Mildred's amalgamated again there would be no reason to strip her of that title.

hammer Madge!

*Interested in Hilda and/or Nell's response! Bomb

 


#353:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 8:53 pm


*Runs and hides in Jennies Bunker, bringing rations*

Gem, you can't leave it there..... please can it become all happy and smiley, or at least less-nailbiting again?

JackieJ

 


#354:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 8:58 pm


*joining in with the Madge bashing* hammer With Stupid fume

 


#355:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 10:07 pm


Gem!!!

*Dashes into the bunker to wibble in safety*

 


#356:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 3:14 am


poke nasty Madge. How DARE she?

 


#357:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 8:07 am


*leaping to Nell's defence fume *

Madge hammer

poke Madge

Bomb Bomb Bomb Madge Bomb Bomb Bomb

There'd better be a good reason for that outburst ... the menopausal old trout! Mad

 


#358:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 9:41 am


Nasty Madge! poke hammer

Gem please can we have some more...

 


#359:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 10:02 am


Rachael wrote:
There'd better be a good reason for that outburst ... the menopausal old trout! Mad


Laughing Laughing Laughing ROFL ROFL ROFL


Last edited by pim on Thu Sep 30, 2004 11:46 am; edited 1 time in total

 


#360:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 10:46 am


Nasty nasty Madge. Whatever is wrong with her? Is she going to alienate everyone?

 


#361:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Oct 01, 2004 2:12 am


Joins jennie in the bunker and brings the baileys (and the cough mixture so as not to disturb everyone else Very Happy )





notes that Gem is currently *indulging in a midnight feast*
feel that this should be *indulging in a drinking fest*

 


#362:  Author: MoraLocation: Lancaster PostPosted: Sat Oct 02, 2004 10:43 pm


*wibbles wildly*
*chokes on laughter at Rachael*
*indulges in coughing fit*
*ducks into bunker with extra supplies of cough mixture for Dawn and myself*
*wonders if the mention of Baileys will tempt Gem back*

 


#363:  Author: CathLocation: Cornwall PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 10:22 am


Wow, I've missed out on loads of juicy updates Embarassed Mean, mean Madge. Wonderful updates... Can we have some more, please, or are you too hungover? Razz

 


#364:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 6:49 pm


Okay, Freshers week is over, I'm exhausted, and my wallet is woefully empty, so the good news is that you can expect more updates! The bad news is that lectures also begin next week, so that may cause some problems Sad Here's the next one anyway!

Hilda’s breath caught in her throat. “Don’t be ridiculous, Madge,” she said finally, controlling her anger with an effort. She hadn’t even known that she had a temper. “Nell has been co-Head ever since my accident. You can’t possibly be suggesting that you’d remove her from that position. And St. Mildreds works well the way that it is. You must see that. The students and staff work well together, and the results are excellent. There is no point in interfering with a first-rate establishment.”

“The Chalet School itself is first-rate, at least that is what I’ve been led to believe!” Madge interrupted. “Yet you’ve plans for changing the syllabus, re-arranging the forms, adapting everything you can in order to modernise the school!” She almost spat out the last three words. “I simply think that in the light of all that’s happened, it’s important for the school to be together!”

Nell’s chair fell over backwards as she leapt to her feet. “Don’t you dare, Madge!” she snapped, fury radiating from every inch of her body, only equalled by the pain in her expression. “Do whatever you like, remove me from my position, change the school to your own liking – but don’t you dare drag them into it. You don’t have the right – you didn’t know them. Maybe once you did, but not any more. Not for a long time.” Her voice trailed off at the end, tears filling in her eyes for the first time since it had happened. She’d preferred to carry on going, to ignore the wound in favour of pain undeserved but accepted and embraced. The question was; how long could she last?

 


#365:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 7:00 pm


Oh thank you Gem, I can feel the fireworks!! Madge seems to desperately want to regain control over what she perceives to be *her* school but its been a long time since she had that day to day level of control. Listen to Hilda and Nell, they know things better than you!!!

 


#366:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 7:12 pm


Thank you Gem!

*whispers* lectures are just an excuse for more drabbling time... or is that just moi?

 


#367:  Author: KellyLocation: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 7:39 pm


Thank you Gem.
This is wonderfully written.
Looking forward to more.

 


#368:  Author: MoraLocation: Lancaster PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 8:02 pm


*wibbles* Nasty nasty Madge. *wants to hug Nell* Sad

 


#369:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 8:04 pm


Ooh goody, an update! Can feel the tension. Madge really isn't enjoying realising she has lost so much control is she?

Hope you're enjoying uni Gem. Sounds like you are if your wallet is anything to go by! Razz Cheers

 


#370:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 8:09 pm


poke Madge for being so insensitive!

 


#371:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 10:23 pm


Hope Hilda can help/hug Nell.

Angry Boxing swear Madge, can't she see she's wrong?

(Thanks Gem Laughing )

 


#372:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 2:13 am


Gem wrote:
The bad news is that lectures also begin next week, so that may cause some problems



Gem De-ah, lectures aren't acually compulsory you know.

Really, I got a degree without attending one single solitary lecture.

Skip the lectures, write the drabble!




















OK I admitt it I was an external, distance ed student - but I still didn't attend any lectures.

 


#373:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 2:39 am


Quote:
for the first time since it had happened

What had happened? Are we still talking about the deaths here, woefully tragic as they were Crying or Very sad -- or is there more to it? :suspicious:



*has been known to stomp (figuratively) on lecture-skippers, but is sure Gem (and Pim) will find plenty of legitimate drabbling time*

 


#374:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 10:22 am


I'm really disliking Madge in this. Doesn't she realise that time passes and things change?

 


#375:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 11:53 am


i'm actually feeling quite sorry for her - she is just desperately trying to regain some control over the school and feel involved again.
lets hope she wakes up and realises soon - not sure who is going to have words with her - where's Jem???

 


#376:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 12:34 pm


Robin wrote:

lets hope she wakes up and realises soon - not sure who is going to have words with her - where's Jem???


Jem is still in Australia, sorry, should have said that! He will appear at some point. Just to let you know, there should be an update up later on today, or this evening. If not, there WILL be one tomorrow, I promise!

 


#377:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 12:41 pm


Gem this is going really well. Glad you are finding time to keep posting.

Poor Madge is really out of touch isn't she. Now wondering if it is Madge that has made the gulf between her and Jo not Jo's tactlesness which I have been blaming.

 


#378:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 3:32 pm


I should imagine that Jo has her own problems to deal with, so Madge is being very unreasonable.

 


#379:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 8:17 pm


May we have some more please Gem!

 


#380:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:44 pm


The trouble is the School isn't the same School Madge started all those years ago. It is much bigger, totally different and she is out of touch with it and its requirements - curriculum wise and otherwise. I think she is desperately trying to feel she has a purpose still and to make people remember her for the person she was all those years ago by trying to regain some control of something that was her doing and not somebody else's.

Keep it coming, Gem! I hope we get to understand Madge's behaviour soon.

 


#381:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 10:30 pm


Sorry, I honestly did mean to get this up before now! Blame my flatmates, they overtook my room and forced me to watch X-Files Embarassed

“For goodness’ sake, both of you, stop it!” Hilda’s voice was higher than she had meant, but it served its purpose. Madge paused mid-sentence and Nell, snapped out of her reverie, stared at her, concern evident in her face. Breathing deeply, attempting to control herself, Hilda stared Madge straight in the eyes, trying to see what it was that hurt her friend so badly, what could possibly have caused her to alienate the only people that truly knew her. Then she glanced at Nell with equal concern. She knew her friend had lost too much, hurt too much already, and even the strongest must fall. Beyond that, though, was a bitterness, a weakness long since acknowledged and never embraced: what about me?

Flickering of memories recalled but not quite grasped came to her suddenly – a little girl, screaming at her father – “Why didn’t you tell me?” – moments passed but never quite forgotten, too important for that; too integral to the woman that she had become. Consciousness faded but she was still talking, still crying, still saying words that had long since lost their meaning. She was an English mistress, but her words failed to support her now, instead betraying her, speaking when the only result that could come was hurt. Hadn’t there been enough of that?

Her voice was rising, almost impossibly high. Her hands, when she looked down slightly, were shaking. Had it been anyone else, she would have thought that they were becoming hysterical, but that was ridiculous. Hilda Annersley did not lose control, she simply didn’t. Even as she reassured herself of that, she registered that the shaking was becoming almost unbearable, noticed Nell looking at her with alarm. Hands were reaching out to her, frantically, panicked, but they were too late.

At that moment fatigue and grief won out; exhaustion struck, and Hilda collapsed.
___________________________________________________

ETA: I meant to add this when I first posted it, but it completely slipped my mind (sorry, Pim!). Just wanted to say thanks to Pim for beta-ing this update for me - huge help!! Smile


Last edited by Gem on Tue Oct 05, 2004 12:12 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#382:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 10:38 pm


Gemmmmmmmmm... oh I've gone al goose bumpy. That was just so un-EBD-Hilda-ish but just oh so perfect for now. As I said before, you never think of Hilda ever being like that but I suppose it make sense since she must have repressed so much over the years and it just makes her that wee bit more human. That was just so powerful and wow, I'm still shaking and all choked up.


Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease let Hilda be okay!

 


#383:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 12:26 am


*wibbles*
Oh! Poor Hilda!! Hope she'll be okay. But maybe this will help bring the others to their senses?

 


#384:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 7:10 am


Gem, these last posts have been spectacular - so powerful, so real - you write the force of their emotions so well - thank you.

 


#385:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 7:57 am


Gem, very real.




bawling

 


#386:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 9:13 am


Gem this is amazing.

Poor poor Hilda Crying Ahhhhhh

I'm another one with goosebumps and wibbling slightly at our great Abbess losing control...

 


#387:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 9:24 am


Wow, thank you Gem. Sitting here stunned by the realness and emotion of that last post. Poor Hilda, please let her be ok and let her and Nell support one another. Can we please have some more...

 


#388:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 9:29 am


Oh no, don't leave it there!

Powerful stuff, Gem and goodness knows what this will mean for the school - I hope they can resolve things ...

Alarming but good to see such a very human side to Hilda ...
(Kind of hoping Bill tells Madge what she thinks of her!)

 


#389:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 11:03 am


Oh...
*holds breath*
Poor Hilda, as pim said this might seem in EBDish but I can totally believe it as a reaction to everything Hilda's been through. Now I'm worried for her and that the otehrs will pull together and I'm not going to be near a computer till tomorrow probably.
*wibbles*

 


#390:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 11:15 am


That was amazing Gem. Poor Hilda, I really felt I was suffering with her.

 


#391:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 3:47 pm


I hope Madge realises what she's done to Hilda with her immature behaviour.

 


#392:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 5:18 pm


Crying or Very sad

 


#393:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 5:21 pm


Shocked Oh no!

I hope Hilda isn't going to be out of action for long - a struggle for power between Nell and Madge wouldn't be good for anyone! Hiding

 


#394:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 5:40 pm


Oh wow! What a realistic portrayal, so un EBD but you can just see it building up and happening.

That was wonderful Gem.

 


#395:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 5:48 pm


That was jsut so powerful! Hilda is always the tower of strength and calm but commonsense says she feels just like everyone else and there must come a point where she needs her own needs met.

Hopefully, Madge will be jolted out of whatever is her problem.

 


#396:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 6:52 pm


Yikes! Shocked

Hopefully Hilda will recover soon (please).

Also can someone slap Madge, maybe that will bring her to her senses.

JackieJ

 


#397:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 12:28 am


This is incredibly powerful writing Gem - as others have said, quite unEBDish, but very true

 


#398:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 1:21 pm


Poor Hilda but that had been building up for a long time. Hope she is better soon. Very powerful writing Gem, as has been said before.

 


#399:  Author: KellyLocation: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 7:24 pm


Gem, this is fantastic. Just to repeat what everyone else said, although its not an EBD portrayal of Hilda, it is a very realistic one, and one very powerfully written.

 


#400:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 7:55 pm


Wonderful scenes Gem. Hilda's collapse - that is so understandable, Bill fighting for her position - ditto.
Madge is not nice in this at all, at the moment, but maybe she has reasons for her actions too. I wonder if Jem still being in Australia has anything to do with it?

 




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