Long Road Home
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles

#1: Long Road Home Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 9:38 pm


OK, here's my first drabble attempt, so apologies if it could be better!

Lady Watson sat down on the bed, placing the box down next to her, and sighed

She had spent the last few days, just a few weeks after her father’s funeral, clearing all the remaining personal effects out of his Paris apartment, and cleaning it, readying it for sale. Her old school friends Joey Maynard and Hilary Graves, had left their families for a few days to journey up with her from Switzerland and help out after she had confided in them that she was dreading making this trip alone, and she could hear the faint sound of their laughter as they finished off the last of the cleaning in the salon down the hall.

As she looked around the sparsely furnished room, she thought that it little resembled the chic, but comfortable place in which she had spent so many happy times since her father had returned to Paris following the end of the war. Tomorrow she would lock up the apartment, hand over the keys to the agent she had charged with its sale, and return home. She felt a twinge of sadness, but it was soon replaced by a warm glow at the thought that her home these days lay in Geneva with her husband and stepchildren.

“And soon to be joined by one more,” she thought, smiling to herself as she gently rubbed her belly, now slightly swollen with the first signs of her pregnancy.

“Come on Evvy, last one and then you’re done,” she said out loud, turning her attention to the box on the bed. She had thought that they had finished all but the salon, but, doing a last check round, she had discovered this box pushed back on a shelf in the dressing room which led off her father’s old room.

Curious to know what it contained, she lifted off the lid, and stared with some puzzlement at the leather bound books within. Then it dawned on her what they were.

“My diaries!” she cried to herself, “I wondered what had happened to them! Poppa must have brought them here from America after the war.”

“You OK, Evvy?” came Hilary’s voice.

“Yes thanks, I’ll be with you in a couple of minutes,” she called back, then returned her attention to the box before her.

Eagerly she pulled out the top book, recognizing the childish writing from her early days in Tirol as she skimmed through, smiling. Putting it aside, she started to pull the other contents from the box, exclaiming as she did so over more diaries, small mementoes, and photographs chronicling her growth from childhood into a young wartime WAAF. Laughing as she found photographs of old friends; her Quintet from school, the young women alongside whom she had worked during the war years in England, and one very precious one, taken in the Spring of 1938 in Switzerland. Her eyes misted slightly as she remembered the day it had been taken, the day that they were finally safe after the long flight through the Tirol from Hitler’s Gestapo. She put it down carefully, thinking she must show her two friends, for they had shared that terrifying journey with her, and it had formed a bond between them and the others who had been with them that only they could understand.

She turned back to the box, and noticed there was one more photograph at the bottom, wedged, upside down, half under one of the flaps. She could just make out the faded ‘1940’ written on the back. She pulled it out, wondering what, or whom it depicted, and then, as she turned it over, she froze.


Last edited by Josie on Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:27 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#2:  Author: DonnaLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 9:42 pm


I don't think you have any need to worry Josie - I'm hooked already!

Is it too early to chant? Very Happy

 


#3:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 9:43 pm


This looks very promising (not the cliff though!!). Please may we have some more soon?

 


#4:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 9:43 pm


Josie, that's lovely. More soon please!

 


#5:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 9:45 pm


*also hooked* you didn't wait long! What's the photo?

 


#6:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 9:48 pm


Great start Josie!

Please, more! Soon!

 


#7:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 9:49 pm


Thanks for the kind words. Have been sitting on this for a while but was too cowardly to put it up! Embarassed

I've taken my lessons in cliffs from Lesley and Gem! Twisted Evil

Just working on the second but, so if I'm feeling nice and the bunny continues to bite, will put it up tonight. Very Happy

 


#8:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:03 pm


This is fantastic Josie


but there's only an hour of tonight left and I really really need an early night so please can we have the next bit now??

 


#9:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:08 pm


OK Dawn, as you asked so nicely.... Very Happy

Evadne had no idea how long she sat just staring at the photo; her mind seemed to have gone blank.

A voice stirred her from her stupor.

“Well, honestly, Evadne Watson! Marriage has done nothing to change your laziness when it comes to domestic chores I see! Hilary and I have finished the salon whilst you’ve been lounging around down here.” Joey’s golden laughter belied her words as she came into the bedroom. “What on earth have you been doing all this…” her voice trailed off as she caught sight of Evadne’s pale face.

“Evvy, my dear, what’s wrong?” Concern filled Joey’s voice as she came quickly round the bed, and knelt down in front of her.

Evvy lifted blue eyes, bright with unshed tears, to look at Jo. “This,” she said quietly.

Joey looked down at the photograph Evadne clutched in her hands and gave a muffled gasp, then looked back at the pale face, her dark eyes soft with sympathy.

“Ralph! Oh Evvy, don’t cry old girl,” as a tear trickled down Evadne’s cheek. “Where on earth did it come from?”

“I found this box when I was checking round. It was at the bottom under everything. Guess it gave me a bit of a shock.” She dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief, and smiled thinly at the girl in front of her. “I know it was years ago, but I still think of him sometimes Joey. Even though I am so happy with Edgar and the kids.”

Jo took the younger girl’s hand in her own as she said gently. “Of course you do. Nobody would ever expect you to forget.” They sat in silence for a few moments. Then, in a much brisker tone Jo said, “I say Evvy, I don’t know about you but I’m starving! Why don’t the three of us go down to Pierre’s for a spot of lunch?”

“I think I’ll just stay here for while if you don’t mind, Joey old thing. You two go ahead. I need to pack up this box and do some last bits and pieces anyway.”

Understanding Evadne’s unspoken need to be alone, Joey kissed her on the cheek and stood up. “OK then, I’ll go and grab Hilary and we’ll leave you to it. See you in a couple of hours. You know where we’ll be if you change your mind.” She walked towards the door, then turned back briefly, “Try and make the memories happy ones Evvy.” And with that, she was gone.

Left alone, Evvy sighed a deep sigh, scrubbed her eyes, and turned to the pile of diaries lying next to her on the bed, checking each one until she came to the one she was after. Leafing through the pages she skimmed the contents until she found the correct page, then she lay down on her stomach on the bed, propped herself up on her elbows, and began to read.

 


#10:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:20 pm


Awwwwwww poor Evvy



but very prompt response very gratefully recieved Josie Very Happy

 


#11:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:22 pm


Thanks Josie!!

But Crying or Very sad , poor Evvy Sad

 


#12:  Author: KateLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:26 pm


Poor Evvy-head.

Thank you Josie!

*chants quietly*

 


#13:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:38 pm


Josie this is looking great!

I really feel for Evvy - and am looking forward to MORE please!

 


#14:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 12:02 am


Crying or Very sad

poor evvy. Love seeing this deeper, emotional side to her. please please please continue. I must know more!

 


#15:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 6:24 am


Lovely Josie - looking forward to more - at your conveinience! Wink

 


#16:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 7:30 am


This is lovely - poor Evvy

Liz

 


#17:  Author: jaceyLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 7:43 am


I'm hooked, Josie.
And I've always really liked Evvy. Keep it rolling!

 


#18:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:06 am


Yay a new drabble!
Looking forward to hearing more!

 


#19:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:09 am


Looking good, am interested to know more of Evvy!

 


#20:  Author: keren as guest PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:13 am


oh my goodness
this looks good.
if it is going to be a sad drabble that you cant read when other people are round so stick a warning at the beginning

 


#21:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 11:44 am


Two very intiguing post, Josie, so please let us have some more.

 


#22:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 11:45 am


This is lovely Josie. Thank you. I like Evvy and always felt it was a shame she was left out of reunions and things so often, esp as she was part of Joeys crowd in the very early days before they split into so many forms.

 


#23:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 11:52 am


there you go, Josie, you were definitely right to put it up!
am also enjoying - hope the next bit straightens itself out soon.

 


#24:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 1:09 pm


This is wonderful Josie, poor Evvy Crying or Very sad

 


#25:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 3:55 pm


Josie, I'm so glad you're writing this, it's one of the CS stories I've always wanted to hear.

 


#26:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:04 am


I'm hooked - it will be interesting to find out about this romance ... although I think you can assume you'll need a tissue Keren!!

 


#27:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:21 am


Joooosie?!

May we have some more please? You CAN'T keep us in suspense like this!

Razz

 


#28:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:35 am


If someone can find my bunny that seems to have scampered off in search of fresh lettuce, then you can certainly have some more!! Confused Am worried Reginald may have led him astray! Shocked

Will try & put the next bit up this evening...

 


#29:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 12:27 pm


josie wrote:
Am worried Reginald may have led him astray! Shocked



That'a a very worrying thought Josie Rolling Eyes

Sends lots of lettuce to tempt him back

 


#30:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 3:56 pm


Fabulous stoey Josie. Another one hooked.

 


#31:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 7:49 pm


josie wrote:
Am worried Reginald may have led him astray! Shocked



I take exception to that! Reginald is a very good little bunny!!!!!

 


#32:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:54 pm


Vikki wrote:
josie wrote:
Am worried Reginald may have led him astray! Shocked



I take exception to that! Reginald is a very good little bunny!!!!!


Of course, he is but when I get calls from Barry saying he's on a road trip, you can't blame me for being suspicious...


Last edited by Josie on Thu Oct 21, 2004 11:22 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#33:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:08 pm


Aww I thought there was more Sad

 


#34:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:17 pm


Fascinating, I'd never registered what happened to Evvy between leaving school and becoming Lady Watson - am looking forward to reading all about it Kiss

 


#35:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:19 pm


*picturing a fishing line with a CBBer hanging from each hook, gently swaying with the current Shocked *

*grabs a free hook and joins the graceful swaying*

Great, Josie!

 


#36:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:23 pm


Sorry Cazx Embarassed Here's an update by way of grovelling!
Apologies it's only another teaser, am wrestling with Evvy and Ralph's first encounter


October 29th 1938

I cannot believe it’s been so long since I last wrote. So much has happened since the last entry, that day before the trip to Spärtz, the Tirol feels like a lifetime ago, though it’s barely seven months since we left.

It’s so nice to be on the boat heading back across the Atlantic. After everything we’ve been through, I don’t think I will feel safe until my feet are on good old American soil again.

The time since we got to Switzerland and Tante Anna’s has passed in almost a blur. Mr Flower came and took us up to Paris, and I don’t think I’ve ever been so glad to see Poppa. Though I’d never have admitted it, I wasn’t sure that I would ever see him or Momma again. It was a bit of a shock to see how thin Momma had become, but I guess she'd been worrying herself sick about me.

I had a great couple of months in Paris with Mom & Pops. I don’t think I’ve ever spent so much time with them both together, and though Momma still wasn’t that strong, it was great fun touring all over and seeing the sights. We didn’t see too much of Suzie though. Poppa said she was busy, and it was pretty obvious what with. She seemed to spend oodles of time out with someone called Gilles, and bully for her I say, I am glad she has found someone so nice after everything she’s given up for us over the years.

End of August we headed to Guernsey for Joey and Jack’s wedding. It was so grand to see them all again, and it was the happiest day I remember in ages. Jo and Jack are so in love, and I’m just made up to see her so happy. I guess she struggled more than most of us in leaving Tirol behind and I'm so glad she can make a new life, especially with someone as bully as Dr. Jack.

It’s kinda what I’m hoping for myself really. I’d never admit it to anyone, it would do my reputation no good! But I love to think that one day I can find a man who loves me that much and who I want to give the rest of my life to.

Well, I better end as they’ll be calling us for dinner soon. Because of who Pops is, we’ve been seated on the Captain’s table every night and it doesn’t do to keep them waiting. So, ‘til later.


Evvy smiled, and sat up. Now all that really did seem a lifetime ago. But it was fun to remember. She stretched and looked around her. Her elbows were aching from leaning on them and she had to move before she could read anymore. Jo & Hilary wouldn’t be back for at least an hour, and she really wanted to get to the part where she first met him. How foolish she’d been that night, she thought to herself, blushing. She stood up, gathering all the diaries to her, and headed into the salon, to find a more comfortable seat and continue her journey down memory lane.

Once she was comfortable on the large window seat overlooking the Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, propped up using the pillows from her bed as they had packed away all the cushions, she picked up the diary, leafed forward a little more, then began to read again.

December 15th 1938…


Last edited by Josie on Fri Oct 22, 2004 2:21 am; edited 1 time in total

 


#37:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:27 pm


Aww, lovely, thanks Josie. Smile

 


#38:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:28 pm


Very Happy Thanks Josie!!

Feel so sorry for Evvy though - but am glad she could be happy for other people Smile

 


#39:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:29 pm


Brilliant Josie - the style is so much like EBD's Evvy, it's perfect.

 


#40:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 7:59 am


Thank you Josie.

 


#41:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 8:24 am


Love the diary extract and agree it's just like Evvy - can't wait to find out about the first meeting and why she was so foolish!!

 


#42:  Author: RebeccaLocation: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 8:33 am


I'm really enjoying this and I'm looking forward to seeing more when it's ready!

 


#43:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 8:49 am


Thank-you Josie, who was Susie though?

 


#44:  Author: keren PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 8:51 am


suzette the maid.
lremeber escaring from a fire and meeting Frau Berlin

 


#45:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 9:42 am


Yes, Susie is Suzette, the Lannis's maid.
Here's a little bit more. There'll be a longer bit this afternoon, then RL takes over til Sunday/Monday I'm afraid as am off to Budapest! Very Happy

BTW, no idea if we ever heard where the Lannis' originally came from , so have taken liberties!


December 15th 1938

Only a quick entry tonight, as I’m already running late for this blasted dance. I wish I didn’t have to go. I’ve had enough of New York ‘Society’ as I can take already, and if I have to make polite conversation with another Vanderbilt or Duke, or any of those other rubber-necks I think I might scream. Margia and Corney would just yell if they met some of these folks. Oh, well, maybe it’s not as bad as all that, but sometimes, for all Pop’s money, I feel so out of place here. We’re just not W.A.S.P. enough I guess. Why couldn’t he just stay put in Louisiana? Oh, how I do miss the simple life of Austria sometimes. Though guess life’s there’s not simple any more…

And on top of it all, I feel so bad heading out to parties with Momma so ill. I know she insists, but it doesn’t make me feel any better. I wish they’d get a move on and figure out what’s wrong with her. Where’s Doctor Jem when we need him?

OK, time to stop feeling sorry for yourself and go and face the music. Peters will be waiting with the car by now. It’s never as bad as you think when you get there. And who knows, maybe one of these times you’ll at least meet someone nice

 


#46:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 10:04 am


Thanks Josie, its great to here Evvy thoughts and you have captured her perfectly Very Happy

 


#47:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 10:30 am


Thanks Josie - seems strange,only months after the flight from Austria and Evvy is in 'Society'!

 


#48:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 10:47 am


I take it Evvy is about to meet someone nice!
Have a nice time in Budapest-I really want to go there!

 


#49:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 11:04 am


OK, here's the longer bit, which will hopefully be enough to last until Monday! Very excited about Budapest - never been before Very Happy

December 15th 1938

Late…

Well, of all the splay-footed slobs I’ve ever met, Ralph Morgan is the worst. I might‘ve expected it from Nathan Kingsley; he’s a dolt at the best of times though tonight’s comments were just about the living edge. But Ralph seemed so decent when Brenda introduced him. Guess I’m no judge of character. But that’s it. I refuse to go to another one of their stupid parties. Mind you, can’t see them inviting me back after tonight anyway!



The memory of that night still made Evadne cringe, even all these years later and she felt herself redden as she read the words. It was still so clear in her memory.

One of her friends, Brenda Frazier, was that years’ toast of the town, and consequently she had met almost everyone who was anyone in the month since she had arrived back in New York. She was never short of potential suitors and hangers-on; men were attracted to Brenda like a magnet, and saw Evadne in much the same mould. Plus, Evvy was a beautiful and charming girl in her own right. Trouble was, she was not remotely interested in any of them, finding them rude and arrogant, a great contrast to her friends’ husbands, brothers and most of the other kindly and unassuming men she had come across in her time in Europe. Nathan Kingsley was the worst. Son of a prominent New York banker, he had a very high opinion of himself and belittled others constantly. Once he had discovered that Evadne was not New York born and bred, but from Louisiana where her father had worked hard to build up his business and make his money, she had been on the receiving end of countless cruel jibes, most of which she ignored, though she had called him a few choice names on occasion!

Tonight, however, Brenda had introduced her to Ralph Morgan. She had noticed him the minute she had walked in the room. He was tall and handsome, with thick dark hair, a dazzling smile and bright hazel eyes that seemed to dance as he spoke. He was polite and charming when he was introduced, explaining that he was sorry he had never met her before, but he had been in Europe, accompanying his father on a business trip, and had only arrived back a couple of days ago. Evvy felt that here was someone she could get along with and for the first time since her entry into the New York ‘scene’, she found herself interested in somebody she had met.

Unfortunately, just as she was relaxing into conversation with him, Nathan Kingsley barreled up, unsteady after one too many martinis, and started mouthing off.

“Well, well, if it ain’t Miss Deep South. Hey, Morgan, I wouldn’t hang around with Evadne if I were you. Not our type if you know what I mean.”

Holding onto her temper, Evadne said icily, “I’m not sure that we do know what you mean. Why don’t you fill us in?”

People were starting to stare at them now, and Evvy felt her friend’s hand on her arm as she tried to steer her away. But she shook herself free and held her head high, staring stonily at the two men in front of her.

“Well, not only is she ‘new money’, but her mother’s a Hun!” came the slurred response.

“How dare you!” Evadne’s temper gave way at this slur on her mother, “you crack-jawed ignoramus! My mother is Tirolean, and they’re the sweetest, kindest people in the world. You know nothing of her, her people or Europe you narrow-minded pie-faced snob!”

“I know as much as I need to,” Nathan continued, “you sound like a guttersnipe screeching like that. Showing up your breeding beautifully.”

Evadne opened her mouth to retort, but Ralph Morgan interrupted quickly, “I wouldn’t say it if I were you Miss Lannis. You go with Brenda and I’ll sort out Nathan and…” but he was cut short. Evvy’s temper was fully roused, and she failed to see that he was trying to help, instead choosing to hear his words as an endorsement of his friend’s behaviour. Seeing red, she hurled her drink in Ralph’s face, turned on her heel and fled, not looking back to see the reaction of those left behind.

She had struggled with her tears all the way home, and was pleased to be able to sneak into her parents’ house and to her room without anyone noticing.

December 16th 1938

Oh, who am I kidding? I’ve made such a fool of myself! I don’t think I can ever face him again! Damn Nathan Kingsley! He had to ruin everything with his big mouth.


She had calmed down enough to realise that she had misinterpreted Ralph’s words, and winced at the thought that she’d left him stood there, dripping in her cocktail. And some of the things she’d said in front of him! She realised that she had really liked him, but was sure now that he would never want to see her again.




Hearing the sound of the door in the hallway, Evvy closed the diary and got up to greet her friends. She wanted badly to read on, knowing what was to come, but felt she would rather wait until she had some time alone again.

 


#50:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 11:23 am


Josie - that's wonderful!! Laughing
I can completely picture it and I bet that standing there dripping with cocktail was the exact moment that Ralph fell in love with her!
Thanks you so much - great posts - I just hope we also find out that Ralph gave Nathan a sound hiding for being so disrespectful (think Evvy was relatively restrained under the circumstances!!)

Have a fab time in Budapest! Very Happy

 


#51:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 11:47 am


Lovely post, Josie - and, like Rachael, I can just see the scene. Laughing


Enjoy Budapest!

 


#52:  Author: KathyeLocation: Laleham PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 11:57 am


Wow I really enjoyed that josie, am looking forward to your return with baited breath now...
I also just love that last scene, your there with her, mmmm I hope we get to see Nathan taken down a peg or 3

 


#53:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 12:13 pm


Wow! This is so great Josie, can totally picture it all!

 


#54:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 12:53 pm


that was fab Josie!
have a brilliant time in Budapest.
Just think, you can write more on the plane.... Smile

 


#55:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 1:12 pm


Brilliant Josie - enjoy Budapest

Liz

 


#56:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 2:17 pm


Eep, evil Nathan getting Evvy so riled she didn't see Ralph was being nice!

Enjoy Budapest and tell us all about it Very Happy

 


#57:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 5:04 pm


Have a fab time in Budapest (I'm going green with jealousy here) and I'll look forward to more when you get back

 


#58:  Author: aliLocation: medway, kent PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 7:37 pm


Evvys great, no change from at school. Glad to see her sticking up for the tyroleans, although I wouldn't expect anything else. Have a great time in Bupabest, hopefully it will inspire you with more drabble ideas. *pouts enviously.*

 


#59:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 8:45 pm


Classic!

Fascinating to think what Evvy's life would have been like after school in the Tirol - from simplicity to sophistication - great to see how she's coping with it (I think very well!)

 


#60:  Author: fioLocation: swansea united kingdom PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 9:07 pm


Idea Evvy needs to meet Nathan whatsit when he's sober and aim a good deal lower down than his face!!!!!!!!! Cool

 


#61:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Oct 23, 2004 10:26 am


That last scene was great Josie!

 


#62:  Author: karryLocation: Stoke on Trent PostPosted: Sat Oct 23, 2004 7:41 pm


This is lovely! I always wondered why Evvy got married so late! Thanks for filling in the gaps. Very Happy

 


#63:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 3:59 pm


Well, back from Budapest, which is AMAZING by the way - quite like Prague but less tourists and English guys on stag do's! Hugely recommend it as somewhere to visit Very Happy

Here's another bit - there'll be a couple more updates tonight, once I've finished typing them up!



The three women spent a riotous afternoon and evening reminiscing, as Evvy produced her box and they shrieked with laughter, and in the case of Evvy and Jo in particular, embarrassment as they recalled their days in Tirol and some of their wilder exploits. They had packed everything in the apartment barring their bedding, so at Hilary’s suggestion, she and Jo had called into the deli on their way back from Pierre’s and they ate their dinner, picnic-style on the salon floor, using the crockery from the picnic hamper they had for the train. Knowing Evadne’s hatred of sentimentality, neither Hilary nor Jo had attempted to mention the earlier events of the day, and for that she was extremely grateful, finding she could forget about Ralph for a few hours whilst they looked back on their childhood.

As they all wiped their eyes as they recalled Elsie Carr and Maria Marani’s attempts to prove that they could fit their heads through the back of their chairs, Hilary picked up the photo of them all in Switzerland and sighed. “Don’t we all look young! Where did the years go? Look at us all now, proud mother’s and positively middle-aged!”

“Middle–aged yourself!” cried Jo, and Hilary ducked as a pillow came flying towards her head, and they both laughed.

Evvy smiled. “You never did grow up, did you Jo?” she said. Then more soberly, “So much has happened since then, it almost feels even further away than it really is.”

There was silence as the three contemplated this, then Evadne stood up, saying, “Well, I don’t know about you two, but I’m all in, and we have a lot to do tomorrow before we get the evening train. I think I’ll head to my bed. Good night”

“Good night Evvy, sleep well.” “Goodnight old thing, don’t let the bedbugs bite!” were her friends’ responses as she picked up her diaries and headed to her room.

She wasn’t ready for sleep just yet, for she was aching to get back to her memories. So after readying herself for bed, she propped her pillows up against the headboard, wrapped her bed jacket round her for warmth, and settled back to read some more.

 


#64:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 4:00 pm


*looking forward to reading and remembering with her*

Thank you Josie, this is lovely Smile

 


#65:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 4:03 pm


Nice to see another part of this, Josie - than you.


Glad you enjoyed Budapest.

 


#66:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 4:14 pm


Here's the next bit...

July 28th 1939

Momma seems to be resting now, so am heading into the city today with Pops. I’m reluctant to leave her, but as he says, she has nurse with her and I need to get out and do something for myself for a day, so maybe a bit of Fifth Avenue shopping will be just the thing. Plus, I can pick Mom up something extra special, she deserves a treat.


Since that evening back in December, Evadne had avoided Manhattan wherever possible, preferring to spend time at her parents Long Island home, where they had moved when her mother had taken a turn for the worse just after Christmas, in the hope that the cleaner sea air would revive her a little. The terrible exhaustion that her mother had been suffering from since the previous spring had left her susceptible to illness and she had never recovered from the severe bout of bronchitis which had befallen her in the first weeks of the new year. They knew she was dying, and it was now just a case of counting the days, making the most of every moment they had with her.

A few days after the party where she had met Ralph, Brenda had called to say that they had talked it over and if she just apologized for her behaviour, then all would be forgiven and she would be welcomed back into their circle. Evadne had been furious at the assumption that it was her who needed to apologise, for as far as she could see she had wronged nobody, except perhaps Ralph, and she said so in no uncertain terms. Since then, she had heard nothing from them, but if they were snubbing her she couldn’t have cared less, as their company was as undesirable to her as she was to them. She had spotted several of them from afar throughout the summer season in the Hamptons, but had so far managed to avoid any direct contact, and had kept very much to her family estate wherever possible. At times when she was alone, she felt desperately lonely, missing the laughter and company of her friends back in Europe, and without realising it she was beginning to withdraw slightly from the bubbly, fun-loving girl she had always been. Her father had noticed this change, and it was this that had prompted him to take her into the city with him today.

It was grand wandering around the shops again and having nothing to worry about except for Pop’s expense accounts holding out! I bought myself a couple of the latest outfits, as my wardrobe has been getting a little stale, and managed to pick up a smashing shawl for Momma which she just loved when I gave it to her. I had such a topping morning, but then of course, I had to walk into that coffee house, didn’t I?

Her feet aching a little from pounding the Fifth Avenue pavements, Evadne decided to take a break and have a coffee. Walking into the first place she came across, she went to the counter and ordered, glancing around idly for a seat. She paid for her drink, and just as she turned around she heard a voice behind her.

“Well, if it isn’t the elusive Miss Lannis” and swinging around she found herself staring up at a pair of bright hazel eyes. She was so astonished that she jumped and dropped her coffee, spilling it all over the young man’s trousers and shoes.

As she began to stammer an apology, he said “Are you going to throw a drink at me every time we meet?” A shrill burst of laughter at a nearby table caused her to miss the gentle amusement in his voice as he said it, and turning again she saw a group of people including Brenda Frazier and Nathan Kingsley all laughing at her with mocking eyes. Unwilling to cause a scene, she hurriedly picked up the cup she had dropped, mumbled a quick apology, and left the coffee house, her face scarlet and her eyes threatening tears.

I couldn’t believe it, why did they have to turn up today, of all days…


Last edited by Josie on Sun Oct 24, 2004 8:56 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#67:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 4:17 pm


Oh, poor Evvy, let's hope that Ralph runs after her. As for the others - hammer

 


#68:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 4:22 pm


*Hoping the same as Lesley*

Evil people, grrrrr...

 


#69:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 4:39 pm


Thanks Josie, I'm glad you had a great holiday Very Happy

The others are so horrid but I also hope Ralph chases her!

 


#70:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 6:08 pm


*hoping the same as Lesley too!*

Glad you had a nice trip!

 


#71:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 7:08 pm


*Also hoping the same as Lesley*

 


#72:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 7:30 pm


Oh!!! Poor Evvy!!!

*wishes nasty things for Nathan and Brenda!*

 


#73:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 7:36 pm


*prepares coffee grenades for Brenda, Nathan et al.*

Ralph will be more sensible, won't he?

 


#74:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 8:47 pm


Here's the next bit, seeing as you all saw through my oh so subtle cliff Embarassed

Think we may just see the back of Nathan and Brenda for now, but you never know, revenge may be sweet in the future! Wink


Evvy had not gone 50 yards when she heard someone calling her. She continued on, hoping he would give up, but the voice became more insistent.

“Miss Lannis! Miss Lannis! I say, hold up there!”

Against her will, Evvy stopped and turned round, desperately trying to fight back the tears that kept springing into her eyes. She stared as the man came running towards her, stopping in front of her to catch his breath.

“Why can’t you just leave me alone, Ralph Morgan? Or have you come out to make fun so that your skunks of friends can have another good laugh at me?” she said, her voice shaking slightly with anger and frustration.

“Well, I can certainly leave you alone if that’s what you want. I just thought you might like these,” and he held out her shopping bags, which in her haste she had left behind in the coffee shop.

She flushed slightly as she took them, and trying to sound as dignified as possible she said, “Thank you for taking the time to bring them to me. It was very kind of you to bother. Well, good bye” and she turned on her heel and began to walk away.

Ralph stared at her back for a moment, and then called out, “They’re not my friends you know, not any more.”


My head was really telling me to ignore him you know, but I just couldn’t. I’m still so drawn to him, and I guess that won out. Clearly my heart just doesn’t care if it makes an ass out of me!


Evvy stopped, her back still to him, as Ralph continued, “I don’t think they ever really were my friends as it happens.”

Evvy turned round and looked him square in the face. “Well, if they’re not your friends, what were you doing in a coffee house with them?”

“I wasn’t, at least, I was in the coffee house, well you know that, but I wasn’t with them. I just went into grab a coffee after a meeting with my father. I had to break some news to him, and needed a drink. Well, actually, I needed something stiffer, but figured I really shouldn’t have more than a coffee at one in the afternoon. Anyway, I had no idea they’d be there. I didn’t even see them before they laughed at you. And I felt so awful when you ran out, and I knew you wouldn’t believe me.” Ralph turned scarlet as he noticed Evvy grinning at him, amused that he had got so tongue-tied trying to explain.

There was a silence, and then Evvy burst out laughing. Ralph stared at her for a second, then laughed himself.

“Didn’t do a great job of explaining myself there did I?” he laughed.

“Not so much, no!” replied Evvy, still chuckling.

“Well, at least I got you to laugh, that’s something!” and he grinned at her. “Say, neither of us ever did get our coffee. How about we find another place with slightly …er…better clientele, and I’ll try again with the explanation?”

Evadne hesitated for a moment, wondering whether she should just decline politely and leave, but her curiosity soon won out. ‘What have I got to lose anyway?’ she thought to herself.

“Sure, that would be swell! I mean…um…thank you, that would be very nice,” she stammered, going red again and cursing herself for forgetting her manners.

But Ralph just chuckled again, “I think swell sums it up very nicely!”

“I have just one condition though, “Evvy said, recovering her self-possession.

“What’s that?”

“You stop calling me Miss Lannis! Makes me sound like an old maid! Please call me Evadne, or Evvy if you prefer.”

“OK then Evvy, you have a deal!” and smiling he led the way down the street.


Last edited by Josie on Sun Oct 24, 2004 9:08 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#75:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 8:55 pm


Awww, yay for Evvy and Ralph!!

Thanks Josie! Very Happy

 


#76:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 9:03 pm


Aww I'm feeling all warm and snuggly now!

 


#77:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 9:06 pm


Awwww! Thank you Josie!!!
That was so sweet!

 


#78:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 9:33 pm


Thank you Josie, I hope that Brenda and Nathan et al will not interfere from now on, but if they do I'll be ready with hammer and poke for them.

JackieJ

 


#79:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 9:53 pm


Ahhhhhh Awwww!

Lovely!


And it would be nice to see Nathan and Brenda be dropped on from a great height! Twisted Evil

 


#80:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 10:21 pm


That's soooooooooo sweet! Ralph is lovely Love

 


#81:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 10:33 pm


*beams happily* Thanks!

 


#82:  Author: MarianneLocation: Lancaster PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 12:48 am


ooooohhh, that was ssssoooooooooooo nice Crying or Very sad

 


#83:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 8:44 am


How excruciating for Evvy! Embarassed
Glad it's starting to work out now ...

Thanks, Josie - lovely!!

 


#84:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 9:35 am


really enjoying this, thanks Josie!

it's very poignant to see them starting to fall in love when you know what is going to happen Sad

 


#85:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 9:59 am


Just found this Josie, it's lovely. The only thing is, as Robin says, am definitely wibbling at the thought of what might happen Confused

 


#86:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 10:05 am


Yes, sorry, bit hard to avoid the wibble on this one! Confused

I have a quick favour to ask actually, am in need of a proof reader or 2 - trying to make an upcoming bit poignant but not schmaltzy and think I'm failing miserably Embarassed Robin, you still happy to oblige? Or anyone else?

 


#87:  Author: keren PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 10:12 am


this is a very good story, glad you decided to write it

 


#88:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 11:23 am


*puts hand in air and waves it wildly at josie* I will! I will! I will!

 


#89:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 11:35 am


thanks Abi Very Happy
Have PM'd you.

 


#90:  Author: RoseaLocation: Edinburgh PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 4:10 pm


Abi wrote:
*puts hand in air and waves it wildly at josie* I will! I will! I will!


Very jealous you beat me to it... I want sneak previews!

This is a wonderful story.

 


#91:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 5:34 pm


Robin wrote:
it's very poignant to see them starting to fall in love when you know what is going to happen Sad


I thought that too, Robin and can guess what he has just told his father Crying or Very sad

This is really good, Josie.

I sometimes wish EBD had done more with the characters who disappeared but if she had there would have been hundreds of books.

 


#92:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 8:10 pm


What a nice thing for Ralph to do, What horrible little snobs the others are!

 


#93:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 8:31 pm


Glad people are enjoying this. Thank you Embarassed

Here's a new bit, broken into two as was one VERY long post otherwise! May be one more update tonight if I ever get it done, if not will be tomorrow.


I was still not sure I was doing the right thing when we got to the coffee house, heaps of thoughts were racing through my brain, ‘I don’t know him. What if he's just like the others? What if it’s a stupid put-up?’ But overriding them all was the one saying ‘I want to know this man, and I want him to know me.’ And, shamefully, I have to confess I could have eaten an elephant at that point, and Ralph had mentioned cookies, so my defenses were worn down pretty quick!

Seated in a booth at the back of the coffee house, Evadne watched Ralph walking towards her trying to balance two cups of coffee, two small plates and a dish containing some delicious looking cookies. Three small children having lunch with their parents had paused mid-mouthful, and were watching with awe as this impressive balancing act made it’s way across the floor to the far side. As he reached the table, they broke into spontaneous applause, hurriedly hushed by their parents, whilst Ralph turned to bow, first to the children, and then to Evvy, who had jumped to her feet and was applauding solemnly, as if she was at the opera.

“Very impressive, if I may say so. I had no idea you were from a circus background!”

Ralph laughed, “Ah, well, if you liked that, just wait ‘til you see my trapeze!”

Evvy glanced at the ladies on the next table who were eyeing them with disdain. “Well, while I’d be thrilled to see it, I’m not sure our neighbours would be so approving!”

Ralph turned and gave them a little wave, at which they all sniffed and turned their backs on him, muttering as they did so. “Oh, rats to them, the old stuffed shirts! No doubt they’ll tell my father and I’ll get a lecture on ‘behaving like a Morgan’ when I get home. I just have to hope Cassie’s disgraced the family more than me today!” and with that he grinned and sat down. “I don’t know about you, but I’m famished. Here, have a cookie.”

Evadne took the proffered food and bit into it, before asking, “Who’s Cassie? And do those women really know your father?”

“Well, Cassie’s my younger sister, and yes, they, along with half of New York, know my father, know both may parents as it happens. A fact that both myself and Cassie are made painfully aware of as we go about our daily business of destroying our good family name!”

He did not look particularly perturbed at this, but Evvy decided to change the subject anyway, as there was something she wanted to know.

 


#94:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 8:32 pm


2nd bit...

“So, is that how you know Nathan and Brenda then? And how you happen to be part of the ‘scene’?”

Ralph frowned slightly, before replying, “Well, yes, kind of. We were all at school together, well at least, we boys were. The girls were in another, farther up on the Upper West Side from us. And all our families know each other and move in the same circles I suppose, so we all grew up together. Thankfully my parents are at least somewhat discerning, so we were never forced to be friends with them, but I guess we can’t help knowing a lot about each others lives.” He paused, to sip his coffee, before continuing, “I hadn’t seen any of them for six months or so before that party at the Stork last December and it wasn’t exactly a great loss! I’m not even sure why I turned up that night to be honest, though I’m glad now that I did, even if I did get a thorough soaking for my troubles!” and his eyes twinkled with mischief as he watched Evvy turn red with discomfort.

“Yes, well,” she said, once she had regained her composure, “ I guess I do owe you an apology for that. I’m very sorry; I really had no idea what I was doing. I was so mad I just saw red, you’re lucky it was only a drink I threw to be honest!”

“Well, there was the olive too!” he countered, then seeing her glare, he relented, “I wouldn’t have blamed you if you had picked up the entire punch bowl! And I really owe you an apology too, that anyone I associate with, however loosely, could possibly treat somebody like they treated you that night. I’ve never been so ashamed and embarrassed in my life. I’ve had as little as possible to do with any of them since, and if never saw them again I certainly wouldn’t be sorry.”

He paused and appeared to think briefly, before continuing, “I ran after you that night, you know. But you were gone by the time I reached the street. And when I tried to get your number from Brenda, she told me that you wanted nothing more to do with any of us, so I thought I’d better respect that, and just hold out that I would run into you somewhere along the line.”

Evadne felt the colour rise in her cheeks as she replied, “Well, to be truthful, I did say that to Brenda, though not quite so politely! But why would you want to see me again? You barely knew me for five minutes, and I’m not sure I gave my best impression!”

He smiled, “I don’t know really, there was just something about you that instantly interested me, made me feel lie you were someone worth getting to know. So tell me, how come you were hanging out at that party? It hardly seems like your scene any more than it is mine!”

“Brenda’s father’s a business associate of Pops, and I knew nobody when I arrived here from Europe, so he arranged for her to take me out, show me around a bit. Guess it didn’t work out as well as he’d hoped!” and she broke off, not quite sure what else to say.

Sensing this, Ralph said decisively, “OK, that’s enough about them. They don’t deserve the floor space. How about you tell me something of yourself, prove to me that you really are worth knowing,” and he chuckled as he dodged the balled up napkin hat Evvy threw at him across the table.

I couldn’t believe how easy he was to talk to. We must have been there three hours just talking and talking. We told about our childhoods, mine in Louisiana and then Tirol, his in New York. I told him all about the Anschluss and that day in Spärtz, and the flight that followed, and saw the lump in his throat as I explained about poor Herr Goldmann and Vater Johann. In turn, he revealed how he was expected to go into the family business, his father is a shipping merchant, and that he had accompanied his father to Europe on numerous occasions in order to begin to learn the trade. He said that last time he was there, during the summer, he had picked up on the vibes coming out of Germany, and seen her claws spreading ever wider, and how, on his return, he had determined to join up in the army, in readiness for a fight he felt must come and had to be fought. I even told him about the Peace League, feeling that my trust would never be betrayed, and he simply replied that often the smallest of actions can make the biggest of differences.


Evvy closed the book at put it down on the table beside her. ‘How right he had been,’ she thought, remembering the people whose lives had been saved due to that small, but significant document. She yawned widely, suddenly aware of how tired she was, and turning her light off she snuggled down under her plumeau as was soon asleep.


Last edited by Josie on Mon Oct 25, 2004 8:51 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#95:  Author: karryLocation: Stoke on Trent PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 8:48 pm


aaaawwww Josie!
This is beeeeeaaaaauuuutiful! I feel so much for Evvy! He seems SO right for her!
Sad

 


#96:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 9:08 pm


That was lovely Josie!
Thanks!

 


#97:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 9:24 pm


Thank you Josie, that was incredibly moving...

 


#98:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 10:43 pm


*sniffles* That was so lovely. *fuzzy*

 


#99:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 10:54 pm


Thank you Josie. Kiss

 


#100:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 8:36 am


Superb, Josie

Quote:
I even told him about the Peace League, feeling that my trust would never be betrayed, and he simply replied that often the smallest of actions can make the biggest of differences.

I'm rather falling for him myself! Heart

Totally lovely - I think you've captured Evvy just right and I love the way you're telling the story through flashback, diary and present time ....

 


#101:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 11:39 am


OK, to save time later on, I think it's obvious this is going to be
a weepy, so though this bit is not sad, am issuing a general caution for the whole drabble
Tissue Alert!!!!!!!! Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad
You have been warned!!

Just a mini bit. More later...


Evade woke early next morning, and sat up groggily, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She’d had a restless night, and knew that she’d a nightmare of sorts, though she could not remember what about. It was still dusky outside, so she switched on the light and pulled her watch from under her pillow. 5.30am. She wouldn’t need to get up for another couple of hours, plenty of time to read on a bit further. Realising how dry her throat was, she got out of bed, pulled on her dressing gown and snuck down the hall to the kitchen to get a glass of water. That done, she returned to her room, pulled her covers back around her, and settled down to some read some more.


4th August 1939

Just got back from the docks. How I hate goodbyes! It’s been splendid seeing Marie, Eugen and Wanda again though, and the kids are all real dears. I was totally made up that they were able to spend a few days with us before heading to Guernsey, though am worried about Wanda. She’s so thin and quiet these days, what with all the worry over Friedel and everything. Seems it would almost be better if she had bad news than nothing at all. Cripes, that sounds awful, I don't wish for that by any means, but the waiting must be horrible. Wish there was something I could do, but guess all there is to do is pray that she gets good news and soon. Can’t imagine what she’s going through. I know I couldn’t bear it if it was Poppa. Or Ralph for that matter, and he’s only a friend.

Heard from Corney today too, looking forward to the school restarting. A big part of me wishes I were going back. Am glad for Corney. She’s been going a mite crazy in Guernsey I think, though she has got Jo & Madame and all the kids to keep her occupied. But Mr Flower won’t have her with him France, and I know she’s a bit lonely. I think she’s been helping comfort Daisy and Primula after Mrs Venables died recently. Those poor kids! Makes me shudder to think that could be motherless myself soon, though I’ll still have a Pops at least.

 


#102:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 6:29 pm


*wibbles violently at the tissue alert* (I know it's going to be sad, I'm just worried that Josie will throw in more sad events for good measure!)

 


#103:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 8:01 pm


will try not to put in too many Ann, honest!Wink

Am struggling with this tonight, despite the kind loan of Vikki & Gem's bunnies *thanking you kindly* Will try and get another bit up before bed though

Also, apologies for abridgement of Roosevelt's speech, but it's really long!


3rd September 1939

It’s finally happened. We all knew it would, but it just doesn’t quite seem real somehow. Am finding it impossible to even get everything straight in my head, let alone be able to take it in. Being so far away from Europe makes it all seem surreal though, almost as if it’s happening in another world. But it isn’t. It’s happening in this one. And in my friends’ back yards.



Everyone was aware of the deadline that the British and French governments had presented to Hitler, and households across the US had woken that morning with a sense of foreboding. It wasn’t long before they heard the news. Britain and France were at war with Germany.

That evening, Evvy sat with her parents in her mother’s room, radio on, waiting for President Roosevelt’s fireside chat.

"My fellow Americans and friends. Tonight my single duty is to speak to the whole of America.

Until four-thirty this morning I had hoped against hope that some miracle would prevent a devastating war in Europe and bring to an end the invasion of Poland by Germany. For four long years a succession of actual wars and constant crises have shaken the entire world and have threatened in each case to bring on the gigantic conflict which is today unhappily a fact…It is, of course, impossible to predict the future…

…it is easy for you and for me to shrug our shoulders and to say that conflicts taking place thousands of miles from the continental United States, and, indeed, thousands of miles from the whole American Hemisphere, do not seriously affect the Americas and that all the United States has to do is to ignore them and go about its own business. Passionately though we may desire detachment, we are forced to realize that every word that comes through the air, every ship that sails the sea, every battle that is fought does affect the American future.

Let no man or woman thoughtlessly or falsely talk of America sending its armies to European fields. At this moment there is being prepared a proclamation of American neutrality … and at this time let me make the simple plea that partisanship and selfishness be adjourned; and that national unity be the thought that underlies all others.

This nation will remain a neutral nation, but I cannot ask that every American remain neutral in thought as well. Even a neutral has a right to take account of facts. Even a neutral cannot be asked to close his mind or close his conscience.

I have said not once but many times that I have seen war and that I hate war. I say that again and again. I hope the United States will keep out of this war. I believe that it will. And I give you assurance and reassurance that every effort of your Government will be directed toward that end. As long as it remains within my power to prevent, there will be no blackout of peace in the United States.”



We sat there for a long time in silence, all holding hands and not able to stop ourselves crying as we thought of what the places and the people that we loved so dearly were facing. My mind kept flipping from people in Germany and the occupied countries, to those in Guernsey and elsewhere in the UK and France. I couldn’t stay focused, even people I had almost forgotten about were now popping into my head and I was just wondering where they all were and praying that they were safe. I know I'm not the most diligent of Christians, but please God look after them!

I just feel so angry. How dare that stupid, evil scum do this! I’m so mad that so many people have to suffer because of one idiot’s whims and ideas. In a weird way I feel guilty too. We’re so safe over here and they’re not. Roosevelt's damn right that not everyone can remain neutral. If I could I'd try and fight this nutcase tomorrow. The doorbell and telephone have been going all evening too. Everybody’s stunned by the news, they didn’t seem to think it would ever happen. I guess we knew better than most that it eventually would.

Doorbell! Better go get it…

 


#104:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 8:57 pm


That was lovely Josie!

I hope Reggie has behaved! (and pleased to see he didn't manage to smuggle in any wicked witches or flying monkeys..... Wink )

 


#105:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 9:23 pm


Lovely Josie!
I wonder whose at the door?

 


#106:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 9:36 pm


Reggie has been a dream, bless him, though have been fighting off flying monkeys with a broom handle since he got here!


I know Cazx, could my cliffs get any more subtle!!Wink

 


#107:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 10:35 pm


this is great Josie! You've got Evvy just right and the mood in America.

*Wibbling about what is going to happen*

 


#108:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 1:56 am


Poor Evvy! Ralph's so nice, and you just know things are going to go wrong. Sad

(Not to mention poor millions-of-other-people Confused . Evvy puts things so eloquently.)

 


#109:  Author: NicoleLocation: New Zealand PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 2:58 am


Josie, this is incredible. How I've missed it till now is beyond me.

Looking forward to the next bit.

 


#110:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 8:33 am


Loving this Josie!
Like the way Evvy describes herself as "not the most diligent of Christians" Very Happy

Thank you for including the Roosevelt bit

 


#111:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 9:36 am


*tingly*

Thank you Josie Very HappyVery HappyVery Happy

 


#112:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 1:01 pm


Crying or Very sad

Please post some more soon Jos!!

 


#113:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 1:59 pm


Crying or Very sad

Very tingly, pim had exactly the right word.

 


#114:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 3:01 pm


Just for you Kat......



Evvy opened the door.

 


#115:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 3:26 pm


Ratbag!!!

 


#116:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 4:42 pm


Thank you Josie.

*Giggle at reply to Kat and her response!*

 


#117:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 4:43 pm


Now for the 'real' next bit!

Thanks to Kat for proofing. We are not worthy Abi, am sending you over the bits we talked about tonight - has taken me ages to write them!

Rachael - you should see the whole speech! Goes on about striving for peace and America should never be the aggressor and always keep a free and honest media - someone should send it to Bush! Rolling Eyes

Anyhoo...I digress...


Evvy opened the door and was shocked to see a very weary looking Ralph standing on the doorstep.

“What are you doing here?” was her less-than-hospitable greeting.

Nice to see you too!” Ralph smiled wryly. “Any chance I could come in? It’s pouring out here you know!”

“Cripes, sorry … yes, come in!” Evadne stammered. Then, as he came through the door, running his fingers through his damp hair and taking off his coat, “I didn’t mean to be rude. I just wasn’t expecting you this late.”

“Am I disturbing you?” he asked anxiously, a look of concern crossing his face, “Sorry, I didn’t even think! I just needed to talk to someone. I’ll go, really, it can wait ‘til tomorrow” and he started to turn round towards the door.

Evadne caught his arm and stopped him. “Don’t be an ass! Of course you can stay. I didn’t mean it like that, everything’s coming out a bit wrong. Bad day!” she finished solemnly

“Hmm…” Ralph muttered, staring at his feet and shuffling them as Evvy watched him.

Realising they could be stood there all night if she didn’t do something, she took hold of his arm again and steered him towards the salon. “Come on! Sit down and warm up, you must be frozen. Let me get you a drink. Coffee? Or something stronger?”

“Tempting though something stronger is, can I just get a glass of water?”

“Sure! You warm yourself up. Back in a minute.”

Ralph warmed his hands briefly over one of the steam-heat radiators and then sat in an armchair, paying attention to nothing around him, lost in his thoughts. It was a few minutes before he realised that Evadne had returned and was stood in front of him proffering a glass of water and looking at him quizzically.

“Penny for ‘em?” she said, smiling.

Ralph looked sheepish, as he took the drink “Sorry Evvy, I was miles away. Wow! Was I thirsty!” he exclaimed as he drained the glass.

“So I see! Ralph?”

“Hmm?” he replied, his mind wandering again.

“Why are you here? Not that I mind of course, you’re always welcome. But something’s wrong, isn’t it?”

He looked at her and sighed. “It’s Dad." When Evadne didn’t reply, he continued, “I told him tonight that I applied for my army commission.”

“You what? When?” Evvy exclaimed.

“Two days ago. I haven’t told you ‘cause I haven’t seen you.”

“Wow! So, what did he say? Nothing too supportive I imagine!”

Ralph shook his head. “Well, after a few things I can’t repeat, the gist of it was that I was an adult and could do what I liked, but don’t expect him to support me or my decisions any more if I go ahead.” He sighed again, and Evvy’s felt a tug on her heart at the look of hurt on his face.

“He’s not seriously going to cut you off is he?”

“Well, I can still live at home, at least until I go to West Point, but then I’m on my own. But what else can I do? There’s no way I’m sitting by in our safe haven over here and watching that madman destroy people’s lives!”

“Oh Ralph, I’m so sorry,” she said, her blue eyes full of sympathy. “You never know. Once reality sets in maybe he’ll come round. If it’s any consolation, I’m really proud of you; and grateful too. If there were more people like you then maybe I could worry a smidgeon less about my friends.”

Ralph’s head snapped up towards her, a stricken look on his face. “Oh God, Ev, I‘m so sorry! I didn’t think! This must be so hard for you! How are you?”

She smiled, “Sorry be bothered! You’ve got your own problems without worrying about me!” Then she added, “I’m OK, I think. Worried of course. My head’s swimming a bit too. But I was expecting it to happen, so it’s a little easier to take in some ways. Bit like a long-term illness I guess…” her voice trailed off as her thoughts went to her mother lying upstairs.

Ralph got up and came to sit on the sofa beside her, putting an arm around her shoulders. “I wish I could say it’ll all be OK, but I’m always here if you need someone to lean on.”

She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder briefly. “Thanks. That goes double for me.”

“I know,” he replied, “and it’s a good thing to know.”

He ruffled her fair curls with his hand, and then stood up, moving towards the door.

“Look, I better get going. You look exhausted and I could do with bed myself”

Evadne followed to show him out. “I am rather tired now you mention it. I didn’t notice before. Do you want me to get Peters to drive you home?”

“No, thanks, but I’d rather walk. I’ll sleep better if I clear my head.”

He did up the last button on his coat, and opened the door. Then turning, he bent and kissed Evadne on the cheek.

“Thanks for listening. What would I do without you eh?” he smiled.

She grinned back at him. “You’d still be wandering about in the rain! Now go, vamoose! I need my beauty sleep!”

He laughed and turned away. Evvy watched him walk down the long drive until she could no longer see him, then she shut the door with a smile.


I’m so sorry for him, but so glad he felt he could confide in me. And glad for me that he came over. It’s amazing how just seeing him can cheer me up. And I’m more proud than I can say of what he is doing. It’s weird now to think how I was drawn to him when we met. Guess I’m not such a bad judge of character after all!

 


#118:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 4:45 pm


Thanks Josie! Very Happy

*Even though I'd already read it! Laughing *

 


#119:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 4:52 pm


Awww that was such a nice post Very Happy
Thanks Josie!

 


#120:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 4:56 pm


Thanks Josie that was lovely Very Happy

 


#121:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 5:31 pm


Thank you Josie.


Kiss Ralph.

 


#122:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 7:32 pm


That was lovely Josie! Thank you!

 


#123:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 8:16 pm


This a lovely drabble, sad, but lovely at the same time. Thanks.

 


#124:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 10:35 pm


Sad bit alert!

23rd September 1939.

Momma died today.

I wasn’t there when it happened, though Pops was thankfully. I don’t think he could have forgiven himself if he’d been anywhere else. She seemed just the same to me when I left to go to the store. You hear all this stuff about someone knowing they’re about to go, or you sensing it’s time to say goodbye, but I didn’t see any of that in her. I didn’t see it coming at all. Maybe it’s that lack of imagination everyone always tells me I have, but when I went to the store she was still here; when I got back she was gone.

Pop has locked himself in his room. He’s not handling it well at all. He’s always been such a strong man, always protecting and looking after me. I didn’t realise how much of that strength he got from Mom. I guess you don’t when you’re a kid, you don’t understand all that stuff. Now I don’t know how to help him. He needs me and I feel like I’m failing him. I don’t know what to do.

When I came home he was stood in her room, staring at her lying on the bed. I couldn’t figure what was going on at first. Then Nurse came over, her eyes red, and I knew. I went and put my arms around Poppa but he just stood there, hands by his side. I tried to talk to him but he wouldn’t answer me. It was awful. I didn’t know what to do. I had to stop myself screaming at him to try and get him to listen. Nurse managed to get him to nod in answer a couple of questions, then he came over and hugged me, holding onto me like he would never let me go. I was trying to keep from crying, I needed to be strong for him. Then he got up and walked out, didn’t even look back.

I didn’t know whether to follow him or not, so I just stayed. I felt like I should be saying some goodbye to Momma as she lay there, trying to think of all the things I wanted to say, but all that would come into my head was what was I going to do with the hankies I’d just bought her; she wouldn’t need them any more. In the end I just sat there, holding her hand. It was still warm.

I don’t know how long I was there for like that, under an hour I think, I dunno. It all seems a bit hazy. I was crying and I didn’t even know. I felt a hand on my shoulder and thought it was Poppa. But when I turned round it was Ralph. Turns out Nurse had told Peters what had happened with Pops and that she thought I needed some help, and he’d got the car and gone round to the Morgan’s. Ralph had come straight away and brought Cassie with him too. They were both amazing. Ralph just put his arms around me and walked me out of the room, while Cassie was knocking on Pops door, trying to get him to come out. She was there for an age trying to talk to him, and did eventually manage to get him to open it and take a coffee she had made him. Ralph walked me out into the backyard, and down to the sea. He said he thought I needed some air. Then he just hugged me as I cried, saying nothing, waiting ‘til I stopped. It was the exact thing I needed. I didn’t want to talk to anybody. I’m going to miss her so much.

By the time I’d stopped crying I could barely stand up. I am so exhausted. Ralph walked me back to the house and handed me over to Cassie who declared that I was to go to bed and she would see about food. I wasn’t hungry, but I didn’t have the strength to argue and for once I’m glad someone else was there to take control of me. They eventually left about thirty minutes ago or so. I don’t think I can thank them enough for this afternoon. Or Peters and Nurse either. I’ve no idea what I’d have done if they hadn’t been here.

Nurse just came in and said that she had been into Pops room and he’s sleeping. So glad. I know it sounds awful, but hopefully in the morning he’ll be more like himself. I better get some sleep too, if I can. Tomorrow we have to start on funeral arrangements, death notices, clearing up her affairs. I can’t bear to think about it. I’m going to need all my strength and more to get through this.

Wherever you are tonight Momma, I hope it’s a happy place. I didn’t get to tell you I loved you before you went. I hope you can hear it now.



A knock at the door brought Evadne back to her senses. She hurriedly wiped her eyes and put the diary on the side as Hilary’s head appeared round the door.

Hilary could see that she’d been crying, but just grinned at her and said, “Morning! Thought I saw your light on under the door. Jo’s just run out for rolls and coffee. You want us to bring it to you in here?”

“Thanks, but think I’ll get up and have it with you!” Evvy replied, thankful for Hilary’s cheery greeting. “Give me 10 minutes to dress and I’ll be there!” And with that she scrambled out of bed as Hilary left the room.

 


#125:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 10:44 pm


You know my thoughts on this Josie. It's beautiful.

*Must go replenish my tissue stock....*

 


#126:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 10:57 pm


*weeping quietly*

Beautiful, thanks.

 


#127:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 12:47 am


*scrubs eyes on sleeve*
Thank you!
CryingCrying

 


#128:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 4:15 am


*Hands Vikki a clean hanky!*


Thanks Josie. Crying or Very sad

 


#129:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 7:55 am


*pulls out her own clean hanky, but isn't going to lend it to anyone else*

so sad and so beautiful

Liz

 


#130:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 8:00 am


Crying or Very sad Thanks Josie, that was so moving.

 


#131:  Author: LulieLocation: Middlesbrough PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 8:16 am


I was OK until I got to this line!!

josie wrote:
Wherever you are tonight Momma, I hope it’s a happy place. I didn’t get to tell you I loved you before you went. I hope you can hear it now.


Thanks Josie! *awaiting more*

 


#132:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 8:30 am


Wow, Josie - this is wonderful - so emotive .... Crying or Very sad

Poor Evvy and her father ...
But good for Ralph - he is proving a real trooper through this ...

 


#133:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 11:00 am


Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

Thank was beautiful, thank you Josie

 


#134:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 11:54 am


That was lovely, Josie. *coughs to clear lump in throat* I really shouldn't read things like this at work!

 


#135:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 12:02 pm


Thank you, joise, that was beautiful!

 


#136:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 1:32 pm


That was lovely, I'm so glad she's able to lean on Ralph like that. I nearly screamed at him not to sign up though (would have done if I wasn't in a public computer room). He's doing the right thing but... I hate knowing what's coming.

 


#137:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 4:14 pm


The three women spent the morning gathering together all their belongings and doing a last minute clean of the apartment. Hilary had arranged for their luggage to be collected and taken to the station for storage until the evening train, and at midday Evadne handed over the keys to the agent, and they walked down the Rue de Faubourg St Honoré to their favourite café in search of some lunch. Evadne had felt a lump rise in her throat as she had closed the door for the last time, and she was more quiet and withdrawn than usual, only half paying attention to the merry chatter of the other two as they took their meal.

She heard the conversation turn to what they were going to do for the rest of the afternoon. Jo was declaring her intention to visit Hotel des Invalides as she always did when in Paris, and Hilary wanted to visit the Louvre, never having been there before.

“Would you be offended if I didn’t do either?” asked Evvy. “You know I don’t do culture well!”

They other two laughed. “ We might have known!” grinned Jo. “Far be it from us to put you through that torture! What do you intend to do instead?”

“Oh, I don’t know.” Evadne replied. “It’s way too nice of a day to be inside so maybe I’ll just spend some time in the Tuilleries or down by the River. Think I’ll make the most of Paris on a beautiful spring day.” She paused for a moment, then continued, “How about we all go our separate ways and meet at say, six thirty at the Jardin du Carousel, and then I’ve made reservations for us at La Tour D’Argent where I am treating you both to dinner. I’m not interested in ‘no’,” Evvy said firmly as the other two began to protest the cost of this, “it’s not as if Edgar and I can’t afford it, and it’s my way of saying thanks for all you’ve done this week. I’m not sure I could have handled it alone. Now, let’s get a wriggle on or we’ll have no time to do anything.”

Fifteen minutes later saw them paid up and leaving Pierre’s. Jo headed off in the direction of her beloved Napoleon, and Hilary and Evvy walked together through streets of 8th arrondissement, towards the Rue de Rivoli, chatting idly.

“Evvy, do you mind if I ask you something?” Hilary ventured tentatively.

“As long as it’s not an historical question, fire away!” that lady replied, “ ’Fraid you’ll have to wait for Jo if it is!”

Hilary laughed. “No, it’s nothing like that I promise! It’s just, well, it’s rather personal.”

Evvy looked at her quizzically before replying, “Well, go on then, ask away. And don’t look so frightened. I shan’t eat you! I’m too full from lunch right now anyway!”

Smiling at that last comment, Hilary continued, “I was just wondering if reading those diaries was helping you at all? Helping to come to terms with what happened to Ralph I mean? I know it was years ago,” she added hurriedly, seeing Evvy’s face cloud, “but, well, you’ve always seemed slightly sad since, though not as much since you’ve been with Edgar. But I always wondered if you’d never quite got over it. Oh I don’t mean it quite like that, maybe I shouldn’t have asked, I’m sorry…” her voice trailed off.

“No, Hilary it’s fine, really.” Evadne assured her, then fell silent again, frowning as they walked on. Hilary kept glancing at her anxiously, worried she’d upset her friend. Eventually Evvy continued, “I think you’re probably right, I’m not sure I ever really have got over it. Jo’s said as much to me before, but I wouldn’t acknowledge it. Her and Corney were the only two people I ever really spoke to about it, apart from his sister Cassie. Then I just shut it away and tried to get on with things, it was the only way I could cope at the time. I guess I never allowed myself to face up to it again. Then I found those diaries and it all came flooding back. I really don’t know if I’m doing the right thing reading them, but I can’t not. It’s like now the door’s opened I have to go through, see what’s on the other side. Does that make sense?”

Hilary nodded, “I can’t imagine how I’d have been if it had happened to Phil,” she shuddered at the thought. “I really admire you Evvy, the way you managed to carry on. I didn’t want to upset you bringing it up, but I wanted to say that to you.”

Evvy slipped her hand through her friends arm and gave it a squeeze. “Thank you. And I really didn’t mind you asking Hilary, don’t worry. But can we just leave it there?” and smiling, she pulled Hilary out onto the Rue de Rivoli, and they dropped the conversation as they dodged the traffic across the busy road. Then they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways, Hilary walking down towards the magnificent Louvre to immerse herself in it’s contents, and Evvy crossing through the famous gardens towards the river. She dropped down from the road to the cobbled pavement and walked a little way along the banks towards the Ile de la Cité, before settling herself on a bench and taking in the beauty of the Seine. She had sent the box along with the other luggage to the station, but she had kept one book back in the hope that she would get to it that afternoon. Maybe Hilary was right; maybe this would be good for her. She knew a part of her that she had tried to lock away still yearned for him, and that same part of her was now compelling her to keep reading and reliving memories she’d long since tried to lock away. She fished the book out of her bag and began to read again.


Last edited by Josie on Fri Oct 29, 2004 12:06 am; edited 1 time in total

 


#138:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 5:28 pm


Thanks Josie!!

I'm glat Hilary was so tactful Smile Hope the reading does help Evvy, she deserves her happiness

 


#139:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 5:28 pm


Lovely Josie - and so nice to see Hilary being sensitive to Evvy

Liz

 


#140:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 5:35 pm


It's really insightful, Josie and I do hope Evvy feels more at peace when she has worked through the diaries.

 


#141:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 6:23 pm


Lovely Hilary, lovely Evvy, lovely drabble. *tingly*

 


#142:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 9:37 pm


Thanks Josie, Hillary was so sweet to Evvy!

 


#143:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 10:14 pm


Lovely that Evvy and Hilary are so close.

Thank you

 


#144:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 10:37 pm


Blessings on this drabble, it is truly beautiful.

Thank you Josie!

 


#145:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 11:30 pm


Lesley wrote:
*Hands Vikki a clean hanky!*




Thanks Lesley! And thank you for the wonderful drabble Josie!

 


#146:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Fri Oct 29, 2004 8:49 am


I feel as though I'm in Paris afterthat last post - thanks, Josie

And well done, Hilary for being so sensitive

I can feel another flashback coming on Very Happy

 


#147:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Oct 29, 2004 11:54 pm


Lovely but very sad. Crying again.

 


#148:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 12:34 am


This is really good. Poor Evvy
Hope there is some more soon.

 


#149:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 3:16 pm


Rachael wrote:
I can feel another flashback coming on Very Happy

Rachael - how did you guess?! Wink

Rather shamefully I've discovered I appear to have killed off Mrs Lannis prematurely! Shocked Embarassed Therefore I implore you to consider the sentence in which she's mentioned in Joey Goes to the Oberland as an EBD'ism!! Thank you!Wink Very Happy

Oh, and though I've tried my best to get the US forces details right, there may be errors. I blame this on the fact that is war time and as we know, things are always different then!


January 1st 1940

New Year, new hope. Isn’t that what they say? I think every New Year prayer across the world must be that this ghastly war will be over by the time the year is out. Well, maybe not Hitler’s, but he doesn’t deserve any prayers to be answered anyway. I have to admit though that I’ve asked for one extra little prayer all of my own…


The last few months of 1939 had been filled with mixed emotions.

A huge gap had been left in the lives of both Evadne and her father when Mrs Lannis had died at the end of September. Once the formalities were over and they were back to the realities of everyday life, they began to realise that they were all each other had left for now, and this drew them closer together than ever before. Evvy felt the weight of her father’s loss keenly as he leant on her more and more, and she found herself withdrawing slightly from the other areas of her life as she tried to support him as best she could.

News had also reached her, in a letter from Marie von Eschenau, of the sad death of Mademoiselle Lepattre. Strangely this provided an unexpected release for her. She was aware that her greatest friend, Cornelia Flower, had viewed Mademoiselle as something of a mother figure, though Corney, proud and unsentimental, had never talked about it, at least not to her. Evvy had shrewdly guessed, however, the depth to which Corney must be feeling this loss, and had set about writing a letter to her friend, detailing her thoughts and feelings when her mother had died, in the hope that Corney would feel that she was not alone. Evvy found that writing the letter had worked as a kind if therapy, and afterwards found herself stronger and more at peace with events than she had previously been.

November had brought good news in the form of the birth of Joey and Jack’s triplets, and Evvy laughed long and hard at the letter she had received from Corney describing the reaction this had created in the school. Help for her father had also come from an unexpected source. Informed by his children of the situation at the Lannis’ home, Charles Morgan had taken it upon himself to befriend Arthur Lannis, who he knew slightly as a business associate, and draw him into games of golf, poker nights and nights at the club, giving Evvy a little time off from caring for her father to be able to gather her thoughts. They’d also had the Lannis’ over for Thanksgiving, for which Evvy had been very grateful, as she’d been dreading the first holiday without her mother.

In the run up to Christmas she was also finally beginning to settle into life in Long Island. In Cassandra Morgan she had found a girl after her own heart, and Cassie had eagerly drawn her into her circle, providing Evvy with a small part of the friendships that she so dearly missed.

But it was Ralph to whom she found herself drawn more and more. His quiet and unassuming support in the weeks following her mother’s death had meant the world to her, and she increasingly found herself thinking about him when he wasn’t around. He had been accepted into West Point and was due to start in the New Year. This had driven a greater wedge between himself and his parents, his mother backing up his father in his disappointment at Ralph ‘abandoning his duty to the family business’. In turn, this had pushed Ralph towards Evadne and they were finding they were spending an increased amount of time in each other’s company. But it was New Year’s Eve that truly brought home to Evvy how she felt.

I realised last night that I’m falling in love with Ralph Morgan. It’s the full-blown thing; tingling stomach every time I see him, my heart racing when I hear his voice. I’ve always figured that stuff to be sentimental claptrap from one of those trashy novels, but it really does happen!

We went to the van Horen’s party and it was a fun night, mostly with the girls, catching up on gossip. At midnight I made sure I was with Pops. We needed to see the New Year in together after everything that’s happened; a new start, just the two of us.

A little later Ralph sought me out and said he wanted to talk to me. Last night was the last time I’ll see him in a while, as he leaves for West Point in a few days, and Poppa and I are heading to the Adirondacks tomorrow for a break from everything here. He kissed me on the cheek and wished me Happy New Year, and then produced a small box, which he handed to me.

Inside was the niftiest little necklace, a real simple gold chain with a tiny angel pendant. He said it was my guardian angel, to watch over me when times got tough, especially when he couldn’t be there to do so himself. It’s not often I’m speechless but he’d managed it. I just stood there like a dolt with stupid tears in my eyes, but he looked pretty pleased at my reaction. I’d only just managed to stammer out 'thank you' when Cassie and her fiancé Andrew came over to say Happy New Year and then we got separated again. Later, I only managed to get in a quick goodbye and to tell him that I loved the gift before I was whisked off by Poppa, who was feeling a bit down and wanted to go home.

It’s probably for the best that I didn’t get to tell him what I felt. Knowing me I’d have blurted it out and I don’t even know what he feels about me. I think he may feel the same; I’ve caught him watching me a few times when he thinks I’m not looking, but I can’t say for sure. And imagine the prize knucklehead I’d have looked if I’d declared my feelings and he only thinks of me as a friend!

Also, I’m not sure this is the time to start the relationship that I want for the rest of my life. Because I know that’s what it would be.

I got a letter from Joey a couple of days ago that made me think. She told me that Jack was home on sick leave but would have to be going back soon and she was worried sick. She knows he has to go but hates having to be parted from him; she dreads something happening to him and doesn’t know what she’d do if it did. Poor Jo, it must be so hard. What an awful time to be beginning married and family life.

I’ve been thinking about it all today in relation to Ralph. He’s about to go into the army, and if America does join the war he’ll certainly go away. He’ll likely go anyway, he’s so fired up about doing his bit, and I really admire him for it. But is it really the right time to think of starting anything? I can’t help falling in love with him, but maybe I can spare myself some of the heartache if we just remain as friends. But then I’m not sure I can remain just friends feeling like this. Oh I don’t know. I had no idea this whole love lark would be so hard.

Oh yes, just remembered. How’s this for a scream? Corney’s been made Head Girl! Joey put a message from her at the end of her letter. Corney can’t write herself just yet as her hands are still bad from the accident, but she’s staying at Jo & Jack’s for the holidays. I just can’t picture it – Corney Flower! But I’m so proud of her. I must write this week and congratulate her. At least she’ll be able to spot any wild pranks coming; no-one can be as bad as we were ourselves! It’s just so sad that it’s come around because of what has happened with Maria and poor Herr Marani. Yet another reason to hate this beastly war.

 


#150:  Author: RoseaLocation: Edinburgh PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 3:48 pm


Thank you for such a nice long post Very Happy Ralph is just lovely! Wibbling at the thought of whats ahead.

 


#151:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 4:21 pm


Thanks Josie! Laughing

 


#152:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 5:14 pm


Ta Jo!!

 


#153:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 7:44 pm


This is excellent, Josie! I especially liked the Evvy-Corney interactions here, both the way Evvy realized about the shared losses, and the humor.

I'm not sure that you can enter West Point in January but, as you say, don't really know what happened in the lead-up to war! Anyhow, it sounds like Ralph's family has Connections. Theoretically they don't matter, but I imagine it gives you an edge in getting the required nomination-from-Congressman-or-Senator.

*trying not to get too attached to Ralph*
*failing*

 


#154:  Author: aliLocation: medway, kent PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 7:48 pm


I like the way Evvy is trying hard to listen to her head instead of her heart, but hoping desperately that her heart will win. Great seeing the response to letters from her friends.

 


#155:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 12:38 am


Kathy_S wrote:
I'm not sure that you can enter West Point in January but, as you say, don't really know what happened in the lead-up to war! Anyhow, it sounds like Ralph's family has Connections. Theoretically they don't matter, but I imagine it gives you an edge in getting the required nomination-from-Congressman-or-Senator.


Thanks for choosing to ignore/make excuses for my lack of knowledge on this front! Very Happy You may be having to suspend belief a few more times on the forces details front. As a UK forces brat I know lots about our side of things, but little of how things work across the Atlantic!

I have a question for you actually...Do you have any idea what base the Army Air Corps were trained to fly at? Both before, and I guess after they became the Army Air Force in June 1941? (and are those dates right by the way?) I saw Fort Drum somewhere, but I've a feeling that is mis-information.

 


#156:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 1:55 am


Poor Evvy, especially when you know what is going to happen.

 


#157:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 9:02 am


Thanks Josie, that was lovely!

 


#158:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 10:18 am


Evadne raised a hand to her bare throat. She’d worn that necklace every day; from the day he had given it to her to the day he died. Afterwards, she hadn’t been able to bear wearing it again, and she knew that it was at the bottom of one of her jewellery cases back in Geneva. She determined to find it when she got back home. The chain was broken, she knew, but that would be easily mended, and the pendant was still in one piece.

==

1940 had passed by in a whirl. Ralph was in training at West Point, in upstate New York. Evadne corresponded with him regularly, and saw him every time he returned to Long Island on leave. His father had lowered hostilities enough to allow his son home to visit, but things were still decidedly frosty between them, and Ralph was glad to get out of the house, spending as much time with Evadne, his sister and their friends as possible. Cassie had taken to amusing herself by dropping hints whenever she was with them both that it was about time he thought of settling down with a nice girl, at which Evvy generally flushed and made herself very busy, whilst Ralph ignored his sister or contented to roll his eyes. Neither of them had made mention of any feelings they may have for each other, though Evadne was in no doubt that she was head over heels in love. But to all intents and purposes they remained just close friends.

As the year had gone on, Arthur Lannis had begun to come terms with his wife’s death, and startled Evadne somewhat by announcing one day in July that he was going on a date that evening. She wondered at the wisdom of this, but said nothing, just pleased that her father had moved on far enough to even be thinking of it. Nothing had come of it, as she knew it wouldn’t, but her father seemed to have returned to more or less his old self, and she was delighted that the light, happy, humorous atmosphere in which she had grown up was once again prevalent in their home.

Meanwhile, war in Europe raged on, and it became clear that any prayers for an early end to the conflict were unlikely to be answered. France had caved in to Nazi occupation, forcing British troops to retreat across the channel, and the School had been forced to relocate again, this time to Howells Village in the Welsh Borders. The letters Evadne had received from her friends revealed something of the constant element of fear that now pervaded their lives, and she found that more often than not half her heart and mind were with those on the other side of the Atlantic.

In September, Cassie and Andrew married with a huge society wedding, and had followed that up with a month long honeymoon in California. Thankfully Nathan Kingsley had not shown, but Brenda was there, and Ralph and Evvy amused themselves throughout the meal by aiming bits of bread roll at the back of her neck and trying to restrain their giggles every time she had turned round to see what it was. They had found it hard to keep a straight face when she had come over to them with a stilted greeting, crumbs very visible in her dark hair. It had been a fabulous day and the Bride and Groom were so very happy that Evadne was made to think perhaps she had been wrong about starting a relationship in the current climate. Ralph had headed straight back to West Point after the wedding was over, as he was in his final months of officer training, but Evvy was looking forward to his leave at Christmas with an increasing sense of anticipation.

 


#159:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 10:20 am


Brilliant, Josie

Nice to see Evvy's developing feelings for Ralph ... and vice versa

I love the way you let us see such a thoughtful side to Evvy - still able to think about Corney after Mdlle's death despite her own grief ... and love her reaction to Corney's appointment!

 


#160:  Author: ElzbieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 11:16 am


Finally read this- it's g-reat! Although I now even more strongly maintain that it is best to wait till there are lots of pages to read..... at the moment I just want MORE!

Will you oblige?!

 


#161:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 11:26 am


thanks Josie - lots of lovely posts
Evvy is great in this - both during the war and in the 'present'.
Hope ralph doesn't keep her hanging on for too long before he tells her how he feels!

 


#162:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 12:03 pm


Just read this all the way through - it's truly amazing, Josie, insightful and very emotional Crying or Very sad

Thank you so much - any chance of some more? *hopeful smiley*

And you may have Peapo for as long as you like - he was getting sulky because I was ignoring him! He's yours for the next two weeks, or at least until essays are at a rather more finished (or even started) stage. *wibbles*

 


#163:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 1:04 pm


This is wonderful Josie! Thank you!

 


#164:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 1:31 pm


Thank-you Josie!
Looking forward to when Ralph speaks Wink

 


#165:  Author: JoeyLocation: Cambridge PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 4:54 pm


This is superb Josie. Many thanks!

... more please?

 


#166:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 5:24 pm


Thanks Gem! Embarrasingly forgot Peabo was still here til I found a pile of sparkly purple droppings in the corner! Wink

Thanks to Kathy_S for all help on US forces stuff - appreciated muchly Very Happy Previous caution on errors still stands though...

Robin - here you go, as you asked nicely... Very Happy


December 21st 1940

I have to get this evening down now before I forget any tiny detail, as I want to remember it forever.


As Peters turned the car in through the gates of ‘Hamilton’ and began to drive up the long drive towards the house, Evadne felt a tightening in her stomach. Ralph had graduated from West Point with flying colours and this afternoon he had arrived back in Southampton to begin two months of leave before being assigned his first post. He was hoping to enter pilot training, as his ambition was to join the Army Air Corps. This was to be the first time Evadne had seen him since Cassie’s wedding, and she had missed his presence immensely.

As she and her father entered the vast entrance hall, they were seized upon by Cassie, who happened to be coming down the staircase. After greeting Mr Lannis and pointing him towards the large salon where the party was taking place, she seized Evadne’s hand and dragged her over to the side of the hall away from other company. Evvy could see that something was going on, and looked at the excitement on her friend’s face with a curious smile.

“What’s up Cass?” she prompted, as Cassie seemed to have rendered herself temporarily speechless.

“Oh Evvy, you’ll never guess! I have the most amazing news!” she began, and then checking quickly around that no-one was near enough to hear, “Andrew and I are going to have a baby! What do you think of that?”

Evadne flung her arms around her friend, “Cassie, that’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you! When did you find out? Who knows?”

“Isn’t it? We’re so unbelievably excited! We found out three days ago, but we waited to break the news to the family ‘til this afternoon when Ralph came home. They’re all really pleased of course, and Dad and Ralph have even been civil to each other since! Other than them and Andrew’s parents, you’re the only person we’ve told. Dad wants to make a big announcement this evening so I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone else. But I just had tell you myself.”

“Well I’m mighty pleased for you. I promise I’ll not let on,” she replied, and then paused as she caught sight of Ralph. He looked up as she stared at him, and catching her eye he grinned at her, then turned back to something Andrew was saying. Cassie turned and followed Evadne’s gaze to where her brother stood talking animatedly to her husband. Turning back to her friend she smiled.

“He can’t wait to see you Evvy.” Then as Evadne blushed, she continued, “He really misses you, you know. Come on, let’s go join them,” and she pulled her towards the double doors and into the big room.

“Look what I found lurking in the hallway!” Cassie announced as they approached the two men.

Ralph turned round with a smile. “Well, hello stranger!” he said to Evadne, “ Haven’t seen you in a while!”

“I know, it’s a shame really. I’d almost forgotten what you looked like!” was her retort, before adding, “It’s good to see you Ralph. Welcome home! And congratulations on your graduation too.”

“Thanks Evvy,” he replied kissing her on the cheek, “It’s good to see you too. Really good.”

She held his gaze for a moment, then realising she was being rude turned to greet Andrew. “Hi Dad!” she said quietly so no-one but the four of them could hear.

He laughed. “I gather you’ve heard the news then? Might’ve known my dear wife couldn’t keep it quiet! Ow!” he exclaimed as Cassie poked him in the ribs.

“Serves you right” that lady replied, as the sound of a fork tapping on glass filled the room. They fell silent and turned to listen to Mr Morgan’s speech.


A little later, Evadne found herself cornered by the Morgans’ Great-Uncle Algernon, who for the last twenty minutes had been giving her a rundown on his latest health afflictions. Nodding and hoping she was exclaiming in the right places, she was not helped by trying not to laugh as she could see Ralph out of the corner of her eye pulling faces and miming falling asleep. Eventually he decided to come and take pity on her.

“Hey Uncle Algey, do you mind if I steal Evvy for a minute?” he asked as his great-uncle glared at him, not amused at being interrupted during his tale of woe at his latest bout of gout. “I need her advice on something.”

Uncle Algey snorted and turned to accost Cassie’s husband, who happened to be walking past and couldn’t get out of the way fast enough.

Laughing at the resigned look on Andrew’s face, Ralph handed Evadne her coat which he had collected before coming over, and taking her by the arm, steered her toward the French doors, which had been opened as the room was stuffy, even on a cold December night.

“You mean!” she exclaimed to him, as they walked down through the gardens towards the point where they met the sea. “I’m amazed he couldn’t tell I was dying to laugh! You could have rescued me sooner!”

“And miss the fun of watching you squirm? You looked so enthralled I didn’t want to interrupt,” he teased, grinning as he dodged her attempt to punch his arm. Then, noticing she was shivering a little, “Here, take this,” and taking off his coat he placed it round her shoulders.

Almost immediately he started shivering himself as the cold hit him, and as his teeth began chattering Evadne laughed.

“Here, idiot!” as she took the coat from round her shoulders and thrust it back at him. “You’ll freeze to death without this and I can’t have that. You’re far too heavy for me to carry back to the house!”

Ralph took the coat and thought for a moment as he put it on. “ Ah well,” he said, “being the genius that I obviously am, I believe I have another solution,” and opening the coat he moved behind her, wrapping both it and his arms around her slender form. “That better?” he whispered quietly in her ear.

Evadne said nothing, but leant back into him and he hugged her as he rested his chin on her fair curls. They stood there in silence, staring out towards the blackness of the sea, listening to the waves breaking on the rocks below.

It was Evadne who broke their reverie. “It’s weird to think we’re here at this party looking forward to Christmas, while on the other side of this ocean there’s a war raging on,” she said.

“I know, it doesn’t seem real, does it? And it certainly doesn’t seem fair.”

They were silent again for a moment before Evvy sighed. “I wonder where we'll be this time next year, how the world will have changed? It scares me to think about it sometimes.”

Ralph tightened his hold on her. “Well, I know that wherever I am, I'll wish I were back here right now,” he replied, his voice catching slightly as he spoke.

Evadne could feel her heart beating hard as she turned in his arms and looked deep into the hazel eyes above her. They stood there for long moment, holding each other’s gaze. Then Ralph lifted his hand, and brushing a stray curl out of her eyes he murmured, “I love you Evvy Lannis” as he bent his head and kissed her.


I couldn’t stop grinning all the way home. My mind and body are flooded with emotions I didn’t even know I had and my heart feels like it’s about to explode! Knowing for sure that he loves me feels even better than I had imagined it would. I could see Poppa watching me but he didn’t say anything, and I was too caught up in the memory of the moment to think of conversation.

But just as we were heading to bed, Pops turned to me and said that he was very glad, that he thought Ralph was a very fine young man. I couldn’t speak and I know I went bright red, so I just threw my arms around him and he gave me a long hug before saying goodnight.

I never, ever, ever want this feeling to end. I have no idea what the future holds, but as long as Ralph’s in it, I know it’ll somehow be OK.

 


#167:  Author: ElzbieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 5:30 pm


Swooooooon! Heart

But the more gorgeous it gets, the more I'm petrified that something awful is going to happen......

This is cracking Josie!

 


#168:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 5:39 pm


I did ask nicely, didn't I? Thanks for posting more so quickly! Very Happy

Although i'm actually finding this really sad knowing what is going to happen - where did that box of tissues get to?

it's so well written - am truly impressed!

next bit?

 


#169:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 5:48 pm


Elzbie wrote:
But the more gorgeous it gets, the more I'm petrified that something awful is going to happen......


Josie, I don't suppose you want to write two endings do you? Crying or Very sad Ralph is SO lovely Crying or Very sad

 


#170:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 5:49 pm


*laughing and giggling out loud!*

Awwwwww!! I want one!

 


#171:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 5:56 pm


Awwwwwwwwww, I want a Ralph!

 


#172:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 6:13 pm


Gosh- this is just wonderful. I'm so glad I managed to catch up.

The writing is incrediable - I don't belive I've thought of anything else since I started reading.

Evvy is perfect - and so is Ralph. And I'm afraid I'm going to end up crying. *ignores fact that she already has shed a tear or two*

 


#173:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 7:31 pm


Josie this is just so well written - each time you post I can't wait for the next post, even though I know what is going to happen at the end Crying

 


#174:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 7:40 pm


Josie, that's so lovely. You've caught Evvie so well - not wanting to be sloppy and with the deep feelings. I might come to blows with pim over Ralph Wink

 


#175:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 7:53 pm


I've just read the last eight pages in one go, and was completely enthralled.

It's all so lovely, but so sad too, knowing what the future holds for them.


I certainly won't wait so long before I read the nexxt part.

 


#176:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 8:12 pm


Thank you Josie.

This is soo sad, and sooo poignant. Crying or Very sad

 


#177:  Author: keren PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 8:27 pm


The ony thing about these "fill-in" drabbles, is that we know what is going to happen in the end.

 


#178:  Author: aliLocation: medway, kent PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 8:35 pm


big happy tears for the pair of them. Thanks Josie. Maybe you should make that the happy ending, I don't know if I can bear the demise of poor Ralph. Love

 


#179:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 10:47 pm


Sniffling Crying or Very sad
*Joins the que for a Ralph!*

 


#180:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 9:32 am


Oh bless them!!
How romantic and completely lovely Heart

You've hit exactly the right note with this, Josie - wonderfully tender but not over-sentimental

*cursing the war*

 


#181:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 11:15 am


Josie this is so beautiful *sob*. Am wibbling like a jelly in terror of what's going to happen Sad

 


#182:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 1:13 pm


Josie, that was georgeous! thank you, but so sad knowing what has to happen.

And I want a Ralph too!

 


#183:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 1:51 pm


Thank you Josie - that was beautiful

Liz *joining the Ralph queue*

 


#184:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 4:06 pm


Oh, how lovely, I keep not wanting to read this drabble because I know what happens and I can't make myself forget but that really was a perfect moment there.

 


#185:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 4:38 pm


Amazing Josie, thank you!

It's so lovely to see more of Evvy like this Very Happy

 


#186:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 6:58 pm


*sniffles (again)*

 


#187:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 7:12 pm


keren wrote:
The ony thing about these "fill-in" drabbles, is that we know what is going to happen in the end.


Sorry! I dont know Embarassed

Waiting for the train in the Gare de Lyon, Joey Maynard stood watching her friend try and cram some extra bits into one of her bags, a slightly worried frown on her face. She hadn’t gone to the Hotel des Invalides that afternoon after all, but had visited the station instead, and truth be told, she wasn’t sure she’d done the right thing.

She had watched for years now as Evadne had struggled with a sorrow that had never entirely left her. She was extremely fond of the younger woman, and it had pained her that she couldn’t really do anything to help. Joey knew some of the heartbreak that Evadne had suffered, and she had always felt a slight element of guilt that Evvy had had to suffer so much more than she had herself. She’d wished fervently that Ralph had been able to come home as Jack had, but of course that had been impossible. When Evadne had excitedly told her the news of her engagement to Edgar a couple of years before, Jo had hoped she had finally moved on, but the sadness had still been there, albeit far more muted. Now she saw that her friend finally had an opportunity to work through her pain and Jo was determined to encourage it in any way she could. But she was not sure how Evadne would view her interference.

As Hilary wandered off to buy some last minute provisions, Jo decided to grab the opportunity and cleared her throat.

“Um, Evvy? Do you have a sec?” she began, nervously.

“Sure, as soon as I can get this dratted thing to close. Give me a hand will you Jo?”

Jo bent down and held the sides of the zip as Evadne managed to yank it shut, and then both women stood up.

“So, what can I do for you?” Evvy asked, looking at the tall woman in front of her and wondering what had brought on the uncharacteristic uncertainty in her face.

“OK…um…I hope you won’t be offended or anything…by my sticking my nose in I mean…” Jo said slowly.

“Well, I won’t know ‘til you tell me what you’ve done, will I?” Evvy interrupted impatiently. “Oh spit it out Jo, do! When have I ever been offended by things you’ve done before anyhow? I thought you knew me better than that by now!”

“Oh I know, it’s just that…oh hang it! Evvy, I didn’t go to des Invalides this afternoon, I came here instead.”

“Why on earth did you do that? Can’t have been that interesting!” Evadne replied, confused as to where this was going.

“Well, I‘ve been watching you the last couple of days, reading the diaries and stuff, and I think you really need to do it. But I know you may not get the chance once you’re back with Edgar and the kids. So I thought I’d see if I could help,” and reaching into her bag she pulled out a ticket. “I’ve booked you into a compartment by yourself on the train. I thought if you could be alone you might manage to get through them.”

Evadne said nothing, merely staring at the ticket in her friend’s hand.

“I hope you don’t mind my cheek. And you can spend as much time in with Hilary and me as you like of course. But I just thought…well…it might be a good thing…” and her voice petered out, concerned at Evvy’s silence.

It was a few moments before Evadne reacted. Then she looked up at the elder woman, her blue eyes slightly misty, but with a smile that brought much relief to Jo.

“Oh Joey, thank you. I don’t know what to say.” She paused for a moment. “Thank you more than I can say for understanding; for everything,” she continued, her voice catching as she spoke.

Joey reached out and placed the ticket in Evadne’s hand, giving it a quick squeeze as she did so. “You never need to thank me Evvy, you know that,” she said, and with that the subject was dropped as Hilary returned brandishing a huge bag of apples, and their attention turned towards making sure they made their train.

 


#188:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 7:19 pm


Oh, wow. Good for Joey, seeing what needed to be and doing it.

This whole drabble is excellent, Josie. Truly excellent.

Ray *eagerly awaiting more and armed with tissues*

 


#189:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 7:20 pm


I've just read the whole thing all through and it's beautiful. But I feel so sorry for Evvy!
Thanks Josie.

 


#190:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 8:36 pm


Lovely Joey Ahhhhhh


Thanks Josie!

 


#191:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 8:37 pm


Lovely Joey. Lovely Evvy. Lovely drabble. *feeling a bit teary now*

 


#192:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 9:29 pm


Awwww! That was so sweet of Joey!

 


#193:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 10:20 pm


Yay a drabble with a nice Joey!

 


#194:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 10:24 pm


Lovely Joey Smile

Thankyou for portraying her so sympathetically!

 


#195:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 12:03 am


How lovely of Joey to do something practical like that. It's lovely to see Evvy again and to hear of her life after school, though like everyone else, I'm a bit wibbly about what I know is coming. Crying or Very sad

 


#196:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 1:11 am


Ray wrote:
Oh, wow. Good for Joey, seeing what needed to be and doing it.


The thing that kicked this drabble off for me was this quote from Reunion

Quote:
"And her own boy who will be a year old next week. He's a lovely baby and Evvy is so proud and happy."
The laughter left Grizel's face. "So she ought to be," she said curtly. "She has everything now – looks, money, her own home and her own family. I hope she knows how lucky she is!"
Joey gave her a quick look. "You may be sure of that."


That and other quotes (esp the COA Margia one) always made me think that Evvy had told Jo a lot more than we knew

Anyhoo. more dabble to come Thurs...am RL involved tomorrow


edited as was had had a couple of wines and spelling was Kat worthy! Wink


Last edited by Josie on Wed Nov 03, 2004 6:47 am; edited 3 times in total

 


#197:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 2:08 am


Looking forward to it!
Loving the portrayal of both Evvy & Joey.
(Also Ralph, of course. Crying or Very sad )

 


#198:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 8:27 am


Josie, That was lovely and so thoughtful of Jo.

Liz *getting out sleeping bag and settling down to wait for Thursday*

 


#199:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 9:35 am


*giggling at Josie's editing!*

This is wonderful - lovely to see Joey portayed in her best light and that Evvy reacts to it int he way in which it was intended rather than as butting in ...

So, does this mean another flashback now?
*not quite as keen as last time as the fateful day is drawing ever nearer ... but loving the writing and the story!*

 


#200:  Author: keren PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 12:16 pm


josie wrote:
keren wrote:
The ony thing about these "fill-in" drabbles, is that we know what is going to happen in the end.


Sorry! I dont know Embarassed

rain.


I wasn't criticizing you, but saying it is a shame we know that it has a sad ending (that you will probably not depart from).
The interseting part for all of us, is how you get there of course.

 


#201:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 12:20 pm


keren wrote:
josie wrote:
keren wrote:
The ony thing about these "fill-in" drabbles, is that we know what is going to happen in the end.


Sorry! I dont know Embarassed

rain.


I wasn't criticizing you, but saying it is a shame we know that it has a sad ending (that you will probably not depart from).
The interseting part for all of us, is how you get there of course.


Didn't take it as criticism keren, don't worry Very Happy

 


#202:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 2:13 pm


josie wrote:

edited as was had had a couple of wines and spelling was Kat worthy! Wink


Cheeky Ratbag!! At least my grammer tends to be better than that effort of yours! Razz Twisted Evil

 


#203:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 5:06 pm


Kat - I bow to your superior grammer Razz

OK, I know I said no more til tomorrow, but I have a bit of time and thanks to Rachael's proofing We are not worthy and 'cliff' encouragement We are not worthy We are not worthy thought I'd leave you this little bit.....

Enjoy!

*wanders off for night out chuckling Twisted Evil *


It was late when the train finally departed the Gare de Lyon bound for Switzerland. Once it was rumbling through the suburbs of Paris, Evadne said goodnight to her friends and excusing herself, returned to her own compartment. Settling herself down on the bed next to the precious box, Evvy lay flat for a minute to think, and suddenly felt a kick in her belly. Sitting up again, she exclaimed with delight. It was the first time she’d felt the baby move, and she felt a surge of intense affection towards her unborn child rush through her body. Jo was right. She needed to finish the diaries before she got back to Geneva. She owed it to her family to try and move on from this; to move on properly with the life she now had with them. Deciding that she would stay up all night if necessary, Evvy pulled out the next book and sat back against her pillow.

==

February 20th 1941

We’re due to reach Liverpool in about 2 hours time. I’m being met by some business associate of Poppa’s, Mr Seddon or something, who’s taking me to stay in their house in Chester for a few days while I find my feet. I can’t wait to get off this damn boat. The last two days have been especially dreadful, as the danger from U-Boats has increased. The atmosphere is sheer, unbearable tension as everyone prays that we arrive in the England safe and sound. We’ve been living in such a cocoon over in the US, and I can only imagine this is just a taste of things to come.



At the end of January Evadne had made the decision to go to England. She’d been toying with the idea for a while now, and finally the need to be over in Europe and contribute to the war effort had proved too great for her to ignore any longer. She had discovered that she would be able to join up as a WAAF and she had made up her mind that it was something she had to do.

Understanding the motivations behind her decision, her father had been extremely supportive, trying to hide from her his anxiety at the idea of his only child heading into a war zone. She had seen right through his façade, but appreciated it nonetheless, and merely held his hand as he told her that he would miss her terribly, but he understood why she had to go. With a lump in his throat, he had given her his blessing, telling her she would be working on behalf of him and her mother too.

Ralph had proved harder to figure out. He had said all the right things, but she had a niggling feeling that all was not quite right, and whenever she tried to broach it in conversation he rapidly changed the subject, seemingly unwilling to discuss it. Since the night of the Christmas party they had spent every possible moment together, determined to make the most of the time they had before being parted. These had been the happiest six weeks of Evadne’s life, and she felt herself falling deeper in love with every hour they spent with each other. He had been assigned to pilot training at Randolph Fields near San Antonio in Texas, beginning in March, and he was due to leave a week after Evadne, planning to drive cross-country stopping off to visit places along the way.

The afternoon before she left for England, the two of them were together in the Lannis’ salon, Evvy lying flat on her back, her head resting on a cushion in Ralph’s lap, as he idly stroked her hair. As he looked down at her, his eyes rested on the gold chain around her neck.

“You’re gonna need that angel more than ever now,” he said, a slight hardness in his voice as he spoke.

Evadne gazed back up at him, noticing the tightening of his mouth, and decided to finally have it out with him. “Ralph, what’s wrong? Beyond us having to leave each other I mean? You’ve had fits of being a complete nudge ever since I made my decision about going to England. Why won’t you tell me what’s going on?”

Feeling a sense of shame at what he was about to say, Ralph swallowed. “I don‘t want you to go.”

“Well I don’t want you to go either, but we both know we’ve got no choice,” she said tenderly, stroking the hand he had placed on her waist.

“Actually you do have a choice. And I don’t want you to go to England,” came the response. “I’d be much happier if you just stayed here where I knew you were safe.”

Evadne’s eyes widened, unable to believe what she was hearing. She sat up, pulling her legs up under her, and looked him straight in the face. “Say again?” she queried, hoping she’d misunderstood what he’d meant. His reply confirmed that she hadn’t.

“You heard me Evvy. I’m serious. I want you to stay here. I don’t need the extra worry of what’s happening to you while I’m training. Can’t you see that?”

Evvy was speechless for a second. She stared at him disbelievingly, “Can’t you see that this is something I need to do? I can’t believe you’re being such a pig about this!” she exclaimed, trying to keep hold of her temper. “You’re not the only one who can’t sit by without doing something you know. I’ve supported you the whole hog with the Army. Why can’t you do the same for me?”

“Because it’s England, that’s why! That’s where the war is remember?” he said, unable to stop the sarcasm creeping into his voice. “I’m hardly going to get shot down over San Antonio now, am I?”

“And how exactly do you think I’ll feel when you’re through training and you go into battle?” her voice was becoming raised.

“It’s hardly the same thing…”

“It’s exactly the same thing! Just listen to yourself for Pete’s sake!”

“I don’t want you to go because I love you,” his own voice was becoming raised now too. “How do you think your father and I feel about this? You’re just being selfish!”

I’m being selfish?” she spluttered. “You love me so much, but you can’t understand why I have to do this? I need to go and help, Ralph! I have to do something! My friends are over there; people I love.”

“And who are your father and I then? I was under the impression that you loved us! Maybe I was wrong?”

Evadne froze. Ralph looked at her white face and stony eyes and came to his senses, appalled at what he’d just said. “Evvy, I didn’t mean that, I…”

“Get out!” It was said quietly, but her tone was one of controlled fury.

“Evvy, please...”

“I said, get out Ralph. Now! I mean it,” as he hesitated, not sure what to do.

Seeing nothing else for it he turned and left, not daring to look back.

 


#204:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 5:22 pm


Nooooooooo!!!!! How he can be so thoughtless? Well done Evvy for being so determined to do what she feels is right, regardless of what anyone else might think.

 


#205:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 5:23 pm


Oh noooooooooooooooo... *wails*

 


#206:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 5:37 pm


Waaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!
Josie!!!!! What a cliff!!!!!!

 


#207:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 5:39 pm


Brilliant again! And well done to Evvy!

Have a good night out Josie and bring us some more soon please.

Liz

 


#208:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 7:17 pm


Wonderful postand good for Evvy!


Ralph's attitude is very common, so many men feel that they have the right to place themselves in danger, to do 'what they think is right', but refuse to consider that the female of the species has the same right.


Hope he comes to his senses.

 


#209:  Author: aliLocation: medway, kent PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 8:49 pm


aww, she's having a baby, thats lovely after all she's been through. Ralphs being a bit of a git though.

 


#210:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 8:56 pm


Oh no! I hope they make it up before he goes off to fight - they will, won't they? Confused

 


#211:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 12:35 am


Oh nooooooo!! Hope they do make it up and very soon.

 


#212:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 9:22 am


*Wibbles*
Hope they make up before Evvy's boat sails!

 


#213:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 10:18 am


Evadne was lying on her stomach on her bed, face buried in her pillows, her shoulders shaking. A picture frame lay smashed on the floor beside the dressing table. Not hearing her father enter the room, she was startled by a hand on her shoulder. She lifted her head to look at him, and he pulled her to him like she was still a small child, letting her cry out her tears.

As she calmed down she pulled her face from her father’s shoulder and scrubbed her eyes with her handkerchief.

“This has seen better days!” she said ruefully, looking at the rag in her hand.

Mr Lannis brushed her hair from her face. “I’ve been waiting for that to happen you know. I’m not sorry it has either. It needed to come out before you went away.”

Evadne looked up at her father’s face. “I can’t believe he’s like that!” her voice choked as she spoke. “He’s not the person I thought he was Pops. How can he say he loves me if he doesn’t even get where I’m coming from? And he doesn’t even think I love him? He doesn’t have a clue!”

After pausing a moment, Arthur Lannis replied, “It’s because he loves you so much that he did what he did Evvy. Love makes people do strange things. He didn’t mean what he said; he just lost his head for a minute.”

“But after everything with Mr Morgan, how can he have such double standards? Why is it fine for him to go and not me?” A sob caught in the back of her throat and she gulped it down hurriedly.

“You’ve got to remember, Evvy,” he began slowly, “however hard he tries he doesn’t know the strength of the emotional attachment we feel to Europe, especially after seeing what we did in Tirol, and everything you went through. He sees your yearning to go as much the same as his, as a sense of duty. And he’s terrified of losing you.”

“I’m scared of losing him too but I still support him!”

“Yes, and I’m not saying he’s right, but it’s a problem with being a man, we have this overwhelming need to protect our womenfolk,” came the somewhat rueful reply. “Remember how I was when Momma died? I felt I’d failed in my duty to protect her, like I was a complete waste of time. It’s just the way we’re made Evvy. We can’t help it. My guess is he feels that if you’re in England, it’s out of his control to look after you.”

Evadne thought for a moment. “Do you think I’m being selfish Poppa? Going over there I mean?”

“No Evvy, not selfish. But you have to understand that I’m not exactly happy about seeing you go either. I just understand the motivation behind it better than Ralph does. You can’t blame him for that.”

“But I can’t just forgive him for what he said!”

“I’m not saying you should. He needs to apologise, but I don’t think that’ll be a problem there. He’s a good man and he loves you very much. But nobody’s perfect.”

“Well, he needs to come here to apologise. I’m not running after him!” She had calmed down considerably but was still feeling somewhat petulant.

“Where did he go?” he queried.

“I told him to leave. I don’t know where he went. But it’s up to him to come back.”

“You can’t leave it like this Evvy. You leave in the morning remember? What if something happens to one of you? How would you feel knowing you never sorted this?”

“He’s got to apologise to me Pops. I’m sorry, but I’m not changing my view on that.”

Mr Lannis sighed at his stubborn daughter, but let it go. Getting up off the bed he looked down at her.

“Go and wash your face, and sort yourself out Evvy, you look a sight. Then come down to the salon. I’ll get cook to fix something up for you and you can eat in there.”

He watched her as she left the room to do his bidding. Then, picking up the smashed frame, he headed back downstairs to his study.


Last edited by Josie on Thu Nov 04, 2004 6:00 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#214:  Author: JoeyLocation: Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 10:25 am


Thank you Josie.

I like fill-ins, even wibble-inducing ones like this. Please let Mr. Lannis sort them out!

 


#215:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 11:29 am


Evvy's Pops is lovely!
Hope Ralph comes to apologise soon!

 


#216:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 1:48 pm


Lovely Mr Lannis

Hope Ralph & Evvy make up soon...

Liz

 


#217:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 3:23 pm


*wibbles*
I hope they make up, I can understand Ralph not wanting her in danger but he is being just a little hypocritical.

 


#218:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 4:14 pm


Thank you Josie!

 


#219:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 5:50 pm


*loves Evvy's father*
*hopes Evvy and Ralph make up*
*wibbles*

Thanks Josie.

 


#220:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 5:55 pm


Thirty minutes later, Evadne walked into the salon. Opening her mouth to address her father, she stopped dead as she saw Ralph stood by the window, staring out into the garden. Looking around the room she saw no sign of Mr Lannis, and cursing her father under her breath, she closed the salon doors.

Ralph came over hesitantly and stood in front of her, reaching out to take one of her hands. Evvy pulled away, trying to ignore the look of hurt that flashed across his face, and seated herself in one of the big armchairs. Unsure what else to do, he walked across the room and sat down on one of the sofas facing her.

There was a long silence, broken eventually by Evadne. “Did my father come and get you?”

“Yes. But I was on my way back anyway,” he added hurriedly. “Evvy, I’m a complete and utter idiot.”

“Personally I’d have used a less flattering epithet, but yes, you are.”

He looked at her, trying to gauge her feelings, but she just stared back at him impassively. Taking a deep breath he continued. “I really don’t know where all that came from. I’m so, so sorry. It’s just…it’s hard to explain. The thought of anything happening to you makes me feel sick. Something just flipped in me at the thought of being without you.”

Evvy sat in silence, looking down at her hands and twisting her fingers together.

Not able to bear it any longer, Ralph began again, “Speak to me Evvy, please! You‘ve no idea how much I wish I could take back what I said but I can’t. I can’t believe I’ve messed everything up like this." He paused. "You can’t forgive me, can you? I guess I don't deserve it.”

Evadne looked up at the catch in his voice, and saw a tear run down his cheek, which he hastily brushed away. The sight completely cut through her anger, making her forget the rebuke that had been on the tip of her tongue, and getting up off the chair, she crossed the room and sat down beside him, taking both his hands in hers.

“Of course I forgive you Ralph, I love you too much to let you go that easily. But you have to understand what this means to me. That feeling that drives you to need to help, it’s in me too, but even stronger because of everything I’ve been through in Austria and because of what the place and people mean to me. Can you see that? Because if you can't then we have a problem.”

Ralph nodded, “I’ll try to understand Evvy, I really will.” He swallowed hard, then burst out, “I hate this blasted war. I already feel like I’ve lost my parents because of it. Dad barely speaks to me any more and Mom just keeps crying. I couldn’t bear to lose you as well.”

Placing a hand on his cheek Evvy tilted his head, so that his eyes rose from his lap to look into hers.

“You’ll never lose me Ralph. Not if I can help it”, and leaning forward to kiss him gently on the lips, she put her arms round his neck and hugged him.

Ralph clung to her, relief flooding through his body. He returned her kiss, then sunk back on the sofa, pulling her to him and holding her tight.

They stayed like that for several hours, only occasionally speaking; both shattered, but neither wanting to say goodbye.

As dawn broke, Ralph got up to leave.

“I better get going Evvy, you’ve a million things to do,” he said, making a supreme effort to stop his voice from breaking. Taking her by the hand, he looked down into her blue eyes, “I love you sweetheart.”

Evvy’s eyes overflowed with tears as she looked at him, unable to speak. Hugging her to him briefly, he kissed her on the forehead, then turned and walked out of the door without looking back.

Evadne sank back down on the sofa, her head in her hands. She heard a tap at the door, and looked up as her father came into the room and sat down beside her. Gently stroking her hair with his hand he said, “You’d better go get ready Evvy. We have to leave in a couple of hours.”

Burying her head in his shoulder, she clung to him for a moment. Then sitting up she looked him the face, “Thanks Poppa.”

He kissed her on the cheek, and gently pushed her up and she headed out of the room.

 


#221:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 5:58 pm


CryingCrying Crying

That was beautiful.

 


#222:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 6:30 pm


That was so lovely.

Thank you

Liz *reaching for the tissues again*

 


#223:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 6:40 pm


Ahh. But oh how I hate what I know will happen!

Thanks Josie.

 


#224:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 7:05 pm


*sniffles loudly*
Thank you Josie!!!

 


#225:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 7:41 pm


Lovely couple of posts Josie - thank you. Very Happy

 


#226:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 8:00 pm


*sniffling*

Thanks Josie. Wish the ending could be happier than I know its going to be.

 


#227:  Author: KimLocation: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 8:20 pm


that was fantastic - poor Evvy, I hope she makes contact with him before she leaves the US but suspect she won't

 


#228:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 9:14 am


Evvy took a deep breath and leaned back against the wall, closing her eyes. Was she making a terrible mistake?

For a couple of years after it happened she had had a recurring dream. The war was over and she had returned to Long Island. She was sat reading in the salon of her father’s home when there was a ring at the doorbell, and opening the door, there he was, stood on the doorstep in his army uniform. It had all been a huge mix up. He had been shot down and taken prisoner, unable to get word to anyone that he was still alive. She had heard of it happening before, both in America and England. People had returned from the dead. The telegrams had been wrong.

She would wake to an intense feeling of happiness; for those first few moments of the day everything was perfect. And then she would open her eyes and see the grey barrack walls, and the familiar darkness that she kept so buried would creep into the back of her mind again.

Over the years the dreams had stopped, but the underlying misery had never gone away, merely dulling over time. In the odd moments when she allowed herself to think of him, if she closed her eyes she could still see the laughing hazel eyes and dazzling smile, and hear the sound of his voice. And now she had reached into those recesses of her mind and allowed all those memories and feelings to come tumbling out again.

But she had to keep going, to keep reading and remembering. She knew if she stopped now it could destroy her. It would certainly destroy her relationship with her family and she couldn’t let that happen.

With a quick prayer that she had done the right thing and it would all come out okay, she opened her eyes and continued on.

 


#229:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 9:41 am


Poor Evvy!! *sniffs*

More fabulous posts, thank you Very Happy

 


#230:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 11:33 am


Oh wow Crying or Very sad

Poor Evvy and what a terrible recurring dream to have - all that hope and longing fulfilled for one sweet moment only to be dashed on waking ...

I'm sure you have done the right thing, Evvy - keep reading ... keep reading ...

(as we would like to as well, please Josie Wink )
*gripped*

 


#231:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 1:04 pm


Poor Evvy Crying or Very sad

Thanks Josie.

 


#232:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 2:38 pm


Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

Thanks Josie.

 


#233:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 7:53 pm


Echoes thanks and Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 


#234:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 8:26 pm


Thanks Josie, I'm so glad they made it up, it would have been just too sad if they had parted on those terms, and never seen each other again.

To be honest, I would have reacted exactly the same way that Ralph did, if I had been in his position, but I can totally understand Evvy too. I'm not sure that I would be as brave as she was though.

 


#235:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 8:31 pm


*sneaks into drabble to hug Evvy tightly*

May we have some more soon please Josie?

 


#236:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 1:33 am


Lovely reconciliation scene, and Mr. Lannis is a dad worth having.
But, poor Evvy!

 


#237:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 12:58 pm


Evadne walked down the gangplank onto the Liverpool dockside and looked around her. It suddenly occurred to her that she had no idea what Mr Seddon looked like, and they had not arranged a particular meeting place, merely that he would meet her off the boat. Scanning the faces of the people around her, she could see no-one who looked like they fitted the bill, and thinking she might be better to wait until the crowd cleared a little, she requested her porter to proceed with her luggage to customs, and then sauntered towards a low chain-link fence, settling herself on a post to wait.

When she was still sat there an hour later, most of the crowd on the dock now having dispersed, she began to get concerned. Clearly Mr Seddon had been delayed somewhere, and she was in a dilemma as to what to do next. She was also getting very cold, despite her heavy coat and scarf. Weighing up her options, she decided to go and handle customs and then make her way to a hotel, from where she would try and call through to the Seddon’s to discover what had happened.

Standing up, she adjusted her skirts, rubbed her hands together in an effort to warm them up, and headed towards the now dwindling queue at the customs area. She had not gone two steps when a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Evvy! Hi, Evvy Lannis! Wait up! Here I am!”

She turned just in time to see a sturdy young woman with bobbed fair hair and glasses racing towards her, decorum thrown to the winds, and then that young woman threw herself on Evadne with an embrace that nearly sent both of them tumbling to the ground.

“Corney! Oh, are you ever a sight for sore eyes!” Evadne exclaimed returning her friend’s hug, “What in the blazes are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to meet you of course, knucklehead! Sorry I’m so late, it’s taken me an absolute age to get here, I got thoroughly lost. Guess I should have known better than to try and find my way on my own fair feet! Anyhow, I got a cab finally, and now I’m here!”

“Knucklehead nothing! How did you even know I’d be here? I know we hadn’t arranged to meet, so don’t say I’m losing my mind!”

Cornelia laughed. “Well, I kinda knew. You’d told me in your letters you were hoping to get the February boat. When I found I was going to be in Liverpool – I’m on my way to Ireland to be with Poppa by the way – I wired New York to see if you would still be arriving then and we could coincide. Your pops wired back to say you had just left and would be arriving on this boat, so I made sure to be here and he cancelled arrangements with his friend. And that’s it! I don’t leave for Ireland for four days, so you’re staying in the hotel with me, if you’d like that is, and we’ve got all that time to chin-wag. And then Joey wants you to go to her at Plas Gwyn for a week or so. She said to tell you. Isn’t it swell?”

“Of course I’d like! Oh Corney, I am glad! I’ve been dreading getting here and having to stay with total strangers. This will be so much more fun!”

“Yes, that’s what I thought! Come on then, let’s shift. We have to get you through customs and I’ve paid the cab to wait for us as I had enough trouble getting here without bags!” and with that she took Evadne’s arm and led the way.


February 25th 1941

I’ve had a ball catching up with Corney these past few days and was real sorry to say goodbye. Turns out her poppa hasn’t been too well and she’s headed to Ireland to look after him. She didn’t say much but I could tell how worried she was about him. I guess they’re all-in-all to each other, kind of like Pops and me, except it’s been that way all her life.

Even though I knew about her hair and glasses it was still a shock to see her look so different. And she’s changed within herself as well. Not significantly, she’s still the same old Corney, it’s more subtle changes. There’s an air of seriousness and weariness about her sometimes that was never there before. I suppose it comes from everything she’s been through in the last couple of years. But then I suppose we’ve all changed, I’ll probably see it in the others too. You just can’t see it in yourself I guess.

We had a complete gabfest for three straight days. I told her all about Ralph and what happened just before I left. After convincing her that he really wasn’t a skunk and how she’d be sure to like him, she looked at his picture at decided he looked like Jimmy Stewart. I don’t really see it myself, must be she sees funny through those glasses! But she could have picked worse so I won’t complain! She told me in secret about somebody she had met. She is very fond of him, but he’s not prepared to wait for her to come back from Ireland; he’s told her it’s over if she leaves. The scum! She’s pretty cut up by it but I assured her that if it was the real thing, he wouldn’t mind the wait.

The reality of war has begun to hit home. I guess it will when you’re surrounded by it day after day. It doesn’t matter what people had told me in letters the last eighteen months, I could never imagine what it was really like. Liverpool hasn’t suffered too much bomb damage yet, though there were apparently a couple of raids this month, and we passed one street the other day with real bad damage. We’ve seen quite a few men in the street, wearing tin helmets and odd bits of old uniforms. Corney tells me they’re the ‘Home Guard’, the men who were unfit to go to war.

Blackout and rationing are the two things that have struck me most. It’s the strangest thing being in the center of a city at night and not seeing a single light. And I realise how much I take for granted being able to go to the stores and buy whatever takes my fancy. Everybody has to shop with coupons here, everything’s in short supply and there’s so much you can’t even get. I hadn’t even thought of it, but I guess supply lines are cut off these days. I wish I’d thought to bring more things with me from the States; I could have given people some provisions to help them along. Maybe I can get Poppa to send some over somehow?

I left Corney this morning and arrived in Howells village this afternoon. Dr Jem met me at Armiford station and drove me down to Frieda’s where I’m staying for the first few days, as Joey has a houseful as usual. It’s jolly to see old Frieda again, but she’s got so thin. Jo says it happened with all the worry over Bruno.

We went to Plas Gwyn for supper this evening, and had the most fun catching up. Being Joey, she’d invited anybody I knew within a five-mile radius, and there was so much talking to do! In fact, I’m exhausted with it all now so think I’ll just call it a night.

 


#238:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 1:18 pm


Very Happy

Love Corney coming to meet her Smile

Thank you Josie!

 


#239:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 2:15 pm


Lovely, lovely post, Josie. Oh and noticed the spelling of centre - of course as Evvy's American it was correct - nice attention to detail! Laughing

 


#240:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 4:14 pm


Glad that Evvy has arrived safely, but poor Corney, what a selfish s**t her boyfriend was.

 


#241:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 10:38 pm


Lesley wrote:
Oh and noticed the spelling of centre - of course as Evvy's American it was correct - nice attention to detail! Laughing

Laughing

Have just read through comments - thank you for very kind words Embarassed The last part of this is proving really tough to write so makes it feel worth the effort knowing people are enjoying it.

Oh and belated thanks to Rachael for lots of proofing of previous posts Very Happy


“Cake, sugar, milk, plates, cups and saucers, teaspoons, cake knife & forks…why do I get the feeling I’ve forgotten something?”

Trying to keep a straight face, Evadne regarded her friend from her perch on the kitchen table. “Jo, what meal are we having?”

“Tea of course! What sort of question’s that?”

“And you really can’t figure out what you’ve forgotten? Joey Maynard, how thick can you be?”

Glaring as she opened her mouth to retort, that lady suddenly realised what she’d done. At the look on her face Evadne gave up her efforts at self-control, and burst out laughing.

For a few seconds Joey attempted to muster up some dignity, then gave up and giggled. “Oh well, I suppose I don’t have any defense for that one! How about you take in the tray and I’ll be in with the tea in a minute or two. Anna won’t be back with the girls for ages yet as she was going to call in on Father Edmund, so we can have a jolly good gossip and catch up on all the hanes.”

Still chuckling to herself, Evvy did as she was bade, and putting the tray down on a low table, sank into a big armchair and made herself comfortable.

She’d arrived at Plas Gwyn, bags in hand, about an hour previously, having spent the last three days staying with Frieda von Ahlen at her small cottage just up the road. Rushing around from pillar to post, she’d managed to see the Russells, the Mensches, Wanda and Marie and their families, and Simone de Bersac, and had spent a joyous day at the School hearing everyone’s news and filling them in on her own until, as she’d told Frieda the night before, she felt like she’d been ‘thoroughly poked, prodded, pried and made a freak show of!’ Now she was looking forward to finally catching up with Joey properly and spending the rest of the week working out where her immediate future lay.

They had been chatting idly for about forty minutes when Jo placed her cup down purposefully on the table and looked Evvy square in the face. “So!”

“So what?” Evadne replied, staring at her hostess as if she’d gone mad.

“So, when are you going to tell me?”

“Tell you what? Are you feeling quite alright, ‘cause you’re making no sense at all?”

“Tell me about this young man of yours of course! We’ve been here for over half an hour and you haven’t mentioned him once. Very bad form I call it!”

“Josephine Maynard! You know very well that good Chalet Girls don’t talk of such things!” Evadne replied with mock indignation. “Call yourself a lady?”

“When it suits me, yes,” countered Joey, not noticeably perturbed by this insult. “However, right now I’m more interested in talking about Ralph. So, come on Evvy, spill!” Her voice became softer, “Is it the real thing?”

A faint blush colouring her cheeks, Evvy smiled shyly and nodded. “Yes, definitely. Oh, we’re not engaged or anything,” as she saw Jo’s eyes go to her left hand. “We did talk about it, but we both feel that if we’re engaged we want to be together, not in far flung corners of the globe, so we’ve decided to wait for now. But he’s definitely for keeps.” She paused briefly before adding, “You know, it’s funny. When I came to yours and Jack’s wedding I wrote afterwards in my diary that I wanted to find someone who loved me as much as Jack loved you, and who I could be that happy with. And now I’ve found him! How rummy is that?”

Jo looked at her friend, her black eyes soft with affection, “Oh Evvy I’m so very glad for you. And I just know you’ll be as happy as we are too.” Chuckling, she added, “I presume he’s aware of your propensity to madness? Could be a nasty shock for the poor fellow otherwise!”

Evadne grinned complacently. “Oh, he’s far worse than I am in that department, so you needn’t worry! Our children will be absolute treats! Can you imagine?”

“Well,” Joey laughed “in that case you’d better warn Hilda well in advance if you have any girls so she can prepare to repel borders!”

“Say, maybe I better warn her now!” Evvy returned, then sobered. “Oh I wish you could meet him now Joey. You’ll like him, I know you will.”

“Well, if he’s good enough for you, then I’ve no doubt I will. Now, the teapot’s empty, so how about I refill, and then you can tell me all the details.”

 


#242:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 10:53 pm


This is getting so sad, the closer it gets to the end! Sad

 


#243:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 10:56 pm


Thanks Josie. *loved Corney*

 


#244:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 10:58 pm


I don't want this to end! I don't want the ending! Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 


#245:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 11:31 pm


Thanks Josie.


(Also sad for what is coming, but loving the bits until then.)

 


#246:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 10:33 am


Really pleased that Corney and Evvy got to spend some time together - and liked Evvy's insight into Corney having changed

Absolutely loved the exchange with Joey - spot on for both of them with the easy bantering ...

Oh dear ... Sad
*wanting more but not wanting more Confused *

 


#247:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 11:43 am


Two wonderful scenes both spot on, thank you

*feeling incrediably sad about the future*

 


#248:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 1:41 pm


Thank you . Two wonderful scenes, loved the banter with Joey and the time with Corney.

 


#249:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 1:46 pm


that was lovely, thanks Josie

particularly enjoyed the meeting with Corney although poke corney's nasty boyfriend...

 


#250:  Author: ElzbieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 2:44 pm


Oh no.. I can see I'm going to have to prepare tissues and eyedrops! Thsi is fantastic Jo!

 


#251:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 7:29 pm


It's so sad that it had to end the way it did. I don't want that bit to happen either, but what must be, must be, but it was pretty heartless of EBD to invent a character just to kill him off - didn't she think of how Evvy would feel?

 


#252:  Author: KimLocation: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:02 pm


I'm a little confused - was this in the original books or is it a fill in?

Either way it is a wonderful drabble and my heart goes out to Evvy

 


#253:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:35 pm


There's reference to Evvy's wartime exploits in some of the books (someone with a better memory than mine can probably tell you WHICH books, though I'm thinking Lavender Laughs is one), including what happens to her fiance (again, not sure which book that's ultimately mentioned in), but, like a lot of things, it's stuff that's only mentioned in passing, AND I think a lot of it got cut from the paperbacks.

Hope that clears that up, Kim Smile

Josie, this is as good as ever. I know I'm going to need tissues soon, but, more please.

Ray *not above begging*

 


#254:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 10:32 pm


Kim - Ray's right, Very Happy Evvy being a WAAF is mentioned in the hardback of Lavender, as is the fact that she's engaged. Why she never married is mentioned in the hardback of Coming of Age. So EBD sort of slipped the details in, I'm just attempting to flesh them out!

Thanks to Kat for some reading and spell checking Very Happy


December 12th 1941

It’s 4am but I just can’t sleep. Each time I shut my eyes I hear a mix of President Roosevelt and Alvar Lidell’s voices echoing in my head “Japan’s long-threatened aggression in the Far East began tonight with attacks on United States naval bases in the Pacific…” “I call on congress to recognize a state of war between the United States and Germany…” ”Japan has announced a formal declaration of war against both the United States and Britain…” I’ve been in England for 9 months, but never have I felt more at war than I do right now, and never have I missed home so much.

The past five days have spun so in my head I haven’t even be able to breathe, let alone write about it. The 7th had been a tough day anyway, three planes had failed to return from the morning’s scramble, the largest number we’ve ever lost in one go. We were all gathered together to listen to the evening news, chatting as usual, when suddenly the report came on about Pearl Harbor. I felt sick to the stomach. Everyone stared at me, waiting to see how I’d react, but I couldn’t do anything. I always knew we’d enter the war eventually but it’s such a shock now it’s actually happened. I could hear mutterings of ‘about time’ and ‘now they know what it’s like’ around me and I couldn’t bear it. Then with Roosevelt’s speech yesterday, it made it all so concrete.

I just feel so lonely. How I wish the ‘Eagles’ were still around, then I wouldn’t be alone, the only American on the base. It’s so strange; even though I’ve been working in this war all year, suddenly it feels so different. Oh, how I wish I were back in the States, with Pops and Ralph, or that they were here. And that Corney was here too. Oh this is all so muddled. And I can't talk to anyone about it because they won't understand - and I couldn't expect them to, their countries are already at war

And Ralph! I’ve been in denial about his going into combat and now I can’t pretend it’s not going to happen! Suddenly I realize how he felt when I left in February. I don’t want him to go. I just want him to stay in the States where I know he’s okay. Ironic, huh?



Evadne had joined up at the end of March that year, and been assigned to Operations at RAF Debden, north of London. When she had arrived it was home to the 71st ‘Eagle’ Squadron, made up of volunteer American pilots who were keen to play their part in the war, despite their country being neutral, much as she herself was doing. That squadron had been relocated in the autumn, and in their place had come the Canadian 418th Squadron, so, with the rest of the WAAF’s being British, Evvy now found herself the sole American on the base, a fact that had never bothered her until now.

Ralph had finished his training in the Army Air Corps, now the Army Air Force, and was due leave before his first assignment. She had received letters that morning from both him and her father detailing their Christmas plans. Mr Lannis was already in Louisiana staying with his cousins in order that he would not be alone over the holiday period, and he told Evvy that he was due to remain there for another month or so.


And I should be with Pops this Christmas. He shouldn’t be having to go to relatives he hasn’t seen for years. He says he doesn’t need me there but I know he does. I should be there for him, there with both of them, him and Ralph. I hate this damn stupid war. For the first time since I came over I can find no justification for being here. I want to go home.


Last edited by Josie on Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:04 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#255:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 11:16 pm


Poor Evvy, what a terrible way to discover your country is at war.


Thanks Josie.

 


#256:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 11:27 pm


This is as gripping as ever and my heart is in my mouth at every post, thinking 'is it in this one?' It's so poignant.

Loved her meeting Corney like that and the time with Jo & everyone.

thank you for an enthralling story. It's great.

 


#257:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 1:19 am


Poor Evvy!!! Someone hug her please!

 


#258:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 3:30 am


Wish I could think of something to say besides, "Poor Evvy!" But I'm about as speechless as she was.

Thanks, Josie.

 


#259:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 9:35 am


*agreeing with Kathy*

This is superlative, Josie - can't believe how much I feel for Evvy

 


#260:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 9:41 am


Oh gosh, I hope Evvy finds someone understanding soon!

 


#261:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 10:57 am


Thank you Josie Very Happy

*Hugs Evvy*

 


#262:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 1:05 pm


Thank you Josie!

 


#263:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 1:05 pm


You're welcome Jo, but Crying or Very sad be nice!!

 


#264:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 1:14 pm


Thank you Josie Crying or Very sad

 


#265:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 4:27 pm


I think that the attitude was, 'There's a war on, we've got to get on with it.', but I don't think anyone realises what a drastic change this was for Evvy.

 


#266:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 6:35 pm


Poor Evvy, when it's your home country that's at war it makes such a difference I guess. I just want to give her a huge hug and send her Ralph. Sad

 


#267:  Author: Sarah_G-GLocation: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time! PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 11:23 am


I've just read this all the way through and it is beautifully written! I'm in floods of tears though so it's a good thing I decided I'd go back into my room after I checked my emails in the uni computer room! This is amazng and I really hope the next bit comes soon.

 


#268:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 1:17 pm


Just a filler bit for now - longer update in an hour or so...

The war raged on throughout 1942. Singapore, Malaya and the Philippines surrendered to the Japanese, followed by Indonesia, Burma and India, and President Roosevelt implemented the Japanese Relocation Order exiling Japanese Americans to ‘relocation camps’. In Europe raids were focusing on German shipping and tit-for-tat devastating bombing raids across the channel. British and American forces in North Africa were gaining ground, retaking Tobruk and making inroads in El Alamein. By the summer the first of the USAAF squadrons had begun to arrive in Britain, flying their first European mission on 4th July.

In February, Ralph was assigned to the 14th Fighter Group, based in Hamilton Field, California and Evadne breathed a huge sigh of relief that he had so far avoided active duty. His letters were full of the frustration he felt at being, in his terms, ‘sidelined’ but Evvy couldn’t feel sorry that he was. The letters also often contained advice on how she should watch out working around so many pilots as he knew what they were like and she could find herself compromised if she were too naïve! Evvy found this thinly veiled jealousy highly amusing and merely joked that if he were that bothered he could always make an honest woman of her – a tactic that had so far elicited no response.

Things at Debden had settled back down to their previous equilibrium, though as the raids on Germany intensified, increasing numbers of fighters were failing to return, and the base frequently found themselves on the receiving end of stray bombs. One night in June, whilst visiting Ilonka Barcokz, who had now graduated from LSE and was working as a translator for the British Government, Evadne found herself caught up in an air raid in the neighbourhood where Lonny lived. They had been forced to take shelter in the nearby Gant’s Hill underground station, and huddled together in the cold and damp, people crying and children screaming, sometimes unable to control their bodily functions in their terror, Evvy thought she had finally been introduced to hell.

 


#269:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 2:00 pm


Thank you Josie! Lovely bit about Ralph and Evvy's letters. Also like the description of the air raid - always seem to be writtena bout as so ordered and organised with bunks in the tube stations and everyone with their own little plot but it must have been terrifying as well. Look forward to more later....

 


#270:  Author: ElzbieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 2:00 pm


Wow, really evocative- thanks Jo!

Counting down till the next bit...

 


#271:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 2:08 pm


Like the teasign and jealousy in their letters. That last paragraph made me shiver though. It must have been awful, blitz spirit or not.

 


#272:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 2:09 pm


Thanks Josie

Liz *setting stopwatch to alert her in 'an hour or so'*

 


#273:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 2:10 pm


Poor Evvy, that made me all shivery Sad

 


#274:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 2:48 pm


Thanks Josie. Poor Evvy Sad *shaky*

 


#275:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 3:22 pm


Thanks for that rather chilling bit. Much more realistic than the sanitized version we usually get of that situation.

*synchronises stopwatch with Liz*

 


#276:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 3:27 pm


Hmmm all these stopwatches and no-one has realised that an hour or has now become two hours or so...not that I'm impatient or anything!!! Wink

Waiting....for work to allow Josie to post....

 


#277:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 4:45 pm


Apologies for the very long 'hour or so' Embarassed Here's the next bit, one more bit to come shortly...

September 1st 1942

I’ve not heard from Ralph for an absolute age – at least 5 weeks. I know letter delivery can be slow, but I’ve never gone this long before without hearing from him and I’m starting to get tetchy about it. Let’s face it, they’re not going to keep him in California forever, and with more and more squadrons getting sent into active duty it’s only a matter of time. Hell, we’ve got the Eagles coming back here in 2 weeks time, along with 2 other USAAF squadrons. I’m worried he’s headed off somewhere and not been able to tell me. It’s bad enough fretting about him anyway, let alone not knowing here he is. Cassie said nothing about him in her letter either which was odd. I just wish…


She was interrupted by a knock at the door and Lydia, one of the other WAAF’s, appeared.

“Evvy, the C.O. wants to see you pronto.”

Diana, one of Evadne’s bunkmates, looked up from her book with a grin. “What have you been doing now Evvy?”

“Nothing that I can account for! My nose is clean as a whistle for once!” she retorted. “Wonder what’s up?”

“Well, you’re not going to find out sitting there are you!”

Evadne ignored her and turned to Lydia. “Any idea what it’s about?”

“Not an inkling. Better dash though if I were you, he looked pretty frantic.”

Evvy got up and put her diary in her footlocker. “Well, wish me luck!”

“Good luck, you’ll probably need it!” came the reply and Evvy retaliated by sticking out her tongue at her tormentor as she left the room.

Wing Commander Stephens was stood having a conversation with his secretary as she entered the red brick building. He looked up at the sound of her footsteps.

“Ah, Corporal Lannis. Go on in, please and take a seat. I’ll be with you as soon as I’ve finished going through this.”

Evadne did as he said, and walking into the comfortable office, settled herself in a chair with her back to the door. She was puzzled by the expression she had caught on his face, and a feeling of foreboding was beginning to creep over her.

 


#278:  Author: ElzbieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 5:04 pm


Crying or Very sad Oh no......

 


#279:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 5:06 pm


*Wibbles*
I'm hoping that this isn't the end for Ralph...

 


#280:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 5:10 pm


Dammit Jo! Get back here and post the rest!!

 


#281:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 5:20 pm


*wibbling*

Poor Evvy....

 


#282:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 5:40 pm


Please can we have some more? Poor Evvy. Am just kinda hoping it isn't what we all think it is..

 


#283:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 5:41 pm


Nooooo please not the end of Ralph yet!

If we all clap our hands and say 'I believe in Ralph' will he live?

Liz

 


#284:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 5:46 pm


LizB wrote:
Nooooo please not the end of Ralph yet!

If we all clap our hands and say 'I believe in Ralph' will he live?

Liz


Quite prepared to try, Liz!

*Wibbles quietly in a corner*

If it is what I think it is, please post it tonight. I don't think this is one I can read in the office! Crying or Very sad

 


#285:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 5:51 pm


I think it's going to be that too, *gulps* please post before nine o'clock, I don't want to have to go to work not knowing.

 


#286:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 5:51 pm


Eeek! *wibbles and hides under the desk*

 


#287:  Author: NicoleLocation: New Zealand PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 6:11 pm


Josie, I've just caught up on lots of this, and it's fantastic.

Lots of wibbling about what's coming next, though...

 


#288:  Author: keren PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 6:29 pm


I can see you have been studying cliff tactics.
please get on with the story

 


#289:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 7:19 pm


Awww - I've been so good - you have to allow me one little cliff! Wink

Thanks to Kat and Kathye for proofing.

Here goes...


She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn’t hear the door close or the gentle footsteps behind her.

Suddenly a familiar voice startled her out of her reverie. “Hello Miss Lannis. Or should it be Corporal Lannis these days?”

Evadne shot out of her chair and whipped round, flinging her arm out as she did so, and unaware how close behind her the speaker was she hit him square on the nose.

“Oh my God…what the…I’m so sorry…I’ve hurt you…where did you…how…Let me get something…” she gabbled, reaching for the tissues on the desk, her self-possession utterly gone.

Ralph laughed and grabbing her hand, he pulled her towards him and put his free hand on her lips to hush her. “Evvy, shut up you idiot!” he said affectionately. “Do you really think after not seeing you for eighteen months that I give a damn about my nose?”

Evvy just stared at him, too stunned to speak. He lifted a hand to her face and gently stroked her cheek, and then bending to kiss her, he pulled her into a bear hug and held her tight.

They stood like that in silence for several minutes. Eventually Evadne pulled her head back and gazed up into his face.

“What are you doing here? I mean, how did you get here?”

He looked down and smiled. “We’re passing through on the way to the Med and they’ve got us temporarily stationed at Atcham in Shropshire. We actually arrived about 3 weeks ago but this is the first time I’ve been able to get off to come and see you. I didn’t call or wire as I wanted to surprise you. Now, madam, I have 3 days leave so you have to make the most of me!”

“But what if they won’t let me off? They mayn’t you know, we’re so busy and..,”

He hushed her again. “ They will, because this wonderful boyfriend of yours has charmed your C.O. into giving you 3 days leave starting tonight, and we’re getting as far away from here as possible. Admittedly only to Thame, but it’s better than nothing.”

“I’ll say!” Evvy stopped and tears came to her eyes. “You’ve no idea how much I’ve longed to see you.”

Ralph looked deep into her eyes, wiping away a tear that escaped down her cheek “Believe me, I do.”

She stood on her tiptoe and reached up to kiss him on the nose. “That’s for earlier,” she grinned. Then pulling out of his arms, she perched herself on the arm of the chair.

“So, what’s the news? How’s things at home?”

“Well, Andrew’s joined up. He graduates soon and is planning on entering the Regiment. Though I guess you already knew that from Cass.” Evvy nodded. “The baby is adorable, he’s about to turn one and such a happy fellow. And Cassie’s announced she’s pregnant again. Other than that, not much to tell really. Well, unless you count this anyway…” and he pulled a newspaper cutting from his pocket.

Evvy glanced at him puzzled, and then looking at the piece of paper she burst out laughing. “Nathan Kingsley arrested for selling fake war bonds! Seriously?”

Ralph chuckled, “Oh, it gets better, he’s been disowned by all his society friends and is blackballed by all his precious clubs. Retribution without us having to lift a finger!”

“I do feel sorry for his parents though.” Then she laughed again, “Oh I know it’s awful to make fun of people’s misfortune, but really, it couldn’t happen to a nicer man!”

 


#290:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 7:23 pm


Yet again - AWWWW!!!!!

Kiss thanks Jo!

 


#291:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 7:24 pm


*heaves sigh of relief*

I'm glad it was good news (for the moment!)

 


#292:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 7:25 pm


Yay!! Thanks Josie. Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

Did I mention that I want a Ralph!

 


#293:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 7:38 pm


Forgot to mention I will be cloning Ralph's from next Monday, so form an orderly queue round the block. No pushing now....

Oh, and you are welcome to order via mailorder... only £50 P&P


Last edited by Josie on Wed Nov 10, 2004 7:51 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#294:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 7:39 pm


Me first!!

Very Happy

 


#295:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 7:46 pm


Lovely thank you Josie - and a pretty impressive cliff earlier! Wink

 


#296:  Author: KathyeLocation: Laleham PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 7:49 pm


Thanks josie, and maybe now the next installment needs my eager eye cast over it !!! Wink ROFL

 


#297:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 7:51 pm


I want a Ralph! (and I've put my order in... )

Now Josie, can't imagine why you didn't go with my suggestion for that last installment.... Wink

Thank you for the update!

 


#298:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 7:52 pm


I missed the cliff *phew*!!!

Thank you Josie! Very Happy

 


#299:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:23 pm


Phew!

Ready to put my order in - Josie do you take Visa? Laughing

Liz

 


#300:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:32 pm


Jo, this is totally wonderful. Glad Evvy gets to see Ralph one last time.
(and the upcoming posts are so wonderful too!)

 


#301:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:37 pm


*Decides to execise full gloating rights*

The next few posts - WOW! So emotional, and very very teary. Crying or Very sad bawling Crying Make sure you have plenty of tissues stocked up near by.































The end is pretty good too Wink

*Smug*


Last edited by Kat on Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:40 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#302:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:37 pm


Lets out deep sigh of relief,
Remembers how it will turn out,
Begins to wibble again...

I want to order a Ralph please he's such a cutie!!!!!!

 


#303:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 10:10 pm


Thankyou Josie for giving them 3 days together - even though we know what is going to happen in the end Crying or Very sad

I'm wibbling at the thought of the next few posts, and stocking up with lots and lots of tissues.

 


#304:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 11:25 pm


Thanks again for proofing Kat and for issuing my tissue warning!!

All Ralph orders being processed...

In case you hadn't guessed, it may get a tad teary fom here on in


October 14th 1942

Today has been horrific. There’s no other word for it. It began with this morning’s scramble when 5 planes failed to come back, including Bobby who we’ve all become good friends with, especially Di. She’s not saying much but she’s clearly devastated. We’re all just praying for that phone call to say he’s been picked up in someone’s field or something and he's on his way home. Wouldn’t be the first time it’s happened. I really hope it’s the case. Di doesn’t deserve the loss. Nor do any of us I guess. But sadly it’s war.

A little later, we’d just finished our shifts when the sirens sounded. The bomb missed the Ops hut, but landed on one corner of the Mess, killing one of the new secretaries. Her name was Jean. She was only 19 and had been here two days.

But it was the last news of the day that was the worst. I got a wire from Frieda. Jack’s been killed. Oh God, poor poor Jo. She was so scared it would happen. What’s she going to do? I know she has Madge and the girls and the new baby when it comes, but it’s not the same. And that new baby won’t know its father, won't know what an amazing man he was. It’s too horrid to think about. Why Jack? It’s not fair.

I wrote to Ralph. It was all I could think to do. I told him everything I was too stupid to say when he was here. How much I love him. That I want to marry him. That I want to spend the rest of my life with him. I know it’s not the done thing but these aren’t normal times. And I don’t care anyway. He needs to know how I feel.


Last edited by Josie on Wed Nov 10, 2004 11:31 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#305:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 11:27 pm


Thank you Josie - love the way you linked it with the CS. Poor, poor Evvy. Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 


#306:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:05 am


I'm so glad Evvy wrote to Ralph. How poignant that she's upset that Jack is dead and we know that came right when her own story didn't.

Thank you Josie.

thank you Kat for the tissue warning. These are posts I will NOT read at work Embarassed

 


#307:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:38 am


Thanks Josie

Liz *stocking up on tissues*

 


#308:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 9:26 am


Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

Thank you Jo, and thank you Kat for the tissue warning.

 


#309:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 9:42 am


Crying or Very sad Thanks Josie,
Glad Evvy was brave enough to tell Ralph how she feels!

 


#310:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 10:21 am


This is so sensitively written, Josie

I love the way you're weaving it around the other CS characters as well - e.g. good to see Lonny turning up as a translator

So pleased to see Ralph turn up for that 3-day leave - I was hoping they'd get some time together before the inevitable happens ... and I like the way you show Evvy hearing of Jo's dreadful news - her genuine sorrow for Jo when we know what's going to happen in both cases makes it all the more poignant

Fabulous posts - thank you ... *sniff*

 


#311:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 10:58 am


my heart was definitely in my mouth before Ralph turned up there - thought that her CO was going to tell her something horrid.
thanks for letting them have some time together.

and am strangely also feeling very sorry for jo, even though we know it's all going to be ok for her.

great stuff - looking forward to more (although I'm not, if you see what I mean Crying or Very sad )

 


#312:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:19 am


*crying already*

Thanks for the tissue warning, Kat Sad

Thank you Josie

 


#313:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 12:06 pm


Thank you Josie. I love the way you're linking in other parts of the story we already know and bringing in other characters.

 


#314:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 1:28 pm


*wibbling and wailing*

Poor Evvy Crying or Very sad Its all so real, especially with the links to the books

 


#315:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 3:10 pm


“You’ll have someone’s eye out with that rock if you don’t watch how you wave your hand around!”

Evadne grimaced, “I’m not rising Jack Maynard, however hard you try. I’ll show my ring off as much as I like thank you very much.”

Jack chuckled and Joey made a face at her husband. “Don’t mind him Evvy. He’s about as romantic as a plank of wood. Come on, let’s sit down and you can tell me all. I want every detail mind!”

Jack gave an exaggerated groan. “Well on that note I think I’ll head to bed for a rest and leave you two to gush if you don’t mind!” and grinning he slowly heaved himself out his seat. Walking over to Evadne he bent and kissed her on the cheek. “Congratulations Evvy, I hope you’ll be very happy.”

“Thanks Jack,” she smiled as he began to make his way to the door.

Jo followed her husband into the hall, watching him with concern. “Are you okay Jack? Do you need anything?” she asked, her tone revealing her worry.

He stopped and put an arm round her shoulders. “I’m okay Jo, just tired. You know Jem said bed rest is the best thing for me at the moment. You go and catch up with Evvy, and I’ll just take myself off to lie down.”

“Well, if you’re sure. I’ll come and check on you in a couple of hours.”

Jack kissed her and began to climb the stairs, and Jo turned back to the drawing room and her guest. Evadne looked up as she came into the room. “Is everything alright Jo? Are you sure I should be here?”

“Honestly Evvy, it’s fine. I wanted to see you before you went back, that’s why I invited you over. You’ve been at Frieda’s all over Christmas and I’ve not seen you once. I just can’t help worrying about him all the time, that's all. It just seems too good to be true having him here, I’m so scared something will go wrong.” She sighed, “But I really don’t want to talk of it. Let’s talk about your news instead – far more pleasant a subject! Come on then, how did it happen?”

==

Evadne paused mid-sentence and looked around. Diana and Moira were both on shift, and Jessie, their other bunkmate, was catching up on some much needed sleep. She herself was writing a letter to her father.

Early November had brought news of the launch of Operation Torch, the allied offensive in North Africa. Evadne realised this was why Ralph’s squadron had been heading to the Mediterranean, and she was inclined to worry herself sick about him. She knew she would calm down after a while, but this was the first active duty he’d seen and the anxiety was a whole new experience for her. It wasn’t helped by the fact that she had heard no reply to the letter she had written the day she heard of Jack’s ‘death’. She kept telling herself that he had far too much on his plate right now to write, but she worried nonetheless.

Mid-November had brought the news that Jack was very ill, but alive, and a couple of days later that Bobby, Diana’s beau, was in a prisoner of war camp in Germany having been shot down and captured. The double good news, for Evvy had told them all of her friend's death, had somewhat restored their faith and the atmosphere on the base in the lead up to Christmas was lighter than it had been in a long while. If only she could hear from Ralph….

The door opened and Diana came in brandishing a bundle in her left hand. “Post’s here! Three for you Jess,” she said dropping them on the sleeping girl, who grunted, opened eyes and glared at being woken. Diana grinned and came towards Evvy “Eight for you Evvy! Have you been paying people to write?” she teased as she held them out. “And I think there’s one in there that may just make your day!”

Evvy grabbed at them with a hurried “Thank you” and flinging aside letters from her father and various friends she found the one she wanted and with a cry of “Yes!” tore it open and eagerly pulled out the page. Her face fell slightly as she saw it was just one small sheet of paper, and she unfolded it somewhat perturbed. After all this time surely he could have written a decent screed.

But all her petulance evaporated as she looked at the letter. Her smile growing as she read, she suddenly jumped off her bed with a squeal of “Yes! Oh my god, yes!” and running over to a startled Diana she threw her arms around her. “Oh Di! You’ll never guess!”

Looking at her friend as if she’d gone mad, Diana took the letter that was thrust in her direction.

Dearest Evvy

I only have five minutes to spare so sorry this is so short and doesn’t say nearly half of what I would like. But I couldn’t wait any longer, so here’s the thing.

Evadne Lannis, will you marry me? I know we said we’d wait, but I don’t think I can any longer. Being out here, and getting your letter about your friend Jo, has made me realize more than ever how precious you are to me, and I don’t want to wait a minute more than I must to make the commitment and be able to completely call you my own.

So what do you say? Will you be my wife? I won’t rest until I get your answer, so wire me either way, but I hope I'm right in presuming it will be 'yes'. I’m sorry I’ve no ring to give you, so I’m unromantically going to have to ask you to buy your own. Father has an account at Garrards, so please choose whatever you’d like and charge it. It is only a temporary measure. I have my grandmother’s ring back in Long Island, and as soon as I can get it I would be honored if you would wear that.

I will get back to Britain the first chance I have and if you’re agreeable we shall marry there and then. I know I’ll be counting down the days.

Evvy I’m sorry, I have to go. I’m being yelled for and I want to get this off today, as I don’t know when I next have the chance to write. I love you so much sweetheart, and I’ll be here waiting for your wire.

All my love, your fiancé?
Ralph



With an exclamation of “How exciting! You will say ‘yes’ Evvy?” Diana hugged her friend.

“You bet I’ll say yes!” came the joyful reply. “I’m going to wire straight away. Come with me Di? And I need to wire Pops and Cassie, Ralph’s sister. And then, as we’re both finished for today, how would you like to come shopping with me?”

Diana laughed, “Of course I will” as she watched her friend rushing around.

“Wonderful! I’ll see you over there,” Evvy cried making for the door. And with a final excited “I’m going to be Mrs Morgan!” she was gone.


Last edited by Josie on Thu Nov 11, 2004 4:07 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#316:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 3:57 pm


Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

Its so sad a bittersweet, which is why is so fabulous. Thank you Josie

 


#317:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 3:58 pm


Awww...thank you Josie, all lovely and Evvy's so sweet.

 


#318:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 4:13 pm


*sniffling*

I SO want a Ralph. Please, you don't have to kill him, do you Josie??? *hopeful*

 


#319:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 4:36 pm


Jo, stop teasing and get on!!

 


#320:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 4:39 pm


Sorry... Sad

Smiling to herself as she remembered the joy she’d felt at getting engaged all those years ago, Evadne looked down at her left hand, fingering the two rings on her third finger. As a matter of fact she’d been just as happy second time round, though maybe the emotions were slightly different. She’d sold the ring that he had bought her, not long after the war. It had no sentimental meaning; he’d not chosen it and he’d been going to give her his grandmother’s anyway. Cassie had tried a few times to pass that ring on to her, but Evvy had always refused, telling her friend to keep it to give to her own son one day.

She stretched out her legs and then getting up off the bed, walked over to the little sink in the corner of the compartment to get a glass of water. Tweaking back the edge of the curtains, she could see the first signs of the breaking dawn. She looked at her watch; 6am. They’d be arriving in Geneva in around three hours time.

Sitting down on the bed again, shuffling position slightly, she picked up the book.

===

…They’re estimating we should be off rotation in about 3 weeks time, so if there’s any way I can wangle it I’ll get back to Britain then, maybe even get reassigned. I can’t promise, but I’ll do my level best. So make sure you have anything ready just in case!

I’d better get going, we’ve not long been back at base and I’m dying for some sleep.

You take care of yourself sweetheart, and remember that I love you and cannot wait until you are my wife!

Will write again real soon.
Ralph.



Folding up the letter and stuffing it into the little footlocker beside her, Evadne smiled to herself and getting up of the bed, she walked over to the small wardrobe that she shared with Diana and took out the dress. It was very nearly finished, just some hemming to do now. It was just a plain white cotton shift, they hadn’t been able to get their hands on any other material, but it was all she would need and she thought it looked perfect. She’d had pretensions at sewing it herself, but after a week’s worth of derision from her bunkmates at her attempts at needlework, she’d handed it over to Jessie, their resident seamstress whenever they needed one, and that lady had done a beautiful job. Hanging it back up again Evvy checked her watch and sighed. Time for her shift. She could swear she’d only just finished one, but they were short at present, some of the girls having been injured in a recent raid and not yet replaced.

A couple of hours later they were interrupted by a knock at the door and one of the secretaries poked her head around, handing an orange envelope to Lydia who was stood nearby.

“Evvy, it’s for you, want me to open it?”

Evadne, her hands full writing up a new marker, nodded. “Yes please, it’s probably just from Poppa anyway.”

She had turned back to her work and was just pushing the marker into place when a muffled cry of “Oh my God” caused her to turn her head sharply. Seeing the look on her friends face, she turned white and said urgently “What is it? Has something happened to Pops?”

Lydia looked at her, tears forming in her eyes, “No, it’s not your father. Oh god Evvy, I’m so sorry…”

Evvy was out of her chair in an instant, snatching the paper from her friend’s hand, a look of panic on her face. As she read it her remaining colour drained away and the room began to spin. Dropping the wire, she turned and ran into the small toilet leading off the room and they heard her retching violently.

With a hurried “It’s Ralph” to the rest of the room, Lydia followed her with Diana closely behind, and they found her slumped on the toilet floor, her knees hugged to her chest, her whole body trembling. They just made out a murmured “He’s dead” before she turned back to the toilet, retching again.


Thirty minutes later they had managed to get her back to the barracks where she had stopped shaking and was now sat on her bed staring straight ahead with stony, unseeing eyes. She had not uttered a sound since those murmured words in the bathroom, and now she just sat in silence, her fingers toying with the thin gold chain that she always wore hidden under her uniform. Her friends were scared, unsure what to do. They’d tried to get her to speak, but she’d just looked straight through them, and they were afraid to break the calm. Someone had sent for a nurse and they were waiting for her to arrive.

Without warning, Evadne suddenly ripped the necklace from round her neck, snapping the chain, and threw it across the room. Then getting up she walked across to the wardrobe, pulled out her dress and started to tear at it, splitting the seams and wrenching the material as the horrified women looked on. Diana crossed the room to try and stop her, but Evvy shoved her roughly away. Then she suddenly stopped, and clutching the ruined material to her face she sank to her knees and broke into loud, bitter sobs.

 


#321:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 4:47 pm


*crying along with Evvy*

 


#322:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 4:51 pm


Oh god - Evvy! Crying or Very sad

Josie, this is heart-breaking - and even more poignant that you have posted it today of all days ...

Emotive stuff - that's the second time I've had to fight tears today, thanks to you!
(not that I'm complaining, mind)

 


#323:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 4:57 pm


Poor Evvy! Thank you Jo.

 


#324:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 4:58 pm


Josie that was so well written; I've just read the two posts practically back to back and...wow. Very, very well handled and extremely emotive.

Ray *sniffing*

 


#325:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 5:10 pm


Amazing Josie, thank you for writing it.

*Has just blubbed for the first time infront of her new colleagues*

 


#326:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 5:36 pm


Furiously bliking away the tears in my eyes,
Poor poor Evvy Crying or Very sad

 


#327:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 5:50 pm


Thank you Josie.

Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 


#328:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 6:11 pm


I said I wouldn't read this again at work and I'm really glad I didn't!

Thank you Josie.

Sad Sad Sad Sad Sad

 


#329:  Author: karryLocation: Stoke on Trent PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 6:32 pm


Ok, I have just got in from work - for the first time since Monday I have update emails, I am going to Sunday Band practice in 10 minutes; the first update I look at is this - and I am in tears! Josie, this is SO good!

 


#330:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 6:50 pm


Staring with unseeing eyes at the passing scenery, Evadne gazed out of the window of the train as it made it’s way towards the Welsh Borders. It was the last week of April and the countryside was alive with the beauty of Spring.

Almost a week had passed since Cassie’s wire had arrived bearing the dreadful news. The base had held a private memorial service for Ralph, as they did when any of their colleagues or friends lost their lives. Evadne had attended, but had refused to take any active part, sitting like a statue throughout. She had not shed a tear, nor shown any real emotion, since breaking down on that first day, and her friends were starting to become increasingly concerned. She had insisted on continuing to work the very next day, but she was hardly eating or sleeping, and seemed to be in a permanent stupour, a world of her own. Eventually Wing Commander Stephens had stepped in and, in his capacity as C.O. had ordered her on compassionate leave, stating that she held others lives in her hands as she worked, and they couldn’t afford for her not to be one hundred percent on the job.

Not sure where to go, she had first thought of Corney but she was still in Ireland, her father still very ill. She longed to return to her own father, but that was impossible as he was in the States, so she had wired Plas Gwyn and Jack had replied immediately to say that they would expect her on the train the following day.

Now, as he stood on the platform at Armiford station, Jack Maynard was a little apprehensive as to Evadne’s welfare. He had received a wire from Wing Commander Stephens that morning describing her condition, and Jack feared that she was in an even worse way than his own wife had been the previous Christmas following his return. Accordingly he had refused to let Jo come to the station with him, reminding her that her presence could cause Evadne to break down, something that she would hate to do in public. When the train pulled into the station and he watched her disembark he knew he was right in what he had done. The thin, pale woman who came over to greet him was a far cry from the Evadne he had always known. Secretly horrified by the dullness in her eyes and the black shadows beneath them, he simply took her suitcase and kissing her on the cheek asked “Good journey?”

Nodding mutely, but giving him a hint of her familiar smile, she followed him as he led the way out of the station to the car. They sat in silence throughout the journey, Evvy staring blankly out of the window, and Jack not wanting to disturb her train of thought. As he drew the car up in front of Plas Gwyn and switched off the engine, he turned to look at her.

“Evvy, I am so sorry.” He said awkwardly, not sure of what her reaction would be.

She looked at him and smiled thinly, then turning, she opened the door and climbed out. As she walked towards the house the front door flung open, and Joey appeared in the doorway. Evvy looked into the sensitive face, full of sympathy and sorrow, and her resolve finally went. All the emotion that she had been holding in for the last week came to the fore and she collapsed sobbing into her friend’s arms.

May 1st 1943

I can’t write about it. It’s still too raw and runs too deep. But I will say this. We will win this war. We have to, even if it takes years. Then at least he won’t have died in vain.


There are 2 more posts to come. Both will be up in the next couple of hours, for reasons you'll see at the end. Though Rachael pretty much got it.

And I PROMISE there's a happy ending....

 


#331:  Author: pim as guest PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 6:55 pm


bawling bawling bawling bawling bawling bawling

Poor Evvy. Thanks Josie.

 


#332:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 6:55 pm


Crying or Very sad
Crying or Very sad
Crying or Very sad Thanks Josie
Crying or Very sad
Crying or Very sad Liz
Crying or Very sad

 


#333:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 6:56 pm


Wow! My eyes were hardly dry from the last post! Will keep watching the board tonight!

 


#334:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 7:13 pm


That was very, very beautiful - thanks.

 


#335:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 7:20 pm


That was beautiful - thanks Josie. We'll all be watching the board in eager anticipation of the next bit.

 


#336:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 7:34 pm


That was the final entry Evadne had written in the diary, but she knew there was one more thing that she had to read. With shaking hands she turned to the back, and sellotaped to the last page, the tape beginning to peel off with age, was a sealed letter. She had received it about a month after her return to the base from her stay at Plas Gwyn, forwarded on in a parcel from Cassie. At the time she had not been able to open it, the pain of her loss still so raw that she did not think she could bear anything more. She had stuck it to the back of her diary planning to read it when she felt able, but by the time that came round, her diaries were back in her father’s possession and she had not seen them again until just a few days ago.

Now she gently pealed the envelope away from the page, and using her nail file, carefully slit it open, pulling out the folded paper. She could feel the pounding of her heart as she spread the letter flat and looked at the familiar, sprawling script that covered the page:

My Darling Evvy,

First let me say I am hoping with all my heart as I write this that that you will never read it.

So why am I writing it then? Fair question. Remember my buddy Garner, who signed up same time as me? Well, yesterday his plane was shot down and he died. As his lieutenant, I had to write to his wife today and return his possessions, among them a half-finished letter home. He had died with things left unsaid. It’s made me realize that I mustn’t let that happen, that there’s some really important things that I need to say to you that I never did.

Very soon we’ll walk down the aisle and begin our life together, side-by-side forever. It is this thought of the rest of my life I have to look forward to with you that keeps me going during these horrible days, when the human race seems to have gone completely mad.

I could tell you how much I love you, but I think that you already know that I do, with every fiber of my body. I’ve loved you from the very first time I met you, as I stood in the Stork Club with your cocktail running down my face. You stole my heart Evvy, and it’s yours to keep.

Instead I want to tell you why I love you, what it is that makes you the incredible person that I feel so privileged to have in my life.

I love your passion and your spirit, and that fire in your heart and soul, that shines through your eyes and drives you on. I love you for the intense loyalty that you have to your family and friends, so strong that I know you would lay down your life if it prevented someone from hurting them.

I love that you support me unwaveringly in everything I do, that just the sound of your voice can provide a lift in my day, and just being with you makes me want to be the best person I can possibly be.

I love that you are so practical and professional one minute, and then capable of breaking out into the wildest of ideas the next. I love that you can come out with the most outrageous epithets, and then next minute throw your arms around me and comfort me with simple words.

I love that we can spend hours in a coffee house, or walking in a park, or stay up all night, gazing at the stars and talking of our hopes and dreams and never run out of things to say.

You are my soulmate Evvy Lannis. You are everything I ever wanted and needed to make this life complete for me. I want you to know that the years since I met you have been the happiest of my life, and I treasure every moment deep in my heart. You have made me the happiest man in the world, and I will devote the rest of my life to doing whatever I can to return the favor.

But it’s really important for me to know that if I never return from this beastly war, you will not be deprived of that happiness and love.

I know you’ll be thinking it’s easy for me to say this, that I’m not in your position, and in many ways I know you are right. If the shoe were on the other foot I’m not sure how I’d ever be able to move on without you, and part of me hates the idea of you ever loving somebody else. But far more than that I cannot bear the idea of you being lonely or unhappy. You deserve so, so much more.

So how about we do one of our deals? Keep me locked away in a little piece of your heart and send me the key. Then if the opportunity arises open the rest to somebody else, so they can look after you and love you in the way you deserve. Remember, wherever I am I will always be with you. But don’t live for me sweetheart, live for yourself. I will be watching over you and waiting patiently for the day when I can claim you back and unlock that corner of your heart again.

Yours forever,
Ralph.



Evvy sat holding the letter, silent tears streaming down her face. There was a tap at the door and opening it, Joey entered the compartment. Seeing Evadne’s face, she said nothing, but came across the small room and sat down next to her friend, putting her arms around her and hugging her tight. They sat there for a while in silence as Evvy cried away the last of the bitterness that had been stored up in her heart for all these years.

Eventually Evadne sat up, and scrubbing her eyes with her handkerchief, she folded the letter, placing it back in the envelope and tucking it into the diary along with the photograph she’d found just two days ago in Paris.

Jo watched her as she packed the diary into the box and began to close it up. “Will you be okay Evvy?”

Sealing the last bit, Evvy turned to her friend. She thought for a moment and then smiled. “You know Joey, I really think I will be.”

 


#337:  Author: Pim as guest PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 7:37 pm


bawlingbawlingbawlingbawlingbawling

That was such a lovely letter.

 


#338:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 7:53 pm


bawling bawling bawling bawling

Ralph was just amazing. That was so sweet. I will now proceed to wipe away the tears which are streaming down my face. I'm really looking forward to the happy ending, Pim.

 


#339:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:03 pm


Thank you Jo!!!

Even though I'd already read some of it this has had me in tears! Thank you sweetie!

 


#340:  Author: KathyeLocation: Laleham PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:08 pm


The tears are pouring down my face and there is a lump in my throat the size of a golf ball........

Thank you Josie xxxx

 


#341:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:24 pm


Same here, I managed to get through all the other posts, even the one where Evvy hears about Ralph's death, without a problem. But that letter
Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad
bawling bawling bawling bawling
Crying Crying Crying Crying


Thanks Josie.

 


#342:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:25 pm


Looking out of the window as the train pulled slowly into Geneva station, Evadne spied her husband and two youngest stepchildren waiting on the platform; Ned, the eldest, being away at school. She had barely managed to step off the train when the two little girls ran forward and threw themselves on their stepmother, as their father watched on smiling. She put down the box she held in her arms, and gathered in each of them in turn for hugs & kisses, as the porter tried to squeeze round them to collect the party’s luggage. Then, with the children now treating Jo and Hilary to a vociferous greeting, Evvy turned towards her husband and abandoning her dignity, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight.

After a minute, Sir Edgar pulled back and greeting his wife with a kiss, he looked at her tenderly, concerned at her pale face and the dark circles under her eyes.

“How did it go Evvy? You look tired.”

She smiled and squeezed his arm. “I am, but it’s okay. It wasn’t easy saying goodbye, but at least it’s finally done,” she replied wryly, recognising the double meaning to her words. “How’s everything here?”

“Fine, fine. The girls have been unfledged angels for once! In fact they were so good I’m rather worried we’ll uncover some hideous piece of mischief that I’ve overlooked! We’ve all missed you terribly though.”

“We’ve missed you too,” she said quietly, and Edgar smiled down at her, placing a hand over hers as it rested on her belly.

He glanced at the box she had placed down beside her. “What’s in there?”

“Oh, just some memories, that’s all,” came the somewhat wistful reply. Then, looking deep into her husband’s eyes, she added decisively, “Let’s go home.”

And at that, Edgar bent down and picked up the box, tucking it under one arm, and with the other round Evvy’s shoulders they turned and followed the others out of the station.

==

“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old, age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we WILL remember them.”

In memory of all those who died. Thank you.


THE END



Thanks to Kat, Vikki, Rachael, Kathye, and Pim for proofing and to Robin for encouraging me to post it in the first place. And thanks to everyone for reading Very Happy

There will be a sequel....


Last edited by Josie on Thu Nov 11, 2004 9:00 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#343:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:32 pm


That was soooo good. I'm so relieved it had a happy ending and that" Keep me locked away in a little piece of your heart and send me the key. " enables her to go forward in peace.

thank you for a magnificent drabble, Josie

 


#344:  Author: Pim as guest PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:38 pm


Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. That was so sweet. Edgar is so lovely (wonder if I should have one of him...).

Glad Evvy could finally put the past to rest.

Thank you for a lovely drabble Josie Very Happy

 


#345:  Author: aliLocation: medway, kent PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:54 pm


Crying wow, big drippy tears all over the key board, just read the last 5 posts in one go.

We are not worthy that was fantastic, I hope someone nominated it for an award because it gets my vote.

Trumpet hurrah, a sequel, when will the first post arrive?

 


#346:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 9:02 pm


I only have time to read one or two drabbles tonight - but I am so glad I chose to read this one, even if it does mean I'll be going to work with slightly moist eyes.

I think the fact you posted it today makes it even more emotional, but that letter, and the ending......

Thank you Josie.

 


#347:  Author: KimLocation: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 9:32 pm


Josie

just fantastic - Crying or Very sad sitting here with tears dripping down face

given the date it was fantastic timing - and still they die Sad

 


#348:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 10:05 pm


Quote:
“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old, age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we WILL remember them.”

In memory of all those who died. Thank you.


That was amazing. Thankyou.

I actually managed to stay dry-eyed until I got to this very end bit, and even though I have read that quote numerous times, this time it reduced me to tears.

We will indeed remember them.

 


#349:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 10:21 pm


Thank you Josie, lovely, beautiful story, and a perfect ending.

 


#350:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 10:24 pm


*changing quote to msn sig*

Thank you so much Josie - that was truly unbelievable, so poignant, and perfect for today.

 


#351:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 10:33 pm


Crying or Very sad
This drabble has been one hell of a emotional rollacoaster, thankyou so much for writing it. Very glad there will be a sequel!

 


#352:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:02 pm


Thank you Josie; this has been a really, truly fantastic piece of writing. I've laughed, I've cried and I think I've hit all points in between, too.

Ray * We are not worthy We are not worthy We are not worthy *

 


#353:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:12 pm


Thanks Josie. That was absolutely fantastic.

 


#354:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:38 pm


Gosh, erm, thank you Embarassed Embarassed

ali wrote:
Trumpet hurrah, a sequel, when will the first post arrive?


Ali - think I need a stiff drink first after that!! Very Happy Wink

 


#355:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:48 pm


Josie, this is an incredible piece of writing. Thank you!

*also looking forward to the sequel!*

 


#356:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:50 pm


Josie, that was incredible - like Lesley, I was fine until I got to the letter, then bawling

 


#357:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 12:46 am


Josie - I really don't know what to say - I don't think any piece of writing on here has moved me as much as this has

 


#358:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 1:51 am


Josie that was wonderful. I managed to stay steely and dry eyed. Until I got to the reading of the quote from For the Fallen. Now I am very weepy and very impressed.

Thank you

 


#359:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 4:36 am


Joins in with all the Crying or Very sad and commendations.
In usual numb-when-you-first-hear-it fashion, I lasted until the letter.
Magnificent piece of work, Josie!
*sniffles*

 


#360:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 6:17 am


Josie, thanks for this one - I read it all in one go today and ran out of tissues halfway through the third-last post.

Do, please, write a sequel!

 


#361:  Author: Sarah_G-GLocation: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time! PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 11:03 am


Amazing. Thank you.

 


#362:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 11:18 am


That was amazing Josie, thank you. Such a priviledge to read.

Hurrah for a sequel Very Happy

 


#363:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 12:29 pm


wow.
that was amazing, thanks Josie.
There was a definite lump in my throat when I read that letter.

Can't wait for a sequel - at least it can't be quite so sad!

 


#364:  Author: JoeyLocation: Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 1:05 pm


Jo, that was amazing.

I had to run out of the office just now - since I'm the boss and all the staff are male I don't like crying in front of them!

Looking forward to the sequel. It won't be such a rollercoaster, will it?

 


#365:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 1:53 pm


I feel so privileged to have acted as proof reader for you Jo, and to see it develop in the way it has, was a treat I'd never have passed up on. This drabble has expressed emotions as so few others have done for me. Thank you so so much for writing it.

 


#366:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 5:10 pm


That was wonderful Jo, no tears (luckily as I'm at work), but definitely a lump in my throat.

*patiently waits for the further adventures of Evvy*

JackieJ

 


#367:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 9:47 pm


Thanks Josie. That was sad and lovely and heartbreaking and wonderful all at the same time.

Liz

 


#368:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 9:57 pm


Josie, thank you for such a beautiful drabble. And the last installment posted on Armistice Day - so very apt.

I'm so glad Ralph wrote that letter. It was just dreadful to know how loving he was, and that he was torn away from Evvy. But at least he did manage to say the most important things. And she had his blessing to go out and find love again, eventually.

You know something? I'm glad EBD didn't write this - she couldn't possibly have done it more effectively than you did.

Thank you.

 


#369:  Author: keren PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 11:22 am


I havent read the end yet, as I am at work, and nearly got there and had to turn it off, before bursting into tears!!

did you post these parts on 11/11 on purpose.

If it is a remembrance day, it makes it more significant when we are thingking of something real

 


#370:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 11:40 am


Josie. Thank you. That was beautiful, and so so sad.

 


#371:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 4:22 pm


Josie that was so beautiful, thank you.

Can't wait for the sequel!

 


#372:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 9:58 pm


Wow. Thanks for some really, really kind words people. Embarassed I'm really glad you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it, despite it being tough at times (I was briefly tempted (and petitioned by a few of you!) not to kill Ralph off and make it a happy ending!! Wink )

My head has been somewhat consumed with Evvy over recent weeks, so silly as it may sound it needs a break, but for those who've asked, the sequel will be started before Xmas.

And Keren, yes it was deliberate to finish it on 11/11, though not at the very beginning. But once we got nearer the date it just seemed fitting. Very Happy


ETA: despite Kat's attempts, happy ending won't happen...well it will, but wil Edgar instead!


Last edited by Josie on Sun Nov 14, 2004 11:16 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#373:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:47 pm


*Urges Jo on to hurry up with the sequel*

Why not do an alternative - do the drabble with Ralph surviving? *Eagerly awaits both new drabbles* yay!

 


#374:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:54 pm


*seconds Kat's idea* Laughing

Liz

 


#375:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:59 pm


*curses you both and wishes had kept big mouth shut!!*

Wink

 


#376:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:59 pm


*Thirds Kat's idea* Very Happy

Gotta admire that good twin of mine... but for goodness sake dont tell her I've nicked her log in, she gets really testy about it for some reason? Question

Ella

By the way Josie, it's a bit late for that now. Honestly, CS girls these days, they just dont have the bloomin brains... Evil or Very Mad

 


#377:  Author: RebeccaLocation: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 5:32 pm


I've just read the last few posts on this and - WOW! Thank you so much for writing this, and I'm really looking forward to the sequel

(BTW, any Ralph clones left? Wink )

 


#378:  Author: ellendLocation: Bow, London PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 11:02 pm


Josie that was wonderful.

The last few posts reduced me to tears, and the final quote was just so appropriate.

You managed the three different time threads brilliantly. I'm sure it's not as easy as you made it look.


Thanks


Ellen

 


#379:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 11:44 am


So sorry I missed this last week, Josie - it's been superlative from beginning to end- congratulations!

Ralph's letter was completely perfect and exactly what Evvy needed to find her closure ...

Sensitively written and perfectly timed for Rememberance Day - that last quote left me choked

Thank you

 


#380:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 2:14 pm


Just wow, am speechless and sitting here with goosebumps runing up and down my spine...only the fact i'm in the searchroom with thte public in has stopped the tears...

Look forward to seeing the sequel.

 


#381:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 11:30 am


Thanks for this Josie, I was so emotional I had to stop reading it and have only just managed to get back to it. Wonderful piece of writing. Despite the tears and emotion I enjoyed it very much.

 


#382:  Author: MihiriLocation: surrey england PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 1:23 pm


Thank you Josie, I started it last night and finished it this morning. It moved me to tears so many times.

I look forward to the sequel

 


#383:  Author: jaceyLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 3:09 pm


Thanks Josie.
Crying or Very sad

 


#384:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 3:06 am


Josie,

THANK YOU FOR THE BEST DRABBLE I'VE READ ON THIS BOARD.

The poem at the end spooked me out a bit. It's the second time I've come across that particular extract this week. I loved it so much the first time I read it that I actually memorised it. Couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it closing your drabble.

Absolutely perfect.

Perhaps the sequel could bring Ralph ( the pet ) back like Jack and give us an alternative life for Evvy?

 


#385:  Author: JustJenLocation: waiting for a bus PostPosted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 8:14 pm


sniff, sniff I'm sitting here bawling my eyes right now

 




The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles


output generated using printer-friendly topic mod, All times are GMT

Page 1 of 1

Powered by phpBB 2.0.6 © 2001,2002 phpBB Group