The CBB :: View topic - A Surfeit of Rach(a)els.

A Surfeit of Rach(a)els.

The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles

#2001: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:32 pm

I won't post any more until I know who did it! tongue

#2002: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:34 pm

Blackmail, Lesley?

Sorry but I'm not giving anyone away! Can't you guess at the likely culprit?

#2003: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:34 pm

But, but...that would be punishing the whole for the actions of one!

Please, whoever it was - own up! It's the CS thing to do.
And those who know - remember it's reporting, not tattling.

#2004: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:35 pm

*decides the wrath of Lesley is preferable to the wrath of the entire CBB, and 'fesses up!*
It was me!! And it took you long enough to notice my pet......... Wink

ETA, and I would have admitted it straight away if I hadn't been offline, but I've just come back on!

Last edited by Vikki on Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:36 pm; edited 1 time in total

#2005: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:36 pm

Lesley wrote:

I won't post any more until I know who did it! tongue

*thinks Lesley should follow the example of her role model and temper justice with mercy*

ie. don't punish us for another's doings!

#2006: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:37 pm

Vikki!!! You are in sooooo much trouble! Laughing

(Hopes Vikki remembers her swim in RCS!)

OK, will post again soon! (And I didn't mean it anyway - think it's funny!)

#2007: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:40 pm

Lesley wrote:

I won't post any more until I know who did it! tongue

Points out to Lesley that under Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, collective punishment is illegal: "No protected person may be punished for an offense he or she has not personally committed." tongue

(I knew that all my reading on Middle Eastern politics would come in useful one day!)

#2008: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:41 pm

You've really got Patmac to blame as it was her post about a warning that this thread was not for those of a nervous disposition that started it all off!

Glad you're going to post more!

#2009: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:43 pm

Catherine_B wrote:

Lesley wrote:

I won't post any more until I know who did it! tongue

(I knew that all my reading on Middle Eastern politics would come in useful one day!)

I didn't sign the Geneva Convention! tongue

#2010: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:46 pm

*claps hands in delight*

Yey, Lesley's going to post more...soon, I presume??

#2011: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:51 pm

Lesley wrote:

Vikki!!! You are in sooooo much trouble! Laughing

(Hopes Vikki remembers her swim in RCS!)

OK, will post again soon! (And I didn't mean it anyway - think it's funny!)

*wibbles*
*dons wetsuit and protective clothing*

#2012: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 8:34 pm

Lesley wrote:

I didn't sign the Geneva Convention! tongue

To the best of my knowledge you are a citizen of a signatory to the Geneva Convention - and in fact are or have been an officer in her armed forces - I am afraid I don't find your case very convincing! tongue

Come on - we want more!

#2013: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 8:42 pm

Well I'm relieved, but want more...this whole mystery is very mysterious and mystifying!

*Carolyn the mystified*

#2014: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 8:57 pm

Yay - Hilda lives! I hoped that Butcher woman wuld come through for her, and now they have the proof they did to get her out of prison. Let's just hope it doesn't take too long.
Thank you Lesley.

#2015: Author: Cathy, Location: Australia

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 9:25 pm

Thank you Lesley. I have just crawled out of bed and read all the little bits that went up some time yesterday (your today). The more I read the more I was dreading that you'd leave it on a huge cliff. Thank you for saving Hilda. I wonder if that woman in prison confessed to Butcher who was paying her.

#2016: Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 9:30 pm

Thanks Lesley, I had a few posts to catch up on from Friday.

Does anyone else think its strange that Jeanne got a last minute invitation to go mountain climbing from people who don't know her, never heard of her, never met her and couldn't possibly know if she was fit enough? It also seems as though Renee decided to go on her trip at short notice? Am I way off track here Lesley?

#2017: Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 9:58 pm

Thank you, Lesley, for not getting Hilda killed! Very Happy

A very mysterious mystery. Hope they get Hilda out before too long. Am going to sit back and await developments.... lots more when you have time, please!!

Considering I don't live anywhere near any cliffs, I seem to have fallen off an awful lot of them recently! Shocked

#2018: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:08 pm

Nice big post, as reward for all the cliffs!

Sunday afternoon and evening were quiet in the prison, Hilda Annersley spent a lot of her time reading her Bible and answering letters. Although feeling somewhat guilty about Thomas’ fate, she contented herself with the thought that at least the woman still lived. Butcher stopped by shortly before lock-up to pass on that Thomas had been grateful,

“So she’ll not try to finish the contract at a later date,” Butcher continued, “But there could be others.”

Miss Annersley nodded, “I know, it’s part of a bigger problem affecting my School.”

“The reason you’re in here?”

“Possibly,”

“Well be careful Annersley,” Butcher smiled slightly as she stood up to leave, “I can’t always be there to save your neck!” She left the room just as Cherry appeared. A few minutes later one of the prison officers came along to lock the door.

The following morning saw Hilda Annersley awake early, surprisingly she had slept very well the night before, almost as though the events of the day before had relieved stress, rather than adding to it. Directly after breakfast, she was just settling down to read and reply to some letters when a prison officer appeared and said that one of the Swiss Inspectors was there to see her. She was escorted to an Interview Room, inside was Sergeant Horton and Inspector Jakob.

Miss Annersley walked into the room and took the seat offered her by the sergeant,

“Gentlemen,” she began, “I believe that I should await the arrival of my lawyer before answering any questions,”

The Inspector smiled, “That will not be necessary, Fraulein Annersley,” he said, “We only wanted to let you know personally, the charges against you have been dropped!”

Miss Annersley stared at him, dumbfounded, she did not reply, only looked at the sergeant.

Sergeant Horton nodded, “New evidence has come to light,” he said, “discovered by your friends at the School, but irrefutable evidence, nonetheless, it completely exonerates you,”

Hilda Annersley smiled, “My thanks, gentlemen, I gather that means that I am free to leave here?”

“It does ma’am, we’ve dropped off the necessary papers with the Governor of the prison, and someone is already waiting outside to pick you up.” The sergeant stood and held out his hand, “I’m glad this has all been resolved, Miss Annersley,”

Hilda shook his hand and then that of the Swiss Inspector, a prison officer stood at the door, “I’ll escort you back to pick up your belongings now, Miss Annersley,” she said,

“Thank you, Mrs Francis,” Hilda moved to the door then turned back, “Inspector Jakob? What of your colleague Inspector Grune?”

Jakob flushed slightly, “He has been recalled, ma’am, he is under investigation for attempting to pervert the course of justice. It is alleged that he tried to convict you fraudulently.”

Hilda walked back to her room and gathered together her belongings, the prison officer, Mrs Francis brought along a box for her to pack everything into. Once done she quickly looked around the room that had been her home for almost a week before turning and walking out. Before exiting the wing she asked if it was possible for her to say goodbye to two people, the prison officer agreed and escorted her to the work areas. The first person she saw was Butcher,

“I’m told they’ve finally realised just how much of a hazard you are in here, Annersley,” Butcher’s comment reached her,

Hilda Annersley smiled, “They’ve discovered that I was telling the truth,” she said gently, “That I did not murder anyone,”

“Yeah, well I could have told them that!”

Miss Annersley looked across at the other woman, “Butcher, a large number of the women in here have a lot of problems dealing with any sort of correspondence. I intend to ask the Governor if I can send one of my teachers here, once a week, to help them. Will you allow the women to attend?”

Butcher thought for a moment, “On one condition,” she said eventually, “that you come too, not every time, I know you’re busy, but say, once a month,”

Miss Annersley nodded, “Very well, once a month, you’ll see me. Goodbye Butcher,”

“Goodbye Annersley, take care!”

The other person she saw was Cherry Elliott, like Butcher, Cherry had obviously heard Hilda’s news, as soon as she saw her, Cherry came running over to hug her,

“I heard, they’ve proved it wasn’t you! Oh Hilda I’m so pleased for you!”

Hilda hugged the girl in return, “Cherry, I just wanted to say thank you, for looking after me, telling me all the things I needed to know to survive in here.”

Cherry blushed slightly, “Oh well, I only helped a little, besides I know what it’s like when you first get in here.”

“Yes, but you helped me more than you know, especially during the night, thank you Cherry, you are very special young woman.”

Hilda stopped then reached into her box and pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen, she wrote a number on the paper and gave it to Cherry.

“That’s my mobile number, Cherry, when you know your release date, let me know,”

Cherry looked across, uncomprehendingly, Hilda continued,

“I can offer you a job, either cleaning, catering or in the laundry. It’ll not pay very well, but enough that you will be able to afford clothes and treats, and it will include full board and lodging and a Nursery place for Robbie. Just give that number to any of the Social Services that require it and I’ll confirm the arrangements to them, all right?”

Cherry looked at the number in her hand, then, her eyes filling with tears, she flung her arms around Hilda again…

A short time later Miss Annersley stood in the Reception area of the prison, having the last few formalities gone through, prior to her release. As she signed the last papers she heard footsteps behind her, turning she saw the senior officer Miss Shaw.

“Just thought I’d be here to say goodbye,” Miss Shaw said, she held out a hand, “and to tell you that I only ever want to see you here as a visitor in the future!”

Hilda reached out to grasp the hand, “Agreed,” she smiled, “Goodbye Miss Shaw,”

“Goodbye Miss Annersley,”

The senior officer escorted Miss Annersley to the main gates and waved her through, outside there was just one vehicle sitting on the drive, Hilda recognised it as one of the School Jeeps. She walked over toward it, there was a man sat in the driving seat, John Coates, and leaning against the Jeep, grinning, was Nell Wilson.

“Bout time you got here, Hilda!” she said, “don’t you think you’ve had a long enough holiday?”

Miss Annersley laughed.

#2019: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:13 pm

oh, I had tears in my eyes the same time as Cherry. I knew hilda would do that but still. Its so heart warming.

LOVE Nell's comment at the end!

thank you Lesley, you wonderful peron you.

#2020: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:15 pm

That was absolutly wonderful...my eyes are watering.

Hilda sorting everyone out, then Bill greeting her.

Thanks,

#2021: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:22 pm

Thanks, Lesley.

That was lovely.

#2022: Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:24 pm

I'm another one trying to type through the tears in my eyes, thank you Lesley.

#2023: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:25 pm

*sniffle sniffle*
Thank you Lesley!!

#2024: Author: Sophie, Location: Cambridegeshire

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:28 pm

This is an absolutely magnificent story! Thank you so much Lesley, I'm riveted to each new installment. Brilliant! And thank heavens Hilda's out of prison. But.....what on earth's going to go wrong next? *shudders to think*

#2025: Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:31 pm

Thank you Lesley!

#2026: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:56 pm

Oh! That's so sweet, Lesley - I've read it over and over and it's just perfect - Hilda helping the women inside even from afar - Cherry being reunited with her son - Inspector Grune getting his come-uppance - Miss Shaw being able to address her respectfully at last - and of course, Nell greeting her with a smile at the end of her ordeal.

THANK YOU!

#2027: Author: Cathy, Location: Australia

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 11:17 pm

THANK YOU!!! That was great. And now I have to go to work. fume

#2028: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 11:19 pm

I'm sooooo glad they got Hilda out of there! Thank you Lesley the last few scenes were lovely Smile

#2029: Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 11:23 pm

*breathing a sigh of relieve that the cliff hanger is over*

*very glad Hilda is OK*

When do we get some more Lesley?!

#2030: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 11:28 pm

That was great Lesley. Looking forward to all the revelations yet to come!

Please don't post any more now though until a week on Thursday as I will be away until then. At a push, I suppose you could post on the Wednesday evening, but not before thanks.

Twisted Evil

#2031: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 12:20 am

Lesley, please ignore Rachel the Witch's request, as you are otherwise likely to have mobs of howling CBBers descending on your doorstep!!

#2032: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 12:37 am

Have just caugt up on the last tenpages of this. Thank you Lesley for such a wonderful story. At least I missed the cliffs.

More soon please.

#2033: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 1:31 am

*wipes eyes*
I'm so glad I could read straight through all those cliffs, it was bad enough knowing Hilda was in prison and I didn't know what was coming but I think you'd've given me several heart attacks with that lot!

Thanks for Nell's lovely welcome to Hilda.

#2034: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 6:35 am

*miraculously recovering from extreme acrophobia*
(fans self and consumes several ounces of chocolate)

*sniffling happily over bonus Butcher & Cherry scenes*

might even let Lesley have a few hours rest before demanding that Hilda & Nell get started unmasking the evil (pseudo)Rach(a)els Very Happy

#2035: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 8:51 am

Lesley, I've just caught up on this from Saturday afternoon. You've put my emotions through several wringers, I feel exhausted now. This was wonderful. I'm so glad that Hilda wants to help the women in the prison, and that she'll give Cherry a proper chance in life.

It's just so typical of Hilda to think about other people in that way.

A really big THANK YOU

Last edited by Jennie on Mon Apr 05, 2004 10:41 am; edited 1 time in total

#2036: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 9:58 am

Wow! *emotionally exhausted*

Just caught up on the weekend's postings and can't believe how much there was to catch up on!! Talk about action-packed!! Shocked

Glad that Hilda is free but can't believe that you lot still seriously think that Lesley would consider killing her!! Considering that we all turn into gibbering wrecks every time she threatens it, if she actually had to write about it ... she'd go gaga herself!!

Beautifully written, as always, Lesley - now please turn your attention to vindicating the respective Rach(a)els - I feel our name have been dragged in the mud for far too long and I want to know the truth!! Very Happy

#2037: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 10:28 am

*still jibbering just a little bit*

*not jibbering so much she's unable to chant* Wink

#2038: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 10:53 am

That was great Lesley. I don't think you dare do as RTW asked, or you won't dare show your face at any Gather in the future, will you? Laughing

#2039: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 11:44 am

Ooh, I've just had a seriously naughty thought!! Twisted Evil

One to hoist RTW by her own petard as it were - "wait 'til she gets back before posting more", my *rse!!

How about playing a prank on her? Twisted Evil

Lesley posts like mad (and finishes the story - Shocked

) and we sneakily archive it before RTW gets back?

Then we all look innocent and when she's desperately querying where Surfeit is, we all go,
"Surfeit? What's Surfeit? There's never been a drabble called Surfeit"
RTW doesn't believe us, starts gibbering and gesticulating with pencils up her nose etc and finally sinks into insanity ...

Or is that maybe a bit too wicked? Confused

What do you think, Lesley? Can you wrap this up in the next week or so?

Wink

Actually - Ive just realised the fatal flaw in my cunning plan - RTW is already insane Rolling Eyes

*back to the drawing board!! Very Happy

#2040: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 12:13 pm

Rachael...seriously wicked, I like it!

Lasley thank you for yesterday's wonderful posts...glad I didn't read them til now though and thus avoided all the horrible cliffs! Glad to see Hilda cleared and out of prison and her being so nice to Cherry.

Now get on and tell us who's behind all this!!!

#2041: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 12:17 pm

I do like the suggestion Rachael. And the biggest advantage of it would be that Lesley would have to post lots and lots of story and not leave us on any cliffs for long.

#2042: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 12:23 pm

Do you think she could manage it before Rachel gets back!!?

#2043: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 12:34 pm

I would hate for her to rush things just for that though!

#2044: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 12:52 pm

True...its kind of nice in a very annoying kind of way to have to wait for Lesley to post again...

#2045: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 1:25 pm

Well, last time I visited this was before I became a bad influence on Vikki Wink

You've solved that cliff beautifully and I love the depth of Hilda's character, even when she was facing deportation she still held to her values.

Great!

#2046: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 2:58 pm

I know! I was so sweet and innocent before I met you lot!.......

#2047: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 3:03 pm

Vikki wrote:

I know! I was so sweet and innocent before I met you lot!.......

but the pathological lying was always a problem... Wink

#2048: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 3:30 pm

cheeky little ratbag!!!!!!! Evil or Very Mad

#2049: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 5:00 pm

PatMac, don't believe Vikki. And don't forget, I'm your bad influence.

#2050: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 6:25 pm

Hello everyone! Many thanks for all the kind words Embarassed

Rachael - I don't know whether or not I'll be able to finish this before Rachel gets back, although with having Easter in there it's possible Laughing

We'll see!

Anyway, strictly speaking this next post is not part of the Surfeit story - it's a little one-off. But for reasons that will become obvious this seemed to be the most appropriate place to put it! devil

Early one morning Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson, now both fully fit once more, were on their usual run. They had reached the shore and were running along the beach when they heard someone calling for help. Perplexed they both stopped, looking around them, the beach was completely deserted. The voice called out again,

“Up here!”

The two friends looked up, with their backs to the sea, high above them a small peninsula of land jutted out over the beach. Hanging from this peninsula was a thin rope and on the end of the rope was a… well to begin with they were not sure. The object was less than five feet long, two appendages at the top, a slim body, then two more appendages and a head with a mass of long, blonde hair. The women suddenly realise that they were, in fact, seeing a fairly small person, suspended upside down and gently swinging in the warm Australian morning.

“Oh hello!” Miss Annersley’s eyesight had still not failed her, “It’s Vikki, isn’t it?”

“Er, yes, that’s right,” the suspended figure said quickly, “I wonder, could you help me?”

“What on Earth happened to you, Vikki?” Miss Wilson’s eyes followed the swinging figure back and forth,

“Erm, well, I was listening to Rachel telling stories to the little ones,” began the hapless Vikki,

“Don’t tell me,” Miss Annersley, “Rachel Macdonald I presume?”

“Well, yes,” replied Vikki faintly, “and she got on to a story about a teddy bear and I…” her voice trailed off,

“Sorry Vikki, didn’t quite catch that,” Miss Wilson sounded a little distracted, moving her head in time to Vikki’s swaying,

“I ran away!” Vikki said, rather embarrassed, “I ran and ran, not looking where I was going then, just as I reached here, my foot caught in a rope and I fell off the edge. I’ve been swinging here ever since!”

Miss Annersley turned to Miss Wilson, “Nell, that rope must have been left by Xan’s Guides from when they were practising mountain rescue, you’ll have to speak to her about clearing up properly,”

“Yes Hilda,” murmured Miss Wilson, “Though, you must admit, if they hadn’t left it, Vikki wouldn’t now be hanging from it!”

“Hmmm, there is that, I suppose,” The Head turned back to Vikki, “When did this happen, dear?” Miss Annersley asked,

“Oh about eight o’clock last night,”

“Strong rope!”

Miss Wilson nodded in agreement, her head still following the gently swinging figure, she glanced at her watch, “I say, Hilda, the girl’s a perfect pendulum, you could set your watch by her!”

“Really?” Miss Annersley looked up and, for the next few minutes both women could be seen their heads following the figure as she swung to and fro.

“Why you’re right, Nell, I’d never have thought that,” Miss Annersley said, as the two women prepared to recommence their run. A plaintive cry from above stopped them,

“I say, I’m still stuck here! A little help?”

“But we’re on our run!” Miss Wilson objected,

“Oh, wait a moment Nell, I’ll arrange things,” Miss Annersley retrieved her mobile from her pocket and dialled a number. After a short conversation she smiled, “I’ve spoken to John Coates, Vikki,” she said, her beautiful voice easily carrying to the swinging Vikki, “He’s sending a couple of guards down, they’ll be here in a few minutes.”

Vikki mumbled her thanks and the two friends started their run once more.

“Perhaps this will teach Vikki not to listen when Rachel starts telling her stories,” Miss Annersley said, as they started up the path to the ground above.

“Perhaps, Hilda, but it’s her own fault, anyway,” Miss Wilson’s voice was quite stern and she nodded as her friend looked over enquiringly, “Oh yes,” she continued, “You’d have thought Vikki, of all people, would know to beware of cliffs!”

#2051: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 6:30 pm

Gee thanks Lesley!!! Rolling Eyes

Better than last time I guess!!

#2052: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 6:31 pm

Lesley wrote:

[Miss Annersley turned to Miss Wilson, “Nell, that rope must have been left by Xan’s Guides from when they were practising mountain rescue, you’ll have to speak to her about clearing up properly,”

Libel! A vicious slur on my good name! I ALWAYS tidy up beautifully! *stomps off muttering*

(Of course, a good way to cheer me up would be to post more story...)

#2053: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 6:32 pm

Lesley, that was wonderful....LOL

#2054: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 6:35 pm

I love it, Lesley!

Feeling just a tad sorry for Vikki, though.

#2055: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 6:40 pm

That was wonderfully funny! Poor Vikki is really getting it at the moment, isn't she?!!

#2056: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 6:46 pm

*sigh*
I can take it Pat! When it's well meant. like Lesley's post is! And I DID rather ask for this!!!

#2057: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 7:20 pm

Vikki - you're soon going to be in as many drabbles as Lesley herself Smile

Thanks for all these posts Lesley, I'm happy now that Hilda is out of prison, that Grune is being investigated (though I suppose he did have a good reason for doing what he did), and that all is well in the Real CS, until the next instalment at least.

Those last episodes were, as said elsewhere, absolutely superb.

#2058: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 7:59 pm

Thank goodness Alan was out when I read that Lesley. He'd have sent for the men in white coats, I was laughing so much!

Poor Vikki - do get her down, please. We might need her later Twisted Evil

#2059: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 8:12 pm

A wonderful little story, Lesley. I laughed my socks off, well, almost.

#2060: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 8:32 pm

Lesley- wonderful wonderful wonderful!

Rachael, I'm tempted to wonder if the wrong Rach(a)el is 'the Witch.' That last inspiration of yours is witchy enough for anything!!!

More soon Lesley!

#2061: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 8:35 pm

LOL ...giggling at Vikki hanging from the rope ...... good job it was there though or Vikki would be strawbery jam !!

#2062: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 8:42 pm

Oh no! Lesley that's so cruel!!!

#2063: Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 9:20 pm

How's the head Vikki, you must be a bit weak with all the blood being in the wrong place for so long? Very Happy

Great Lesley, keep up the good work.

#2064: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 9:47 pm

I do apologise Vikki, and am glad you could see the joke! I just couldn't resist!

However - on with the story...

***ADVANCE WARNING***

THE FOLLOWING POST INCLUDES SCENES THAT SOME MAY FIND UPSETTING OR UNPLEASANT!

After putting her box in the back of the Jeep, Hilda turned to her friend, “It’s good to see you again, Nell,” she said softly.

Nell Wilson walked over and pulled her into a hug, Hilda shuddered slightly even as she hugged her friend back,

“Alright, Hilda,” Nell’s voice was very gentle, “Let’s get you home,”

On the way back to the Real Chalet School, Miss Annersley related all that had happened to her, speaking very quietly she told of the attempt on her life and it’s aftermath. Miss Wilson sat, an arm around her friend’s shoulders, listening. When the jeep reached the Gatehouse and was waved through, she spoke,

“Do you feel up to facing people today, Hilda? There’s likely to be a big celebration,”

Miss Annersley nodded, “Yes, Nell, I must see everyone, they all sent me such wonderful letters in prison, it really helped, having them to read.”

Miss Wilson nodded, “OK, but you don’t take over officially until at least tomorrow. You need some time to recover, and I know you’ll not have the chance once you take back the reins.”

The rest of the day saw Miss Annersley being greeted with great eagerness by all the Staff. Although constrained by the need to ensure that none of the pupils were aware of exactly where the Headmistress had been for the past six days, the Staff managed to convey their great joy at having their chief back. In private the Staff all mentioned that the Head appeared pale and tired, but was obviously delighted to be back. When joining the School for meals, Miss Annersley was also greeted by the girls, although, as far as they were concerned, she had been away on business.

Early evening saw her marched over to their cottage by Miss Wilson, however she was unable, initially, to rest. The Prefects arrived as one body to see for themselves that she was back, and Miss Annersley insisted that they remain for a drink. Finally, Miss Wilson shooed them all out; she looked across at her friend, Hilda appeared tired and shaky,

“I think you should go to bed, Hilda,” she said gently, “I think you may have overdone it a little. After all you went through in prison, you need to rest.”

Miss Annersley finished her drink, “I think you’re right, Nell,” she said quietly, “I feel some sort of reaction is setting in, I’ll probably be better off trying to sleep through it.” She stood up and walked over to kiss her friend on the cheek.

Miss Wilson hugged her again, “Try and sleep, Hilda, don’t worry about anything, I’ll look after things,”

Hilda Annersley smiled, “I know,” she said quietly, she turned and went upstairs to her room. She settled down very quickly and was asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. But it was not to be a peaceful sleep…

Elinor walked softly back into the Head’s Study and stood, watching the woman on the floor. Hilda Annersley’s appearance was totally different from the calm, stable demeanour she had always worn as Headmistress of the Chalet School. Seven and a half weeks of personal attention from Elinor had changed her. She was painfully thin, dirty and dishevelled, and she had any number of cuts, bruises and burns over her body. Most importantly though, her entire personality had been subdued, the bouts of near excruciating pain had achieved that. Elinor wondered if it was time for the next step in her quest to completely break the woman.

“Hello Hilda,”

The woman on the floor moved very slightly, in a voice barely above a whisper she spoke, “Please, Elinor, please stop the pain,”

“That’s why I’m here, Hilda,” Elinor smiled, “You see I’ve discovered a way that you can leave here. Join your friends in the Real World. You’d like that wouldn’t you?”

“Yes,”

“Well then, I’m sure it can be arranged. There’s just one thing though; I have to have someone here instead of you. Someone I will enjoy hurting just as much as I enjoy hurting you. Can you suggest anyone?” As she finished asking the question, Elinor concentrated and the degree of pain rose significantly, “I’ll leave you to think about it.” She made to walk out of the Study.

“Don’t go!” The plea stopped Elinor and she waited, “You c-c-could take Nell,” The words were whispered so quietly that Elinor could barely hear them.

“I could take who, Hilda?”

“Nell Wilson, y-y-you could take her, instead of me,”

Elinor smiled and stopped the pain, Hilda looked up, “Why so I could, Hilda,” Elinor said triumphantly, “so good of you to suggest her. Until next time, Hilda,” Elinor left the room.

Back in the Study, Hilda painfully dragged herself to her feet and staggered across to sit in her chair, she looked over at a small photograph on her desk. It was of herself and Nell Wilson during the summer camp, she was covered in blue dye, while Nell appeared to be soaking wet. They were both laughing. Hilda hadn’t even realised that Kathie had ordered a digital camera from the Net, let alone taken that photo until much later.

“What have I done?” Hilda whispered to herself, tears streaming down her face, “My God, what have I done? My best friend, she’d never have done that. What have I become?” Her eyes alighted on the small paper knife on the desk, she picked it up, it was razor sharp. She closed her eyes in prayer, “God, I ask this one thing of you,” she whispered, “Not to be rescued, I am not worthy, just allow me to end it now.” As she finished the prayer she drew the knife down her wrist, following the line of the radial artery, bright red blood spurted out of the wound. Before she grew too weak, she swapped the knife to her other hand and repeated the cut to the other wrist…

#2065: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 9:50 pm

*gulps.
thanks for the warning Lesley.
Poor, poor Hilda. I don't know how many more nightmares she can take.

#2066: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 9:52 pm

Lesley, this was torturous. You've brought out Hilda's anxieties so well, I don't know how I shall sleep tonight.

#2067: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 10:02 pm

oh god, I'm crying at work. Lesley, thanks for the warning, that was truly emotional. It must have been hell to write. I want to wrap hilda in a huge huggle and make it all go away.

#2068: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 10:18 pm

*very quiet, very still, and just waiting*

#2069: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 10:30 pm

Oh. Oh. Oh. Nooooooo. *speechless having just read 16 pages in one go*

I really don't know what to say...

#2070: Author: Chickpea,

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 10:34 pm

Ummm, errr, ahhr.

Gosh. I never expected that.

*picks jaw off floor and rearranges thoughts*

#2071: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 11:20 pm

..........

There is absolutly nothing can be said.
stunned.

#2072: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 11:28 pm

Good job we had a warning!

Lesley.................................................... no i can't say anything.

#2073: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 11:45 pm

Brilliant Lesley! But we know she survived Elinor, don't we? Also that you might put her through the wringer (Mangle is more accurate! Twisted Evil

), but yuo're not likely to kill Hilda off!!!

Whatever you write, we want more please!

#2074: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 11:54 pm

Wow ....... how amazingly powerful. Lesley this is absolutely fantastic. That was such emotive writing!

#2075: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 1:19 am

Thanks for the warning Lesley. That was very hard to read even though we knew it happened seeing it shown like that *shudders*

#2076: Author: Cathy, Location: Australia

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 1:46 am

Very moving. I hope the nightmares go away soon.

More please!!!

#2077: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 2:11 am

All I can say is; "Wibble!" Shocked

#2078: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 7:48 am

*Joins Vikki in wibbling*

I'm just glad I didn't read that before going to bed last night!

#2079: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:00 am

I was still sad when I went to bed last night, but then I thought about Hilda singing I will survive and ended up chuckling to myself instead. Laughing

When do we get more Lesley? Soon please.

#2080: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 9:28 am

The warning was needed Lesley - even when you know what's coming ...

Superlative writing!

Thank you

#2081: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 9:41 am

Are you still getting previews Rachael? Evil or Very Mad

#2082: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 9:53 am

LOL!

Yes, Pat - occasionally!
But Lesley is constitutionally incapable of writing chronologically ( Very Happy

) so it gets very confusing and I'm never quite sure when she's going to post things - the latest flashback being a case in point!!
I'm not sure whether the anticipation is better or worse than not knowing!!

#2083: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 10:25 am

So, we could say that you've been hoist by your own petard then, Rachael? Wink

#2084: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 10:46 am

Sort of - but it's not my petard, Vikki, honest!! Lesley offers and I say "yes, please" because I think it would be terrible impolite to refuse ... Wink

(well, OK - as it's a dumb question, Lesley has learnt to precipitate my answer and just forward, thus saving excessive exchange of e-mails!!!)

And as for the next bit .... which I've just literally had the privilege to read ... well ... where's a dropped jaw smiley when you need one?!

(Hmmm, appetites duly whetted, bodies dangling from tenterhooks - I think my work here is done Very Happy

)

#2085: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 10:50 am

*debates suitable methods of punishment for Rachael*

#2086: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 11:10 am

*feeling relatively safe given that Vikki is currently dangling off a rope! Wink

#2087: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 11:14 am

wanna bet, my poppet? Twisted Evil

#2088: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 11:33 am

Hey - when did you get rescued!?!! Rolling Eyes

*beats rapid retreat*

#2089: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 11:37 am

*wields carving knife........*

#2090: Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 11:51 am

*pops in to plea for more story*

*sees Vikki with a carving knife and runs away screaming!*

#2091: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 2:05 pm

I loved Vikki hanging off a cliff. But I didn't love Hilda's nightmare. Sad

#2092: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 4:34 pm

*Dumbstruck*
But I'm glad I didn't read that before I went to bed, I've been having bad enough dreams of my own account, I don't need Hilda's too, but that's what I would have got if I'd gone to sleep after reading that!

#2093: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 7:56 pm

*mumbles incoherently at Lesley* I think it's a plea for more... Shocked

*huggles Ellie*
*giggles at Vikki*

#2094: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:07 pm

*crying*

Please, Lesley, could Nell come and wake Hilda up from this nightmare and tell her it wasn't her fault?

Sad

x 100000000

#2095: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:10 pm

*pleading with Catherine*

Lesley, wake her up!

#2096: Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:12 pm

*Sniffles quietly* Crying or Very sad

Thank you for the warning Lesley, and for such wonderful writing. But please send Nell to help Hilda, or something...
waiting for more (please) and hoping the nightmares go away.

#2097: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:30 pm

Sorry to everyone for the last post - hope this one makes up for it!

Nell Wilson awoke suddenly, unsure of why she had awoken. There had been no noise, she was certain, yet something had disturbed her. A sudden thought struck her and she got out of bed and wandered out of her room and along the corridor. Quietly opening the door to Hilda’s room she looked inside. Hilda was not asleep; she sat upright in bed, staring into the middle distance, dry-eyed and still.

“Hilda? Are you all right, Hilda?” Nell’s softly voiced question elicited no response. Nell walked round to the side of the bed and sat beside her friend. There was still no acknowledgement of her presence. Nell placed an arm around Hilda’s shoulders and, for the first time, there was a response. Hilda quickly shrugged off the arm,

“Don’t touch me, Nell!” The command was delivered swiftly, Hilda almost seeming to cringe from Nell’s hand.

“Why? What have I done?” Nell’s voice was shocked.

Hilda turned jerkily to look at her friend sat beside her on the bed, “Not you, Nell, me. It’s what I have done. What I did. Last year.”

“Last year? You mean when you were with Elinor?” At Hilda’s faint nod Nell swore, “Damn it, Hilda, I thought we’d sorted that, you’ve had the nightmares again haven’t you?”

“They’re not nightmares, Nell,” Hilda’s voice was bleak, “A nightmare is a dream, something that, once awake, you can see isn’t real, didn’t happen. What I’m having is replaying of memories, things that actually happened, actions I performed. I’ve managed to repress them, to a certain extent, until now. Even tried to convince myself that they didn’t happen. But they did, and I can no longer run away from the fact.”

“They’re nightmares, Hilda, of a place and a person that no longer exist, the fictional world, Hilda, and a person who only had form from the evil of an author’s mind. They were not real.”

“They were real at the time, Nell, and that’s all that matters. Do you know the scene I keep replaying over and over in my head?”

Nell shook her head.

“The one in which I betrayed you, the one where I then called on God to allow me to kill myself, and He refused my request. The one that proves to me that I have no business expecting friendship from you, because I failed, in every way possible, to be a friend to you. At a time when I should have proved myself, I was found wanting.” Hilda turned to face away from her friend once more.

Nell reached across and pulled Hilda into a bear hug, trapping her arms to her sides, and holding her despite Hilda’s struggles,

“No point trying to free yourself, Hilda,” she said quickly, “You know I’m stronger than you, I can hold you here all night if I have to!”

Hilda’s struggles stopped as she recognised the truth in her friend’s statement, she rested her head on Nell’s shoulder, “So what now?” she said.

Nell thought for a moment, “Now you tell me,” she said, “Tell me everything that happened, every detail you’ve just re-lived. I know only the bare essentials, so you tell me everything, tell me how you failed to be a friend,”

…

Some time later, Hilda finished relating the details of her betrayal and raised her head to look up at her friend, “How, after hearing of all I did, can you still insist that we’re friends?”

Nell Wilson tightened her hold on Hilda; she didn’t answer immediately, instead thinking deeply, when she did reply her voice was very quiet,

“Because I cannot envisage us not being friends,” she said eventually, “Because, whether the author intended it or not, without you I only exist, during the ten weeks that you were trapped in the fictional world I could not summon up any joy in my life. In the past, you’ve said that you need me, Hilda, well I need you too. Without you I feel incomplete, you are my balance, the one that can steady me whenever my temper flares.” Nell stopped for a moment before adding, “We are not lovers, not in the way many of the same sex are, but we do love each other, and regardless of what either of us have done in the past, or may do in the future, that will endure.”

Nell took a deep breath before looking down at her friend once more, “Hilda, after what you went through at Elinor’s hands, the only surprise as far as I’m concerned is how long it took. Hell, you said that was, what, seven weeks into the torture? I’d have given in long before that!”

Hilda shook her head, “No Nell, you’re stronger, witness now,” she made another attempt to break Nell’s hold, failing dismally,

“It wasn’t physical strength that kept you going so long, Hilda,” Nell returned, “It was mental strength, and I can’t think of anyone stronger than you mentally. After all you went through last year - and let’s face it, your ten weeks alone with Elinor occurred after a series of attacks from her for months before - you survived. And you are still the source of help to others. Why do you think that woman saved you in prison? Because of your influence earlier, Hell you even found the mental strength to feel compassion for the slug that tried to kill you. I’d have been queuing up to use that knife on her!”

Hilda laughed slightly, only a very small laugh, but even that was a great improvement on her earlier despair.

Nell smiled, “Shall I tell you your main fault?” she asked, “It’s that you expect too much from yourself, strange really because you never expect too much from anyone else, but you expect that you, personally, will have no weaknesses. It’s probably another part of that Perfect Headmistress thing – damn but the author made a big mistake giving you that. Or maybe it’s your enhanced sense of responsibility,”

“So what do you suggest I do about it then?”

“Learn to accept that you’re human, Hilda.” Nell’s answer was swift, “And understand this, I don’t care what you did when in Elinor’s clutches, I don’t care if another of your repressed memories has you actually holding the knife when torturing me. You are my friend, you will always be my friend, and nothing you say or do will change my opinion!”

There was silence for a time, Hilda, her head still resting on Nell’s shoulder, sighed, “Alright Nell, I’ll do my best. You just keep reminding me.”

“No worries, Hilda!”

#2098: Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:37 pm

Thank you Lesley! That was excellent. Smile

#2099: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:39 pm

*sniffles*
Oh thank you, Lesley!

#2100: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:41 pm

Lovely. yes that did make up for the last bit. What I wonder is what else you have up yuour sleeve Lesley? More cliff hangers, I am absolutely certain!!

#2101: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:41 pm

*crying again*

No words to express how beautiful that scene was.

#2102: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:45 pm

That is beautiful. A phenomenal picture of true friendship

Crying or Very sad

#2103: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:47 pm

Thank you Lesley. Truely wondrous writing.

#2104: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 9:12 pm

*warmed again by the depth of friendship between these two women*

Thankyou Lesley, that was beautiful.

#2105: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 9:17 pm

*as quiet as she was earlier, but much happier*

thank you Lesley

#2106: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 9:43 pm

*sniffling!!*
Thank you Lesley! That was beautiful!

#2107: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 9:49 pm

Next bit!

Hilda Annersley slowly awoke, blinking furiously she saw that she’d fallen asleep in Nell’s arms and was still leaning on her shoulder. She made to get up and grimaced, unable to move,

“Nell!” Hilda called urgently, “Nell, wake up!”

Nell Wilson opened her eyes, “What is it?” she asked sleepily,

“You can let me go now, Nell!” Hilda said dryly, “Please,”

“Oh, sorry Hilda!” Nell released her grip, allowing her friend to get up; Hilda stood, rubbing life back into her upper arms. A muffled laugh from Nell caused her to look round,

“What’s so funny?” she asked,

“Oh, only that, with all the rumours about our relationship,” Nell began, a twinkle in her eye, “now, if asked, we’ll have to reply that ‘Yes, we have slept together in the same bed’!”

Hilda looked over, her lips twitching, “It would perhaps not be a good idea to also mention that you held me prisoner the entire night as well!”

Nell giggled appreciatively, standing and stretching she glanced at the alarm clock on the side,

“It’s still early, Hilda, do you fancy going for a run?”

Hilda nodded, “Yes, I found I really missed the exercise while in prison,”

“OK, I’ll just go get changed, meet you downstairs,” Nell moved to return to her own room, she stopped as Hilda caught her arm.

“Thanks, Nell,” Hilda’s voice was soft, “For all you said and did last night,”

Nell grinned, “Anytime Hilda, anytime!” She disappeared out of the room to get ready.

...

Later, as the two women were on their way over to the School for breakfast, Nell Wilson turned their conversation back to the School,

“So Hilda, do you feel up to taking back the Headship?”

Hilda Annersley nodded, “Yes Nell, my thanks for standing in this last week.”

“Glad you mentioned that, Hilda,” Miss Wilson’s voice was abnormally innocent,

“Mentioned what?” Miss Annersley replied absently,

“Stand-in, could we discuss some form of remuneration here?”

The Head looked a little confused and Miss Wilson continued, “Well, after all, I had to do two jobs you know, mine and yours, and your job is paid more than mine. I think it’s only fair that, as you couldn’t do the job, you shouldn’t get paid for it,”

“Instead that pay be redirected to you?” Miss Annersley asked, “Nell, I was wrongfully arrested and imprisoned on a charge of murder, it was hardly my fault that I couldn’t be here!”

“That’s beside the point, Hilda, the fact remains that I did both jobs for a week, I should get paid for both!”

The Head looked over indignantly at her partner, Miss Wilson returned her look, grinning, Miss Annersley made to speak then stopped as a thought struck her, she smiled,

“You are quite correct, Nell, and it is a dreadful oversight that you have not already received your remuneration. I’ll speak to Rachael about it, I’ll also take the opportunity to discuss a similar matter from earlier this term.”

Miss Wilson nodded, “Thought you’d see it, Hil…” she stopped, looking across at her partner suspiciously, "What similar matter, earlier in the term?” she asked.

“Why the two weeks you were off due to sick leave and suspension of course, Nell,” Miss Annersley smiled, “I covered both posts then, it’s only fair that I receive both salaries!”

#2108: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 9:55 pm

Thank you Lesley Mr. Green

(hurrah for Miss Annersley!)

#2109: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 10:01 pm

Can't help but feel that Nell's still going to come off better from that little arrangement.

Brilliant Lesley, loved the comment about Nell keeping Hilda prisoner... Shocked

#2110: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 10:02 pm

Oooh!! Thank you Lesley!!
Love the comment about sharing a bed!!!

#2111: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 10:28 pm

Most amused! Thanks for some humour, Lesley, to relieve the previous few posts! Kiss

#2112: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 10:30 pm

What a great friendship! Two lovely calming posts while we get our collective nerves back to face the next cliff Twisted Evil

#2113: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 11:17 pm

Thanks for the latest nice posts .......why do I get the feeling this is just leading towards a cliff ???

probably because it is!! Smile

#2114: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 11:40 pm

Experience tells you!!!

#2115: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 11:44 pm

*gloomily* This is Lesley. 'Course there's gonna be another cliff. Just when you think it's safe to relax............

CRASH!
More please! Laughing

#2116: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:07 am

So glad Hilda's finally been able to talk about it. Go, Bill!

#2117: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 10:05 am

Well, Lesley already has my opinion on those last two posts but for what it's worth, here they are again:

Re Nell going to Hilda - I have tears in my eyes, goosebumps, shivers, the works - absolutely sublime. I don't know how you've done it but I think you've just surpassed every previous Hilda/Nell moment to date! The depth of that friendship is mind-blowing! And totally agree with Nell that Hilda expects far too much from herself given her readiness to accept others' flaws!

Re the next morning - ROFLMAO!!!
LOL! - That really is brilliant and a perfect contrast to the bit before ... talk about breaking the tension!!

All hail to Lesley, the consummate story-teller!! Very Happy

#2118: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 10:34 am

It is dangerous to miss reading this!

I haven't for nearly a week adn the upsets and downs of it all is even more powerful as the first thing you bother to do first thing in the morning.

Thanks Lesley i can't wait for the next bit!

#2119: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 10:40 am

Thanks Lesley - totally overawed by your skills, cliffs, emtional scenes, gentle comedy - this drabble really has it all.

#2120: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 11:32 am

Well, it IS missing ONE thing!!!

The next bit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#2121: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 11:47 am

Must say that I agree with Vikki!!

#2122: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 4:19 pm

Lesley, more fantastic story. Thank you. Love all the scenes between Hilda and Nell, Glad Nell knows more about the nightmares, glad she is so sensible.

#2123: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 4:29 pm

Well! thank you again Lesley! Wonderful. Loved the humour in the last part and thanks for the warning on the previous post!

#2124: Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 5:17 pm

Echoes everything said all ready. Thank you for that Lesley!

#2125: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:47 pm

Lesley - you've been here and not posted any more Surfeit Crying or Very sad

#2126: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 7:20 pm

That's cos I've not written any more, Ellie!

Having a problem linking some things - hope to be back later!

#2127: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 7:29 pm

What do you mean, not written any more? I've just caught up, this is wonderful, a real roller-coaster, Lesley.

#2128: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 9:35 pm

Dear nice Lesley,

Please could we have another part?

And, because my nerves still haven't recovered from the last few yet, do you think it could possibly be one without torture or near death experiences? I don't mind any other kind of cliff.

Thank you!

Smile

#2129: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 9:37 pm

*waiting hopefully*

I'm going away for four days tomorrow so I hope we DO get some more soon...

#2130: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 9:46 pm

*sniffles* Anyone got a tissue?

Thank you so much Lesley.

#2131: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 9:51 pm

*Feels hopeful at seeing this thread at the top of the board*
*Sees there is still no more*
*Retires to bed with a heartfelt sigh*

#2132: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 10:16 pm

*sits down folornly to wait for Lesley*

#2133: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 10:40 pm

having wondered through the very rugged landscape of the last 10 pages or so, falling down large cliffs on the way, I wonder if perchance there might be some more of this before i wander of bedwards?? pretty please.

#2134: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 10:41 pm

Lesleeeeeeeeeeeey! I can see you're on the board. Pretty pretty please, may we have some more? Kiss

#2135: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 10:44 pm

Sorry about the wait everyone - have just spent time working out a number of future scenes as well as sorting out dates for the terms at RCS for the whole of 2004!

The next few days passed fairly normally, surprisingly so considering all the excitements that had occurred during the term so far. Miss Annersley managed to slip back into her accustomed role with little difficulty. There were only two weeks until the end of term and the School were busy preparing for the School Sports Day, scheduled for the Saturday before the end of term. This was to be a traditional, sports day with all the normal races and competitions. Peggy Burnett and her Staff had been extremely busy both in School hours and out of them, providing extra coaching for those that wanted it.

The Sports Day was to be an Open Event with a number of visitors coming for the day. Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson liased with John Coates about security arrangements for the day, in particular in light of Miss Annersley’s brush with death while in prison. The Head had told John Coates about the incident only after eliciting from him a promise not to pass on any information to his friends still in the Police Force. Although not happy, John acquiesced and listened, horrified, as Miss Annersley related all that had happened. She didn’t mention any names, however. John vowed to get his friends still in the force to ask any informants of contracts, and also to obtain descriptions of anyone for hire.

A meeting of the RCS Board was held at the School, after which Madge, Joey, Robin and Mollie joined the Heads in their cottage for a drink. During the evening Robin informed everyone that she had made some more extensive enquiries about the woman thought to be Renee Lecoutier. Although she was currently unavailable, being on her ‘Round the World’ trip, it was thought that it might be possible to identify her. Simone and her husband had visited the neighbour, explaining that they thought her friend was a long lost relative, they managed to obtain a recent photo of her, and, on hearing that DNA testing was proposed, the neighbour hunted through the furniture held in storage. In the dressing table drawer, she found a hairbrush belonging to the woman and handed it over.

“The people in the forensic lab think there are enough hairs pulled out by the root to give a good chance of a DNA profile,” Robin concluded, “We’re having to pay for it privately but it seems to be a good way of checking. Simone has also given a sample and, if this woman is Renee, there will be a 50% match.”

The following evening Miss Annersley received a phone call from Sergeant Horton, he had kept in touch since Miss Annersley’s release from prison, informing her of the on-going investigation into the murder of the woman in Interlaken.

“Inspector Jakob has been appointed in sole charge of the investigation now,” he said, “Grune has broken down completely, says that he was offered money to treat his mother, if he convicted you.”

“But how did he obtain my fingerprints?” Miss Annersley asked, perplexed.

“He didn’t, they were obviously placed on the knife by the real murderer,” Horton’s voice responded, “It seems Grune didn’t falsify evidence or anything, he just didn’t look very hard at the evidence he had -especially the murder victim herself!”

“Are they any closer to identifying the woman, sergeant?” Nell Wilson, also listening as the phone was on speaker, asked,

“No, there are no women missing in Switzerland matching the description, Miss Wilson,” the sergeant replied, “the search has been widened to France as that employee thought the woman was French. They’ve also obtained DNA samples.”

The sergeant rang off then, promising to call again when he had more news.

Miss Annersley looked across at her friend, “It’s very good of Sergeant Horton to keep us informed,” she remarked, “I’m sure it’s not normal procedure,”

Nell Wilson snorted, “It’s guilt, Hilda, he feels bad about what happened to you so this is his way of repaying you,”

“Even so, it’s useful having the information,” Miss Annersley returned placidly.

Miss Wilson returned to working on-line, she was researching for an essay for her degree, when an email appeared, after reading it through she chuckled,

“Hilda, it seems that Jeanne has finally got that laptop working, she emailed us!”

“Oh, what does she say,” Miss Annersley walked over to start reading the message over her partner’s shoulder.

Dear Hilda and Nell
Congratulate me! Along with all of our group we have finally been passed as fit for the next stage! Although I was over the altitude sickness a while ago, I still had to work at my fitness. It wasn’t until just today that everyone was over the sickness and had reached the required fitness level. I must admit it has been somewhat tedious here, especially as there has been a lot of bad weather recently. The only bright spot is that I’ve made a new friend, Jane Cooper, she was the replacement for the two who could not cope with the altitude, she arrived from Kathmandu soon after the others left and has had to work very hard to catch up. She is English but speaks excellent French and so we have gravitated together. I feel as though I have known her for years!
Must dash, I’ll let you know when we intend to make our ascent!
Love Jeanne

Miss Annersley smiled, “It looks as though she is actually going to climb one of the Himalayas then,”

“Next stop Everest!” Nell returned, “It’s possible you know, Hilda, other woman have managed it, and Jeanne has a lot of experience.”

#2136: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 10:46 pm

Hurrah! Thank you Lesley! Mr. Green

#2137: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 10:49 pm

Yay! Thank you Lesley.

#2138: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 10:55 pm

Thank you Lesley for a lovely, calm piece of RCS - very much appreciated! Very Happy

#2139: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 10:57 pm

Oooh! Thank you Lesley! May we have some more soon please?

#2140: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 10:58 pm

Didn't one of the killers speak French??

#2141: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 11:22 pm

*wondering if this Jane is really a Rach(a)el*
*wondering if dead woman could possibly be Renee*
*breathing again but refusing to relax*

#2142: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 11:31 pm

Ok so it's not Jeanne who got murdered.......unless its a hacker in her account

More please

#2143: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 12:41 am

For some unknown reason every mention of Jeanne makes me worried, then again just about everything in this makes me worried and for good reason too!
Thanks Lesley and I'll add the obligatory, more please Very Happy

#2144: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 8:02 am

Echoes Sarah's sentiments! Every now and then we get a little mention of Jeanne - just enough to remind us where she is, even though she doesn't seem central to the main plot.

Suspicious of Jane who speaks excellent French.

Suspicious that Lesley is throwing us a red herring

Suspicious in general - with good reason!

More, please Lesley. I don't know how you think it all up!

#2145: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 8:29 am

Lesley, was that really an e-mail from Jeanne? It just doesn't sound like her.

#2146: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:52 am

Thank you Lesley, sorry I couldn't stay up for that last part.
I'm confused now, I know that you do everything for a reason, but is that reason to provide us with a clue, or to throw us off the scent?
Ah well, all will become clear eventually, and until then I can savour every word of this story.

#2147: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 1:28 pm

Yay thnaks Lesley though i don't like this Jane person, but i guess we're supposed to be suspious of her!

#2148: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 3:32 pm

Adds suspicions about the two who backed out due to "altitude sickness."

Always assuming, of course, that any Ra(e)chels we know are innocent, even those that say things like

Quote:

Knives are good things.
Knives are shiny.
Be one with the knife.

#2149: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 3:38 pm

*whispering quietly*

has it been proved that any of the Rach(a)el's are innocent yet???? Shocked

*sits down in quiet corner well away from cliffs in order to await the next installment*

#2150: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 4:24 pm

None that i remember!!

I'm just suspicious....but hope Lesley will give us more soon!!!

Where are you Lesley!

#2151: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 5:10 pm

Lesley!

Please may we have some more?

I now come into this thread in fear and trepidation but I can't stop myself - I have to know if there's been anything added! Laughing

#2152: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 5:14 pm

Jennie wrote:

Lesley, was that really an e-mail from Jeanne? It just doesn't sound like her.

I think that's a very good question, Jennie - I agree that it didn't sound like Jeane - hmmm

Well, I am currently bereft of ideas as I'm behind on pre-views!!

And Kate - I'm disappointed that you're still mistrusting the Rach(a)els!! We are above reproach .............................................. Twisted Evil

Come on Lesley - you owe us some more as our Easter treat - 4 days of no work and lots of lovely drabble-writing time! Very Happy

#2153: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 5:17 pm

Rachael, it's not that I suspect Jeanne, I just don't think the e-mail was French enough. I do wonder if it was Jeanne who was murdered in Switzerland. I also wonder, as an alternative, if Jeanne is being held hostage somewhere.

#2154: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 5:25 pm

*thinking along the same lines as Jennie*

How do they know that the e-mail is really being sent from halfway up a mountain?
I'm not suspicious of Jeanne, but I am of the circumstances...

#2155: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 5:26 pm

Oh gosh, I don't think it was Jeanne either and I hope to goodness she's not the one who was murdered!! And now you've got me worried because she's quite short too (er ... short as in compared to me - I know it's all relative!!) Anyone remembe her height?

And if she is being held hostage or something, then why?

*sigh*
So many questions - so few answera ....

LESLEY!!!

#2156: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 5:29 pm

Half-way up a mountain is an odd place to have an e-mail connection, and I do wonder whether the himalayas wouldn't block out wireless signals, and again half-way up Everest is an odd place to put a wireless hot-spot, bearing in mind that the Uk isn't completely covered, and I really can't see any of the telecoms companies dashing to install the technology in the Himalayas before getting their money out of people like us.

#2157: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 7:02 pm

Just caught up on all of this! Thank you for some lovely posts, Lesley.

Looking forward to the next part.

#2158: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 7:06 pm

Jennie wrote:

It does seem odd, but I know from reading climbing books that people do take laptop type equipment up to keep in touch with the outside world. Not quite sure how it works though?! Confused

#2159: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 7:22 pm

Satellite communications?

#2160: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 7:30 pm

*thinks Ellie's hit the nail on the head there*

#2161: Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 8:05 pm

*Getting even more worried by all of the suggestons!*

#2162: Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 8:09 pm

Thank you for some lovely posts, Lesley. Very glad Nell was there for Hilda.
I'm now just a bit worried about Jeanne, confused by Himalayan emails, and expecting cliffs.
Looking forward to the next bit! Very Happy

#2163: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 8:39 pm

*disconsolate*
*weeps bawling

*
no more drabble bawling

#2164: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 9:09 pm

Quite so ... where is she?!! Evil or Very Mad

#2165: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 9:21 pm

She was asleep! Ellie is correct - it is via satellite communication - remember that the RCS have access to the very latest computer technology.Next bit!

Jeanne de Lachenais looked up after sending her email, although late afternoon in the foothills of the Himalayas, it was already growing dark due to the poor weather. She smiled as her roommate entered.

“Have they made a decision, Jane?” she asked, speaking in French,

The woman at the door nodded, “They think this weather will break tomorrow and plan to move first thing. All being well we will be seeing snow by tomorrow night - on the ground at least!” Jane Cooper smiled, she was a slender woman of approximately the same age as Jeanne herself appeared. Below average height and with blond hair and grey-green eyes she and Jeanne had become friendly almost immediately.

“Oh thank goodness!” Jeanne sighed, “It will be so good to see snow once more! After living in the Alps you do get used to seeing it every year!”

“Agreed,” Jane nodded, “although you must admit that even the smallest of the mountains here places the worst of the Alps into the shade. Why even the really nasty ones, the Mittelberge or Tiernjoch are as nothing to these monsters!”

“Why I didn’t know you had been to Austria, Jane?” Jeanne sounded pleased, “You must tell me about it sometime, I lived in Austria for a while. I thought your experience was from the French Alps.”

Jane smiled, “Didn’t I mention it, Jeanne? Don’t worry, I’ll tell you sometime.”

#2166: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 9:23 pm

ooh er - suddenly getting very worried about Jeanne's safety.
Thanks Lesley.

#2167: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 9:28 pm

Asleep??! How very selfish of you, Lesley!! Very Happy

Bur presumably you're now fully rested and in tip top form for posting copiously for the remainder of the Easter break?
*optimistic*

I have to agree with Ellie - my concern for Jeanne is rapidly growing - that Jane doesn't seem to sure of her background (read: cover) story!

Well, that can't be it for the night, can it?

#2168: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 9:51 pm

Rachael wrote:

Well, that can't be it for the night, can it?

Let's hope not, Rachael!

Why do I get the feeling we're going to be given cliff after cliff over the next few days? Wink

#2169: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 9:55 pm

Lesley please don't leave it there we'd like some more

#2170: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:10 pm

Argh! Is the horrible Jane going to try & bump Jeanne off at the top of the Himalayas?? How will anyone be able to rescue her there?! Confused

#2171: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:13 pm

I think we were right about Jane but WHO IS SHE?

#2172: Author: Sophie, Location: Cambridegeshire

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:20 pm

Is the fact that Jane is below average height some sort of clue? How tall was Matey again? 5'3"? Is that below average height? They can do wonders with plastic surgery these days to change your appearance, but they can't change a person's height. Or is this all an elaborate red herring? Oh Lesley! You are the queen of obfuscation! Evil or Very Mad

#2173: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:27 pm

Besides I don't remember Matey ever speaking French Rolling Eyes

Though presumably she must have been able to...

#2174: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:52 pm

Next bit!

The following day saw the Heads visiting both Kelly Stevens and Shane Coates in hospital. Shane was recovering well, and in fact Dr Venables confided that his doctors had agreed that he could be discharged by the weekend - although he would not be fit to return to work for at least a month. He would convalesce at his parents house.

“I hope to return to work for the beginning of next term, Miss Annersley,” Shane said to the Head, “I am sorry it has been so long.”

“Shane, you have absolutely no need to apologise,” Miss Annersley smiled at the boy, “Take as long as you need to recover, the RCS will continue to pay you, after your actions that night, it is the least we can do!”

“I hope the Police force in Perth know just how lucky they are,” Miss Wilson continued, “We’ll be sorry to lose you in the New Year,”

After chatting with Shane and his parents for a while the two moved on to see Kelly; Kelly was in a single room attached to the Adolescent ward. She was still very restricted in exactly what she could do, and she still had a significant amount of pain. However she was recovering, and, on seeing her visitors, her face lit up.

“Miss Wilson, oh and Miss Annersley, I didn’t know you were back from your business trip already!”

Miss Annersley smiled, “Hello Kelly, yes it was a surprise for me too. I expected to be away for a lot longer, there was even the possibility that I would have to go to Europe! Thankfully that did not prove to be necessary!” She bent to kiss the girl before settling in one of the two chairs pulled across by Geoff Stevens.

Miss Wilson sat beside her after giving Kelly a quick hug, “So how have you been, Kelly?” she asked, “Last time I saw you was three days ago, any changes?”

Kelly smiled, “One of the doctors came yesterday, Miss Wilson,” she said, “He is a, oh what was it dad?” she turned to her father,

Major Stevens smiled, “He’s the respiratory specialist, Kelly,” he turned to the two women, “There was some concern about the state of Kelly’s lungs, considering the amount of smoke she’d inhaled and because of previous family history. But Dr Everett said that her lungs were completely sound.”

“That’s good to hear,” Miss Annersley commented, “You mentioned a family history, Major? Not something that the School should be aware of, is it?”

“Oh no, it’s ancient history,” Geoff Stevens smiled, “On my wife’s side, some history of TB in the past, but nothing recently, Sue didn’t have any problems.”

“Well, luckily TB is no longer a major problem anyway,” Miss Wilson said, “I understand it used to be, years ago!”

The two friends continued to chat with Kelly and her father for a while, eventually, on seeing that the nurses wanted to change some dressings, they stood to leave, as they reached the door Miss Annersley was suddenly reminded of a question she had meant to ask,

“Kelly? Your ‘friend’ Rach(a)el? When did you first start to communicate with her?”

Kelly thought for a moment, “The policeman, Mr Taylor, asked me that, Miss Annersley,” she began, “It was in February or March.”

Miss Annersley nodded, “I see, might I ask, Major, when did you decide to enter Kelly in the Real Chalet School?” The Head’s voice was quietly interrogative,

Major Stevens thought for a moment, “Probably about the same time,” he said eventually, “I’d been looking around for a new school for Kelly for a while. My work takes me all over the world and boarding school seemed the best solution. We had both enjoyed it when I was stationed in Australia so when Kelly suggested looking here it seemed like a good idea.”

“Australia was your idea, Kelly?” Miss Wilson said quickly,

“Yes, Miss Wilson,” Kelly replied, “At least,” she thought for a while, “D’you know, I think it was Rach(a)el’s idea first! I can remember her mentioning a new school in Melbourne. How strange!”

#2175: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 11:01 pm

Lesley wrote:

“Well, luckily TB is no longer a major problem anyway,” Miss Wilson said, “I understand it used to be, years ago!”

Would have loved to have seen Nell keeping a straight face as she said that ROFL

So presumably Kelly's maternal ancestor (grandmother?) was in the Alps recovering from TB at the same time the CS was there? Oh, but hang on - it wasn't really there (I'm getting seriously confused now)! Uh - so Kelly's ancestor was in the CS? But no clues about who, because it was on her mother's side.

Gah! Lesley, we can't possibly work out what's a clue and what's a red herring. You have to give us more! Twisted Evil

#2176: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 11:35 pm

This posting caused a mass exodus from msn!!! Thanks Lesley.

#2177: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 11:36 pm

Not knowing his wife's maiden name we can't guess if it's someone we know or not. There seem to be few coincidences with Lesley around though!

(and know I'm terrified for Jeanne and want know who Jane is!)

#2178: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 12:21 am

if it's not one thing ...it's another.........

worried about Jane / Jeanne's saftey ......
wracking brains for young female TB patient mentioned in Austria .......

#2179: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 1:59 am

*chanting very loudly in Lesley's direction!!!*

#2180: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 7:52 am

So the plot thickens even further! Kelly has/had a female relative who had/was threatened with TB. If it is her mother's generation that could be Switzerland or even Wales. A generation back would be Austria?

Rach(a)el suggested the school? But why? Specifically to get the explosives in?

Jane could be Matey? She would have spoken French because how else would she have coped on French days.

Could one person have done all the things that are happening? If Matey is up the Himalayas, I don't see how she could have organised the recent happenings in prison.

*Gives up trying to guess*

*Hopes Lesley is well rested and will post more soon*

#2181: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 9:09 am

*sits hoping Lesley will be nice and post more soon*

#2182: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 12:21 pm

Well the major mentioned the name Sue,(presumable his wife) but I can't think of a Sue with TB in the family, in fact the only one I remember was Sue Meadows, and in that case wasn't the invalid a step? Not far enough back I suppose as it would be Kelly's grandmother not mother anyway. Hmmm, very interesting Lesley, and I'm very concerned for Jeanne.

Please post some more soon....very soon.

#2183: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 12:31 pm

I'm finding it very frustrating at the moment. Lesley has promised not to chant for more ever again in one of my drabbles - so how can I badger her now?!!!!!
Lelsey please.........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See I didn't actually say iot!! Twisted Evil

#2184: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 2:34 pm

Annoying isn't it Pat? Very Happy

On the way back from the hospital Miss Annersley remained lost in thought, Miss Wilson, driving, looked across at her partner, “Are you all right, Hilda?” she asked worriedly.

Miss Annersley looked around, a quick smile on her lips, “I’m fine, Nell” she said, “I was just thinking about the conversation we just had with Kelly and her father.”

“Yes, I must admit it does seem rather worrying, that,” Miss Wilson conceded, “If this Rach(a)el person was the one to suggest Kelly come to the Real Chalet School…” She stopped as Miss Annersley shook her head,

“No, it wasn’t that, Nell, it was the earlier information. I know that TB was an extremely common illness, it certainly was during our time in the 1940’sand 50’s, but even so, is it just a coincidence that Kelly should have a relative who had TB and left a possible legacy of damage to the lungs?”

“What else could it be, Hilda? Are you suggesting that Kelly’s mother was originally from the chalet school?”

“Not her mother, the Major said it was ancient family history. But what about her grandmother or even before that?” She looked across at her friend’s sceptical face and continued, “Look at Nancy’s friend, Ida, she transferred over to the Real World more than 30 years ago. There may well have been others who did so even earlier!”

Miss Wilson thought for a moment, “I hadn’t thought of that,” she said eventually, “If it’s true then it could explain why she was chosen as a victim. What gave you the idea?”

Miss Annersley smiled, “Would you believe, a young prisoner, also called Kelly, talking about unknown relations and Ida Reaveley in York!”

Back at the Real Chalet School there was a message for the Head,

“That Sergeant Horton called, Hilda,” Miss Dene said, smiling, “Said he had some news for you,”

Miss Annersley called the number and was immediately put through to the sergeant,

“Thought you’d like to know, Ma’am,” Sergeant Horton began, “There’s been a positive ID on one of the murderers,”

Miss Wilson, also listening, broke in, “Again, Sergeant Horton?”

“Now, don’t give me a hard time, Miss Wilson,” Horton’s tones were conciliatory, “Inspector Jakob has been investigating this properly, he had circulated some pictures of Gywnneth Lloyd around Interlaken. Seems she booked herself into a private clinic at the end of May for some treatment. The Director of the clinic recognised her picture.”

“Does the Inspector know where she went after that, Sergeant?” Miss Annersley asked, frowning at her partner to remain silent.

“No ma’am, but she was in the clinic for more than two months in total,” there was a pause, then the sergeant continued, “she booked herself in for extensive plastic surgery, Miss Annersley, I’ve seen the before and after pictures - Jakob got a court order to release them. You’d not think it was the same person!”

#2185: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 2:47 pm

The mystery deepens.

Who is involved in this......come on Lesley, tell us what we want to hear.

#2186: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:10 pm

Lesleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey! why do you do it to us, leaving us hanging off a cliff every time?

#2187: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:15 pm

Really not looking good for Jeanne I fear. Matey could be anyone.

#2188: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:28 pm

I haven't promised not to chant -

MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY, MORE PLEASE LESLEY

#2189: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:32 pm

Joining in , with musical accompaniment.

Guitar

#2190: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 4:04 pm

Agrees with the chanters and joins in.

#2191: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 4:49 pm

Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson looked at each other with some shock, “Different appearance, Hilda? Could she be here after all?”

Miss Annersley shook her head, “Sergeant Horton? Are you able to furnish us with a copy of the before and after pictures?”

There was a pause, then the sergeant could be heard sighing, “Miss Annersley, I really shouldn’t do this…”

“But you will, sergeant,” Nell Wilson interrupted quickly, “after all that Hilda went through in prison and all, I mean wrongful arrest, it was a terrible ordeal for her you know!”

“Oh, good grief,” Sergeant Horton’s voice replied, distractedly, “OK, OK, give me your email address, I’ll mail the pictures to you, perhaps you should have them, as a matter of public safety!”

After giving the address Miss Annersley thanked the sergeant and rang off, she turned to her friend, Miss Wilson was sat with a huge grin on her face,

“Nice man, that Sergeant Horton,” she said innocently.

A short time later the two pictures appeared, the first was obviously Gwynneth Lloyd, looking very similar to the last time the two women had seen her in March. They looked at the second picture, had they not know, they would have said it was of a different person completely, there seemed to be no points of resemblance.

“About the only things that are the same, Hilda, are her eye and hair colour!” Nell Wilson remarked.

“True Nell, But both of them can easily be changed.” Hilda replied, “The only good thing, as far as we’re concerned, is that she does not resemble any member of Staff. At least she is not here in disguise!”

“True, although until we had that picture, she could have wandered on site without any problems, make sure that John has a picture for his security people.”

The Head nodded, “I’ll also send it to all in our address book, Nell,” she replied, “The more widespread this image, the more chance that someone will see and identify her.”

…

It was fairly early in the morning in the mountain base camp, however people were already up and about, it was intended to climb to the next stage and everyone wanted an early start. Inside the small tent shared by Jeanne de Lachenais and Jane Cooper, a woman sat on one of the sleeping bags downloading emails from the laptop. One caught her attention, it was from Australia, she watched intently as the picture was downloaded and almost uttered an exclamation as she recognised it. There was a noise from the tent entrance,

“Well? Anything interesting on email?” Jeanne de Lachenais looked across at her friend, Jane was sat on a sleeping bag, holding Jeanne's laptop.

Jane Cooper looked over, she pressed the delete button on the keyboard while smiling at Jeanne, “No, nothing at all!” she said.

Last edited by Lesley on Fri Apr 09, 2004 5:42 pm; edited 1 time in total

#2192: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 5:14 pm

LESLEY Haven't you left us with enough cliffs already? How can one woman be so cruuuueeel?
Please write immediately!

#2193: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 5:50 pm

LESLEY!! I've just read from everything from the past week - you could have left us on a smaller cliff! *keels over*

#2194: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 6:08 pm

uh oh!
Danger looms again!

Lesley, you know the request!!!

#2195: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 6:57 pm

Oh noooooooo, not a cliff! *skids to a halt at the very edge and begins chanting very very LOUDLY*

#2196: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 6:59 pm

So, is Jane Cooper Matey in disguise?? If so, wibble for Jeanne!!!

Lesley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease post more!!!

#2197: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 7:54 pm

*eeeek*
*joins the rabble hanging on to cliffs*

Well, I haven't promised not to chant either, and I've just posted a whacking big chunk, so I have no compunctions about asking for

MORE!!!

#2198: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 8:29 pm

Yeek! Yeek!

*hopes very very fervently that Jeanne knows how to retrieve deleted files on her computer!*

#2199: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 8:57 pm

OMG Lesley. I'm tryign to cook dinner and watch Gardeners's World and just HAD to check this!

Jeanne watch out!!!!! Shocked

#2200: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 9:20 pm