#1: SYBIL'S REVENGE Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:45 pm The small sparkling purple leaf not only came back from a very long holiday yesterday evening, he also bit me several times on the ankle. Here are the results:
Sybil Russell lay cosily in bed in the late evening before her wedding.
Her mother had advised her to get a good night's sleep, adding the words, 'Tomorrow you've got a long day ahead of you.' and then with a slight suggestion of a blush, 'And probably a late night too.'
Sybil smiled to herself. If only her dear mother knew what Sybil and Charles had planned for the evening and night, she'd have a fit. Part of Sybil, just a tiny part, felt very sorry for her mother's embarrassment and naivety, but the larger part of her did not. Really, her mother might have just stepped out of the Ark, she was so old-fashioned with her hints and little suggestions.
Then Sybil had to laugh aloud; the letters she had received from her Aunt Jo had been just as bad, a lot of innuendo, a few hints, then lots of guff about when the babies came, and how much she was looking forward to seeing Sybil as a new mother. And here, Sybil laughed so much that she nearly cried.
If they only knew, oh, if they only knew.
#2: Author: Lulie, Location: MiddlesbroughPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 1:48 pm If only WE knew as well!!
Great beginning, I think I'm going to enjoy this!!
#4: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire EnglandPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 2:07 pm *waits patiently for a turn at patting Jennie's bunny*
My mind has already run to several scenarios already
#5: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UKPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 2:12 pm Good start, but I agree with Lulie - we need to know too!
#6: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 2:23 pm This looks to be extremely promising! Thank you, Jennie!
#7: Author: Susan, Location: CarlislePosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 2:41 pm Yay a new drabble from Jennie. Wonderful! Looking forward to finding out what Sybil has planned!
#8: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 4:28 pm Thanks for the flowers!
Sybil snuggled down again, and dropped off to sleep, secure in the knowledge that her parents would be there in Australia for many months to come.
When she awoke the next morning, she was pleased to see that it was a fine day with a light breeze gently blowing the tops of the trees. She got out of bed and began to run her bath, putting in a couple of generous handfuls of bath-salts. Above all, she wanted to avoid having her mother come in to wake her up, and perhaps make yet another attempt to tell her what she might expect on her wedding night.
'The poor old dear gets so embarrassed,' Sybil thought with a chuckle. 'It's far kinder to her to avoid it at any cost. She just can't bring herself to tell me, and she doesn't want to ask me if I know, and she just gets so red, and stutters. Still, if she does try to, it will be a good laugh.'
She got into her steaming bath, and slid under the hot water, ready for a luxuriously long soak. This was far better than all those ghastly cold baths she'd had to have in Switzerland, or, been supposed to have had. Did the school authorities really think that all the girls got into a cold bath every morning? They were just a waste of water really. Oh well, those days were over, thank goodness, and as the wife of a rich man, Sybil would soon be rejoicing in having a personal maid to run her bath and look after her clothes.
She knew that her parents didn't really like Hugh, but then, they weren't marrying him, she was. They would have preferred to see her married to Peter Murray, a young doctor, but there was no way that she, Sybil, was going to run a house and everything on a doctor's income, especially not when said young doctor was hoping to go and work at a small outback hospital. That was not what Sybil had planned for herself, no way!
Her thoughts turned to her coming wedding. It was going to cost the parents a pretty penny, every time her father had objected to something on the grounds of expense, she'd sulked and grumbled until he'd given in. After all, she was his oldest daughter, and she deserved a good send-off.
#9: Author: Bookwormsarah, Location: Cambridge, UKPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 4:47 pm I can't remember anything about Sybil's marriage from the books - it's a long while since I read the later ones...Got a little confused over the Charles/Hugh bit...
*love* the idea of Madge trying to have the Wedding Night talk with Sybil and getting embarrased, and of the girls failing to actually take the cold baths. I've long thought that had I been in the situation I'd have 'shirked' and had a warm splash in the sink!
#21: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 9:41 pm I thought that was an update!! Jennie, may we have some more, please?
#22: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 11:26 am Tomorrow! I've just popped on to the board for a few minutes today whilst Andrew's out, so I haven't got time to put any more on.
#23: Author: Susan, Location: CarlislePosted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 4:46 pm Glad to see Sybil is all the daughter of the school founder should be (not)!
Will wait with great patience until tomorrow.
#24: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/BristolPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 8:07 pm I'm looking forward to reading this (and all the other drabbles I've missed) when I go back to uni and a hopefully decent internet connection!
#25: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UKPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:46 am Jennie, its tomorrow now!
Can't believe there's been no update all weekend!
#26: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 12:53 pm After everyone else in the family had hammered at the bathroom door several times, Sybil decided that it was time for her to get out of the bath. Besides, she'd used most of the hot water. She dried herself off using the best towels, then put on her bathrobe and slowly walked back to her bedroom, where she began to smooth a lovely peach-scented lotion all over herself.
She was interrupted in this occupation by her mother who came into her room without knocking, only to back out hastily when she saw Sybil's state of undress. With a little smile just curving her lips, Sybil carried on with what she was doing. She was just beginning to spray herself with the perfume she had chosen when her mother came in again.
Her words were not conciliatory.
'Sybil, you've used most of the hot water, and Daddy is rather annoyed with you. Really, it was a selfish thing for you to do, spending so long in the bath. And really, what were you doing to yourself with that smelly stuff? You know Daddy and I don't approve of all that stuff.'
Sybil's smile widened a little.
'Hugh bought it for me, he asked me to use it especially for today. He is my bridegroom, you know, and you've always told me that a good wife tries to please her husband. I did get up early to have my bath, Mummy, and then I fell to thinking about my life, and all the times we've had together, so I'm afraid I was dreaming rather. Now, I must hurry to start getting dressed, the hairdresser will be here soon to do my hair, and yours, so you really ought to be getting ready. After all, you don't want to be late for my wedding, do you?'
Having effectively spiked her mother's guns, Sybil turned away to pick up the delicate lacy ivory underwear that she had purchased to go under her wedding dress. She waited until her mother had left the room in a state of high embarrassment before she allowed herself to laugh.
The next thing that she knew was that Josette was bouncing into her room saying,'Sybs, you're absolutely rotten, you've taken most of the hot water, Daddy's fuming, Mummy's almost in tears, and I've got to make do with a..'
'Have a cold bath, sister dearest.' snapped Sybil. 'After all you used to enjoy them when we were at school, didn't you?'
Just then, Josette noticed the underwear that Sybil was about to put on.
'What on earth is that? You know Mummy and Daddy will never let you wear that, why, it's, it's indecent!'
Sybil looked at her coldly, then replied in an icy voice, ' It's my wedding day today, Josette, and I'll wear what I damn well choose. Now I would suggest that you mind your own business, get out of my room, and go to get ready. The hairdresser will be here soon, and God knows, that mop of yours will take some doing, so hurry up and get ready for her. If I have to have you as my bridesmaid, at least you could do your best to look decent for once.'
Last edited by Jennie on Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:39 pm; edited 1 time in total
#27: Author: Susan, Location: CarlislePosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:35 pm Wonderful family interaction between Madge and Sybil and Sybil and Josette. Poor Madge I started to feel sorry for then saw that she is still trying to run Sybil's life for her!
It all goes to show what sheltered lifes the girls led.
#28: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:54 pm Josette almost ran out of the room, trying to hold back her tears. Why was Sybs behaving like this? It had taken a long time before Sybil had agreed to have her, her own sister, as a bridesmaid, and Sybs had thrown a huge tantrum when their mother had suggested that Sybil might like to have a smaller wedding and spend the rest of the money on the airfares for the triplets to fly over to be her bridesmaids.
There had been another huge tantrum when her mother had suggested a lovely dark gold silk for the bridesmaids' dresses. It would have suited Josette beautifully, but Sybs was having none of it. Instead, she had chosen a pink and green floral pattern which Josette had hated on sight, but Sybil had been adamant. There had been quite an argument, but Sybil had won the day, saying that she and Hugh had chosen the material together, and it was what Hugh wanted.
A little later, Madge came into Sybil's room, clearly upset.
'Why did you speak to Josette in that unkind way, Sybil? You know that she's been longing to be your bridesmaid. Now, this isn't the way you were brought up, you mustn't be so selfish........'
Sybil broke in. 'Mother, it is my wedding day today, and all anyone keeps saying to me is that I'm selfish and thoughtless. Do you want me to walk up the aisle with my eyes red from crying? I'd appreciate a little peace and quiet for my last morning as an unmarried girl, but no-one seems to have thought of that. Now, I'm going to the kitchen to get myself some breakfast as no-one seems to have thought of offering me as much as a cup of tea. Then, I'm coming back into my bedroom to get on with my preparations. If you'll excuse me!'
With that, Sybil swept out of her room, smiling on the outside and seething inside.
'Just let them wait.' she thought. 'Just let them wait.'
#29: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:57 pm *Wonders what Jennie has planned*
Please may we have some more!!
*Begins a chant*
#30: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:59 pm It's too early for a chant, Ally. I'm working the next bit out, so please be patient for a few hours. I'll be back this evening.
#31: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UKPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 2:07 pm Its never too early for chanting Jennie! However, we'll be good.
*Sits down patiently to wait for the next bit*
#32: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 3:04 pm *joins in chant, albeit very quietly*
Thank you very much, Jennie! Don't worry, we'll read more whenever it comes.
*wondering what on earth's going on*
#33: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 4:21 pm Sybil came back to her room with another cup of tea. She hadn't wanted much breakfast, not because she was nervous, but because she didn't want anything to spoil the smooth line of her wedding dress, and she was taking no chances.
She sat in her very pretty dressing gown, and daintily sipped the tea whilst she waited for the hairdresser to arrive. Fortunately, Hugh had given Sybil a bank account of her own as well as a handsome sum of money to spend in the run-up to the wedding, so she had been able to engage the hairdresser that she wanted to have, not the one her mother had chosen. Sybil knew just how she wanted her hair to look on this important day and had already discussed it with the hairdresser.
Just then there was a tap on the door, and her new personal maid came in. Sybil was very pleased to see her as that meant that her mother would make the room over-crowded, and would not be able to stand there giving instructions and fussing over the style that Sybil had chosen. Really, her mother was the limit at times. So old-fashioned and such a fuss-pot. And the maid would be able to help her into her dress. She blessed Hugh with all her heart for thinking of this and sending the maid to her.
The truth was that Sybil was genuinely glad to be getting married and leaving home. She thought bitterly of her parents' reason for dragging out here to Australia. 'Your mother will be lonely out there by herself, so you and Josette will be coming with us, and no arguments about it.'
So she, Sybil, was getting married today, and Josette was already engaged and planning to marry early next year, and their parents had not uttered a single word about her mother's loneliness, not one word, not when it meant that her two oldest daughters were getting married.
Begins another chant for more *smiles sweetly at Jennie*
#35: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 6:21 pm *Always thought that extremely selfish of Madge.*
Thanks Jennie - this is great! Hugh sounds perfect.
#36: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 6:40 pm That last paragraph really made me think, it is so true. There were never any complaints that her daughters would live on the otherside of the world. Really like Sybil in this!!
#37: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 6:49 pm Sybil looked at herself in her dressing-table mirror. The upswept style with curls piled on top of her head was absolutely perfect for the dress and for the tiara-like headdress and veil that she had chosen.
The maid helped her into her dress and did up the fastenings at the back, then Sybil sat down again carefully and held her head steady whilst the hairdresser carefully manoeuvred the tiara into position, pinned it in place and then attached the veils.
Her mother bustled in, she too was dressed with her hair done, with hat and gloves already on.
She looked at Sybil and her first words were, 'Oh Sybil, that style is far too old and sophisticated for you. It's just not right for a girl of your age. Is there time for it to be done again, properly this time?'
Before Sybil could speak, the hairdresser intervened.
'I'm afraid there simply isn't time now, Lady Russell. I have to be off to my next appointment. I'm glad to say that Miss Russell is pleased with the style which is what the dress needs, and what we had already arranged to do, in any case.'
With that, she gathered together her hairdressing things, put them in her case, and left.
Sybil and her mother were left together, the maid having taken herself out of the room in the wake of the hairdresser.
Madge looked at her daughter and saw a slim, beautiful young woman clad in a gorgeous gown with a close fitting bodice embroidered lavishly with seed pearls, a full sweeping skirt, and long embroidered sleeves sleeves. Her small tiara was made of seed pearls and crystals.
'I do wish that you'd chosen white instead of ivory, Sybil. It would have pleased your father so much to take his daughter down the aisle dressed in pure white.'
'Perhaps you'd better go now, Mother. You may have forgotten this, but it's my wedding day today, and so far, all I've heard from you is criticism and complaints. I chose ivory silk for my dress because it suits me better than white. I helped to design this dress because it's what I wanted in a wedding dress. I'm sorry that it doesn't suit you, but then it's not your dress and you're not wearing it.
'If you only knew how much I'm longing to get married and leave home, you would be very surprised. You have my word on that, and I keep my word.'
'I, I don't know what you mean, Sybil,' faltered Madge. 'I'm sure that your father and I want what's best for you, and after all, we do know......'
'Please leave now Mother, before either of us says anything more.'
With that, Sybil deliberately turned her back on her mother who could nothing but make a hurried exit from the room.
#38: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 6:52 pm Sybilhas a lot of anger there, doesn't she? Are we going to see it released once she is married?
#39: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 6:55 pm *sigh* If only Madge Bettany knew what she would become! I feel so sorry for Sybil!
#40: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 6:55 pm I'm afraid that I haven't written that bit yet, not that I'm actually doing the writing, Sybil seems to have taken over!
#41: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 6:56 pm The sign of a good story!
#42: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 6:57 pm Thanks for the flowers.
#43: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 7:55 pm Sybil took several deep breaths until she began to calm down. She realised that there would e very little use in losing her temper now, after all, revenge was a dish best eaten cold.
She wished that her mother had managed, just once, to listen to her. If she hadn't made an enormous fuss, she would have had a very meagre wedding, just so that the triplets could come over to be her bridesmaids. No way. Sybil still hadn't forgiven her Aunt Jo for advising against having Sybil as a bridesmaid, and she still hadn't forgiven her for telling her, with an insufferable air of superiority, that Josette's accident was all Sybil's fault, because her mother had 'been a good mother to her'. So there was no way that those triplets were coming anywhere near her wedding.
Then there was Sybil's dress. She knew what she wanted and what suited her, so she had had to fight for that instead of the skimpy little white thing that her parents had argued for. Not likely, she hadn't been prepared to put up with what her mother considered to be a properly maidenly dress. And the bridesmaids' dresses, that ghastly tan material that her mother thought was so lovely, it would have ruined her wedding to have her bridesmaids dressed in that, especially with the puffed sleeves that her mother had wanted.
No, this time, Sybil was determined, she was the one who was getting married so she was the one who was going to be the centre of attention for once. When she had been very young, she had not realised that she was her parents' second child and oldest daughter, she had thought that she was the sixth, and that was why she got so little of her mother's attention. It had always seemed to Sybil that every time she had settled down to do something with her mother, just a few minutes of having a story read to her, one of the older ones would get into some sort of trouble and her mother would be called away, no more story for Sybil, no more attention. No wonder, once she had discovered that she was their daughter and the others weren't, that she had made such a fuss and seemed jealous. She had been a child who wanted to know that her parents loved her, but she had never felt secure.
Oh, she had felt sorry for Peggy and Rix, not seeing their parents for so many years, and sorry for Daisy and Primula, their father dead, then their mother slowly slipping away, leaving them orphaned, but they had always seemed to come before her when it came to getting the cuddles and affection. Whenever she had made a fuss, she had been told not to be selfish and jealous; no-one seemed to realise that she wanted parental love and attention. Even when her father had come to visit them when she was away on the Yorkshire Moors with her Aunt and her friends, she had had her father to herself for just two precious hours, otherwise Aunt Jo and her friends and their affairs had taken up her father's time. And she had noticed that Aunt Jo was very, very willing to leave her children to the other aunts, and to Sybil herself.
Sybil liked Phoebe Peters, she was as kind as could be, in fact it was seeing her embroidery that had inspired Sybil to be a needleworker herself. But, they had spent so much time sorting out Phoebe that Sybil was left with the children, and it had been no easy matter to wash and tidy three little girls at the same time before meals.
#44: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:02 pm This is really insightful Jennie! Poor Sybs
#45: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:02 pm A really interesting view of Sybil's childhood and much closer to the truth than *Madge as a good mother* I'm glad she hasn't forgotton Jo's treatment of her.
#46: Author: claire, Location: South WalesPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:12 pm Sybil's feeling do seem right somehow (and good for her insisting on having what SHE wants, it's her wedding not Madge's - really Madge is lucky she didn't elope), I wonder if Josette is as chuffed to get out of the family home?
OOH - just though maybe Syb's revenge is to embarrass her parents by publically jilting her fiance, but then she wouldn't get away so maybe not
#47: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:16 pm There's no danger of that, Claire.
#48: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:23 pm Love this Jennie - and can so empathise with Sybil.
#49: Author: Helen P, Location: CheshirePosted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 10:17 pm This is so interesting! I started off reading the drabble thinking Sybil was behaving like a selfish b*tch - but now I can really understand why she is behaving that way - I never thought deeply about how she must have felt, growing up, before.
I'll never see Sybil in quite the same way again - thanks Jennie!
#50: Author: Kat, Location: SwanseaPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 9:03 am This is great Jennie - feeling very sorry for poor Sybil. Hope Madge and Jem get their comeuppance for being so un-understanding
#51: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UKPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 9:42 am This is great Jennie - I can completely understand why Sybil is acting this way.
Thought: If Sybil's hairstyle is too grown up and sophisticated, isn't she too young to be getting married?
#52: Author: Susan, Location: CarlislePosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 12:04 pm Really disliking Madge in this. Poor Sybil, these day she could have got a flad and had her independance but that was not sp easy then.
#53: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, EnglandPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 12:25 pm I love the way you have changed Sybil in this, from starting with her seeming to be a selfish so and so, the trad CS viewpoint of her to the turning it bit by bit toi make us more and more sympathetic to her. She deserves some sympathy as well. Looking forward to seeing her revenge.
#54: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon HullPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 2:52 pm Ooooh... I'm definitely sympathising with Sybil now. I'm not wanting revenge against my mother, but being able to talk about the wedding without her making little suggestions would be nice. We're paying for the thing, it's our wedding, so we say what goes.
Ahem, rant over. This is shaping up good though Jennie, can't wait for more. (and I presume that Joey can't come as she's currently in labour, still )
and I presume that Joey can't come as she's currently in labour, still JackieJ
LOL!
Can't wait for more of this Jennie!
#56: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 4:22 pm Why do you think I've left her in the labour ward?
Sybil sat down again very carefully, taking care not to crease her dress. She knew that it would be at least fifteen minutes before the car arrived to take her mother and Josette to the church, and she wanted to make sure that she avoided any more hostilities between herself and her parents. This was not to be.
Josette came bustling in, arrayed in her bridesmaid's dress with a wreath of pink rosebuds and delicate green leaves in her hair, to announce with some importance, 'Daddy wants to see you in the drawing room, he says it's about time he saw what he's spent so much money on'
Sybil realised that she had no alternative, she would have to face them both together. She rose and went to the door, but as she was walking towards it, Josette burst out,' You're being such a bitch today, Sybs. Why can't you realise how much you've upset Mummy. It's a big day for her today, why can't you understand that?'
Sybil realised with an inward sigh that her parents would never, ever understand her, or even make the slightest attempt to do so.
She let nothing of this show on her face, merely carried on walking towards the door, and then coolly told her sister, 'If it's a big day for Mother, please try to remember that it's an even bigger one for me.'
She swept past Josette and into the drawing room. Her father was standing there with a scowl on his face.
'Well, it's high time that you came out of that bedroom, Sybil. How dare you upset your mother so much on a day that's so important to her?'
'Why is it so important for Mother? Have you forgotten that the real reason that it's a big, important day is that I'm getting married? I spent the time in my bedroom because I was preparing myself to get married. Have you forgotten the lecture you gave me? The one that told me that marriage is an important step, that spiritual preparation is as important as all the clothes and dresses? So when I try to prepare myself for my wedding, I'm accused of being selfish and thoughtless.'
'Sybil, if you weren't getting married today, if you weren't already dressed for the ceremony, I give you my word.....'
Sybil interrupted him. 'Well, we know what that's worth, don't we?'
She smiled sweetly at him, leaving the usually urbane and articulate Sir James Russell to go white around the mouth, and splutter himself into silence.
Hoping there will be more of this tomorrow morning!
Did Jem go white with rage or with fear?
#58: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 4:31 pm Go Sybil!!!
I love the way Josette seems to be a total spoilt brat!
#59: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon HullPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 4:35 pm Oooh, what does Sybs mean, has the wonderful Sir James been less than honest in the past?
Please may we have some more?
JackieJ
#60: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 4:38 pm They gave their word to Sybil that if she worked hard at school, she would have two years or more at the School of Art Needlework in London, but when Jem had to go out to Australia, Madge went with him, and the girls had to go with them so Madge wouldn't feel lonely. Sybil had kept her side of the bargain, but they they didn't keep their word.
#61: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon HullPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 4:41 pm I forgot about that
*sidles away in embarassment*
JackieJ
#62: Author: Amanda M, Location: WakefieldPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 4:50 pm I like this Sybil. It's wonderful to hear her standing up to Madge and Jem (and Josette)!
Just wondering WHAT the revenge best served cold is going to be
#63: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 5:23 pm Good for Sybil - hope Jem and Madge feel suitably guilty - but it's unlikely!
Thanks Jennie!
#64: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire EnglandPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 6:19 pm I always felt Sybil was hard done by in not being able to follow her chosen career. I'm not surprised she is feeling this way but do hope she is marrying the right person for the right reasons and not just so she can thumb her nose to her parents!
#65: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 7:11 am More today if I can get access to the PC. You'll have to understand that I'm just the typist!
#67: Author: Susan, Location: CarlislePosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 10:21 am Go Sybil. Jem and Madge are so horrible in this but from Sybil's point oif view they have been like that since she was a baby.
Am I the only one to see an image of Dr Harrington at the end of that last post?
#68: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 5:28 pm No Sue, must admit I also wondered if Jem's next words would have been that he would have hit her.
#69: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 6:02 pm Jennie your avatar is quite appropriate! (well, embroidery, anyway!)
This is amazing. More soon please!
#70: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 6:05 pm This is wonderful Jennie! Feel so so so sorry for Sybil!
#71: Author: Guest, Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 7:42 pm Madge made an attempt to pur oil on the troubled waters, but succeeded only in adding fuel to the flames.
'Now, Sybil, that is not the way to speak to your father, and you are spoiling the day for me with the way that you're behaving. If only you hadn't been so insistent on having your own way. You have no idea how much I wanted you to have four bridesmaids from the family, it would have been lovely to have had had the triplets here for your wedding, but no, you made such a terrible fuss.'
Sybil took a deep breath, then launched her attack.
'Do please tell me what you and father have done to make me want to speak to you in a pleasant way. As for me spoiling the day for you, what have you done this morning to make the day a pleasant one for me? You moaned because I stayed in the bath for too long, you've called me selfish several times, you've criticised my hairdo, you've moaned about my lotion, my scent and my dress. And now, finally, you have decided to resurrect the old complaint about my not wanting the triplets as bridesmaids. When will the two of you realise that I happen to be your daughter? It's MY day, my wedding day. I know you don't really like Hugh, but then, he doesn't meekly accept what you lay down as the law, does he? As for being your daughter, and respecting you as my parents, well Mother, please tell me why it is that you won't be lonely when both Josette and are married? You deprived me of my ambitions, you gave me your word and broke it without as much as a thought for what you were doing to me, because you said that you'd be 'lonely' here in Australia. So I'm getting married, and not a word about loneliness. Why don't you make a life of your own? God knows, you've given me little enough. It was always selfish, jealous Sybil. Well, if you had managed to give me some love, affection and approval, I might not have been jealous. Think about it.
I've just one more thing to say. If I hear one more word of complaint from you, when the wedding car comes for you and Josette, Mother, I'll send it away. And when the car comes for me, I'll get into all alone. I'm not afraid to walk up the aisle all by myself. I don't need anyone to give me away. But perhaps, for my last few minutes as your unmarried daughter, you might try to let me know that you love and value me.'
Both Sir James and Lady Russell stood there in complete silence. It was quite clear that neither was able to utter a single word, and from the colour of their faces, it was obvious that both had received a devastating shock.
#72: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 7:44 pm That was I.
#73: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 7:57 pm Go Sybs!
Alright, so it's too early to ask for more...but it would be lovely
#74: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, EnglandPosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 8:03 pm About time Sybil told them the truth about how she feels.
#75: Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New ZealandPosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 8:20 pm I feel so sorry for Sybil. But at the same time I also feel awful for Madge and Jem having to hear that from their daughter.
#76: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 8:32 pm Jem looked at his daughter. He wondered whether he had been right in the way that he had brought up his children. He also began to realise that perhaps his own children had not had enough of the love and attention that children ought to have from their supposedly loving parents. He remembered the times that Sybil had come to him with some little project of her own, and before he could look at it, the phone would ring, and he would dash off, never thinking of the disappointment that his daughter was feeling. He had worked so hard to save the lives of other people's children, but what had he done to his own?
Perhaps he had been wrong not to have realised how Sybil felt, with so many other children older than she in the extended family. He had had to take in his sister's children, there had been no alternative, but he ought to have made time for his own children, even just a few minutes every day could have made all the difference to Sybil.
He also felt desperately ashamed of himself for having deprived Sybil of her embroidery course. They had given her their word, and they had broken it. Why couldn't Madge have seen the trip to Australia as the opportunity to start a new life of her own. Why had she declared that she coudn't go without the girls, she would be lonely without them.
He looked at Sybil, realising for the first time that she was no longer a child, a young girl, to be directed and ordered around, she was a lovely young woman who was on the verge of a new life, and they had spoiled the day for her by not acknowledging her right to choose her own path.
Last edited by Jennie on Wed Sep 15, 2004 8:39 pm; edited 1 time in total
#77: Author: Rosea, Location: EdinburghPosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 8:34 pm This is brilliant Jennie, both Sybil getting all her feelings out at last and Jem's reaction. I'm glad he could recognise that they have made mistakes.
Now I wonder what Madge thought ...
#78: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, EnglandPosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 8:39 pm Slightly worried as to the whereabouts of David, Ailie, Kevin and Kester. Would they side with Sybil or with their parents and Josette?
#79: Author: Pat, Location: DoncasterPosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 8:46 pm This is great Jennie. I love the light dawning in Jem's mind!!! May we please have some more?
Yes, I know I'm being greedy!
#80: Author: claire, Location: South WalesPosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 8:47 pm Aww make him give her a hug
And make his speech at the reception very nice (and off the cuff apologise for breaking his promise)
Well done Sybs
#81: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 8:49 pm Thank you, Jennie!!! Hopefully Madge will react as well as Jem did - but I'm not sure...
#82: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 8:52 pm Wonderful tirade from Sybil - and so heartfelt. Yes it would be a shock to Jem and Madge, but after all they did to her I feel they deserve it.
Interesting that Jem is feeling that Sybil is right and is ashamed - will Madge will feel the same way? Somehow I don't think so!
Thanks Jennie.
#83: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 8:59 pm Madge looked at her daughter. She could not get past the fact that Sybil was her daughter. She had imagined this day so differently. She had planned that when her daughters married,she Madge, would be the guiding light. She would have the final word on the dresses, the ceremony, the guest list, everything. She had imagined that her daughter would hang on her every word, do things Madge's way, because Madge had always guided them so well, her judgement could not be faulted. She resented, bitterly resented the fact that Sybil had had her own ideas, and the strength of character and determination to ensure ensure that the ideas became reality. 'Why of course Mother knows best,' she wanted to scream, 'Didn't I begin the Chalet School, wasn't I always a good mother to you, wasn't I right to make sure that you were well-behaved?'
Then she looked at Sybil again, and for the first time realised that her oldest daughter was an individual, not an appendage. She realised that all her plans for the future for Sybil, marriage, several babies, coming back to mother for advice, relying on her for help and direction in the upbringing of her children had just become dust and ashes. Sybil was her own person, a mother could not make plans to run her daughter's life once she was married.
Still, she tried once more to make Sybil realise that Mother knew best. 'Really, Sybil, such drama. Don't you know that Daddy and I have always wanted the best for you? That's why we have always felt that we should guide you, set you an example. Now don't be so silly, apologise to us, and we'll say no more about it. Don't let such silliness spoil this day for the family.'
'If that's the best that you can think or say, Mother, I'd prefer it if you weren't at the wedding.' replied Sybil in a chilly voice.
'But Sybil I have to be there, what would people say if I weren't?'
'Who cares?' replied Sybil in the same cool tone. 'I don't, and that's all I care about.'
'But, we're your parents, you are supposed to love and respect us.'
'I'm showing you just as much love as you showed me, and I'm respecting your feelings as much as you respected mine.'
Jem felt that he had to intervene.
'Sybil,' he managed to say. 'I'm sorry, so deeply sorry for what we've done to you. Please, let me escort you to your wedding, I don't think I could live with myself if you won't allow me to.'
Last edited by Jennie on Wed Sep 15, 2004 9:09 pm; edited 1 time in total
#84: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 9:06 pm Madge - can't she see that her attitude is at fault here?
Thanks Jennie - very compelling - and nice to see Jem at least apologising, all Madge appears to care about is whether it's 'seemly'.
#85: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire EnglandPosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 9:10 pm Wow! to both the last posts!
Just Wow!
Sybil must have been stewing that up for years and finally got it out, knowing that she was leaving their control (good word that!) for good. I'm glad Jem has seen the light but what if Madge doesn't - she will then resent Jem for siding with Sybil
*Chews fingernails till Jennie can get to the computer again*
#86: Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New ZealandPosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 9:20 pm Silly, silly Madge. Why didn't she just let it go. I'm not feeling so sorry for her anymore. 'm glad that Jem seems to have realised though and thats he's apoligised. I'm glad that Sybil will have a least one of her parents there in support.
And thank you Jennie - I just checked back and two more posts of story it was a very nice surprise.
#87: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 9:25 pm Josette chose this moment to burst into the conversation.
'I do think you're being unfair, Sybs. Mummy has always done her best for you, and for all of us. Why are you doing this, why are you making so much trouble? It's supposed to be a happy day for us, and I was really looking forward to being your bridesmaid. Why don't you apologise to Mummy, and let her have her day?'
'Because it's not her day, it's mine. All I want her to do is to tell me that she values me, me, as a person in my own right, not just as her daughter. I'm getting married today, embarking on a new life, and all Mother wants to do is to carry on controlling me, bending me to her will, making me conform to her ideas, not appreciating that I'm different.'
Seeing Madge look uncomfortable, Sybil carried on. 'I'm sure Mother has the future planned out for me. Several children, always asking her advice, always there, looking to her for guidance. I don't want that sort of marriage, and neither does Hugh. What he and I both want is somthing different. We both have ambitions, and we're going to fulfil them.'
'Now Mother, are you going to attend MY wedding, or are you going to stay here? The choice is yours. If you come, it's because you realise that I'm Sybil, I'm getting married, and I have my own plans for the future. If you can't do that for me, then please have a migraine and stay at home. Josette, if you want to be my bridesmaid, then please keep quiet, carry out you duties, and stop trying to be a Chalet School girl. This is the real world now, not a sheltered boarding school. After all, you'd better think about this, you're getting married next year, and who do you want to have running your marriage, and your life?'
#88: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon HullPosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 9:26 pm Go Sybil, this drabble makes you realise that she really was quite hard done by by her parents, at least Jem is realising his mistake.
In a way, Madge wanting to organise the wedding is very unfair, I mean, Madge didn't have anyone organising her wedding for her, did she?
JackieJ
#89: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 9:40 pm *Wondering what Madge will choose. Migraine or wedding!*
Thanks Jennie.
#90: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 10:03 pm This is fascinating Jennie and I'm so glad Sybil has spoken her feelings.
Madge and Josette
#91: Author: Susan, Location: CarlislePosted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 10:16 pm Yeah Jem is coming to his senses. Poor Sybil fancy having to tel your parents that at any time never mind on your wedding day.
#92: Author: Suse, Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 1:07 am Amazing! I love the way you've brough the characters to life. Can't wait to read more.
#93: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 12:44 pm Yay! I knew I liked Jem for a reason! Hopefully Madge will come around in time - after all, she didn't treat Sybil brillinantly, but at the end of the day she was only trying to help in her misguided way. Madge
Glad to see that Sybs is trying to help Josette as well - she's right, she will have to consider this in the future.
... forgot for a moment that they don't actually exist
#98: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 1:58 pm So did I!!! Jennie!!!
#99: Author: Kat, Location: SwanseaPosted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 2:05 pm Jennie, you are so so evil!! When do we get some more please?
#100: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 2:19 pm 'Well, Mother,' said Sybil, still in that chilly and chilling voice. 'Are you going to acknowledge that I am a person in my own right, or are you going to stay at home?'
Madge looked at Sybil's resolute face. This wasn't how she had imagined it would be. She had thought that her daughter would cling to her at the last moment, torn between wanting to get married and yet longing to stay at home with her beloved parents. That was how a girl ought to feel on her wedding morning, how she ought to behave, not stand there accusingly, challenging her parents, and trying to force her mother to acknowledge that she was an individual with wishes of her own, and really, no mother should be put on the spot in this way, to have to declare that she valued her daughter and respected her as an individual. Why, Sybil was a part of her, would always belong to her, always be her little girl.
'Well, Mother? The car will be here in three minutes, so don't spend too long in making up your mind.'
Without her volition, Madge's mind flashed back to when Sybil was a litle girl, remembering the number of times that she had been called away just as she was about to read a story to Sybil, and how Sybil had reacted to these interruptions. She remembered her own response whan Sybil had cried or had a tantrum when Madge had had to go to Daisy or Primula, or Peggy and Rix, and she had been sharp with Sybil, telling her not to behave in such a selfish way, to remember that the others had been separated from their parents by death or distance.
She suddenly realised that she had put them before Sybil, her own child, and that Sybil had thought for some time that she had five older brothers and sisters. She also recalled vividly the times when Sybil, after discovering that they were her cousins, had gone round saying that she belonged and they didn't. No wonder, Sybil had had far less of her parents than Peggy and Rix had had, because Dick and Mollie had returned from India and put some effort into rebuilding the family unit, whereas she, Madge, had assumed that Sybil would automatically understand that she was a beloved daughter of the house. She felt a deep sense of shame that she had deprived Sybil of her needlework course. Sybil had kept her part of the bargain, she, Madge, hadn't. There weren't any excuses. Sybil could have boarded with a respectable family in London, could have spent her holidays at the Quadrant or on the Platz, but because Madge had feared that she would not enjoy life in Australia, she had broken her word. And this was the result.
#101: Author: Beth, Location: Durham, apparently...Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 2:42 pm This is so good Jennie...I'm on the edge of my seat!
*falls off seat*
*gets up, smiles in an embarrassed fashion, and greedily starts a chant for more to deflect attention*
#102: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 2:52 pm So is Madge going to finally realise what she has done???
#104: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 4:06 pm Madge finally managed to utter the words, 'I'm sorry, Sybil, so sorry. Please try to forgive me. I'll try to do better in the future. Of course I love you, it's just, well, there were so many other things in the way. I realise now that I took you, and your love and respect for granted. Please, let me come to your wedding. I'll try not to interfere, and I'll try not to tell you what to do in your new life. I wish I could turn back the clock for a couple of years. We should have kept our word to you, I see that now. I've been the selfish one, making assumptions.'
Before Sybil could reply, the maid came in to say that the car for Lady Russell and Miss Josette had arrived. Madge and Josette hurried out, calling a hasty goodbye, leaving Sybil alone with her father.
She picked up her bouquet, then said that their car would be arriving in five minutes.
"This wasn't how I wanted my wedding morning to be, you know. I had hoped that you and mother would realise that I have grown up, that if I'm old enough to be married, I'm old enough to make my own choices about other things. I didn't actually much care what my wedding was like until Mother started to make all the decisions, that's when I realised that unless I made a stand, the two of you would be trying to run my life for ever, even though I was married. Perhaps if you and Mother had bothered to take the time to find out what I am like as a person, this would never had happened, but you were always busy at the San, so I never felt that I had a father, just someone who came in once in a while. I never felt that your children mattered to you as much as other people did. Oh, I'm proud of your work, and the good that you've done in fighting TB, but it would have been good to have had some of your time. Do you know, that time I went away on holiday with Aunt Jo and her friends, when we went out for a walk together, we were out for two hours. That's the longest time you've ever spent, in the whole of my life, just with me. The rest of the time you were busy with Aunt Jo's worries about Phoebe and all the rest of it. I had to take a back seat again.
'And now, it's really too late, I'm getting married in thirty minutes' time, and I shall be making my life with Hugh. Don't you think that it's a sad state of affairs?'
For a moment, Jem did not know what to say, then he found the words.
Huh! Another graduate in the school of keeping us on the edge of our seats. Huh! too many of them around these days.
#110: Author: Susan, Location: CarlislePosted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 9:42 am Poor Madge fancy having to wait until the last minute to realise all that. What a waste of their lives together.
When my sister moved back here after her husband walked out I had a job trying to prove to my mum what was support and what was interference. I had to give her a bit of an ultimatum too.
#111: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 10:44 am Good for you Sue!
#112: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon HullPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 12:26 pm *Also want's to know what Jem's words were*
It is sad that Syb's not been able to tell them this before. Maybe when they're not living in the same house it'll be easier to reconcile all their differences though. Although the face we haven't seen any revenge yet makes me feel that a reconciliation ain't gonna happen.
More please?
JackieJ
#113: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 6:34 pm You do realise that this started out as a very short drabble, meant to be only about five or six posts, then it ran away with me. So please give me a few minutes to catch up, I do like to read other people's drabbles.
#114: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 7:01 pm And perhaps update us on Joey's labour?
I'm glad the bunnie ran away with it as this is extremely interesting but I'm happy to wait until you are ready (can't say much for everyone else though!)
#115: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 7:04 pm Apologies for the spreeing.
Jem Looked at his daughter, and his heart nearly broke. He managed to force the words out.
'You are my beloved daughter, and I wish that we had given you what you wanted and worked for. You deserved it, and we were very wrong to deprive you of it. I only hope that it's not too late for you to forgive me. I never realised what you were going through inside. I can see now that we've made some terrible mistakes. We should have realised. Oh God! Two hours! I feel so ashamed that you remember that because it was the only time that I spent with you, just the two of us. A daughter deserves more of her father than that.
It's time to go now,Sybil. Will you please forgive us? I hope that we will be able to get over this so that the rest of the day is a happy one.
I'm proud that you've told me all this, it must have taken a great deal of courage. Come on, there's the doorbell, time to go.'
Taking her father's arm, Sybil walked to the door of their apartment, but before they reached it, her father stopped her and said, 'You look so beautiful in that dress, I don't really want to give you away to anyone. Yes, don't look so alarmed, we're off to your wedding.'
#116: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 7:18 pm Quite impressed with Jem for being able to say that.
Thanks Jennie.
#117: Author: Helen P, Location: CheshirePosted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 7:47 pm Agreed, Lesley. It must have been a hard thing to do for Jem to swallow his pride like that and admit his wrongs. Especially for a man in that day and age conditioned to believe that he is right about everything <g>
Good for him! (And for Madge too). I hope this will be the beginning of a new improved relationship between Sybil and her parents.
#118: Author: Susan, Location: CarlislePosted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 8:31 pm Glad Jem managed to say his piece. He has gone up a little in my estimation.
#119: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire EnglandPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 9:19 pm Thanks, Jennie. I've been following this with great interest and drawing horrible parallels with my first (ex) mother-in-law; with whom I clashed rather seriously. (OK, don't look so surprised ). the only thing I remember about my first wedding was that someone dropped a suitcase on my foot at the railway station. Pictures show me looking happy but with a red stain over my heart (large piece of pinky, red confetti fallen between the lace and satin of the bodice of my dress).
Poor woman is now 99 yrs old and has alienated almost everyone in the family. It's a shame she didn't read this many years ago.
#120: Author: keren, Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2004 9:42 pm I enjoyed reading this.
I think that also Madge herself was not really bought up as a teenager by her mother, so did not have a real relationship to learn from.
#121: Author: Ellie, Location: LincolnshirePosted: Sun Sep 19, 2004 10:27 pm Wow. I've had the pleasure of reading just about all of this in one go - it's certainly made me Sybil in a new light, poor girl. I'm glad that she has managed to become her own person, I just hope her marriage is happy.
I'm very impressed with Jem too, and I'm glad that Madge did finally get to see Sybil's point of view.
I'm rather less impresed with Josette though, but maybe she likes being the dutiful daughter, I wonder if Madge & Jem will have learnt from this and act differently when it is Josette's turn to marry. Not that I'm suggesting you write it of course, but if you did want to I'm very willing to read it.
#122: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 11:31 am The wedding ceremony went off without a hitch, though the bride's mother cried rather more than usual during the ceremony, whilst the bridesmaid, looking very pretty in her pink and green dress, seemed a little mutinous at times, and reluctant to perform her duties.
After the photographs had been taken, a long process as all the big Sydney newspapers had sent photographers so that they could print them the next day, the bridal procession set off to the luxurious hotel where the reception was to be held.
When they arrived, the groom tenderly helped his bride out of the car. They were standing smiling at one another, when the car carrying Sir James and Lady Russell and their other daughter drew up. Lady Russell was the first to emerge from the Daimler. She immediately approached her daughter, saying, 'Sybil, just tidy your dress and veil, please, you look rather rumpled. I can't imagine what you've been doing to get into that state.'
Hugh gave her a lazy smile and replied, 'She looks fine to me, Lady Russell, and as for what we've been doing, I've been kissing my beautiful bride, my lovely new wife.'
Madge's jaw dropped, and she was about to make another comment when Jem intervened.
'I can't say that I blame you, Hugh, any sensible bridegroom would have done. Come along, Madge, time to go in to stand in the receiving line.'
Madge went along with Jem, but her look boded no good for Sybil at a later time.
#123: Author: Amanda M, Location: WakefieldPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 11:42 am Oh dear, I thought Madge might have learned from earlier, but obviously not.
Wonders what's going to happen at the reception and wedding speeches.
#124: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 11:56 am *wibbling*
At least Jem appears to have learnt from it, though!
Can't wait to see what happens at the reception - after that comment from Hugh am very worried about his speech!!!
#126: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, EnglandPosted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 12:00 pm It's probably jst as well that Madge and Sybil wouldn't normally get to make speeches. I wonder if one or both of them is about to buck that tradition?