You Both Need A Break!

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The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles

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#1601:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 1:16 pm

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Wow... just caught up on this

Looking forward to RCS 5, Lesley - just as soon as you've wrapped up the Australian end of things!

 

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#1602:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 4:21 pm

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Lovely scenes! I think the girls were rather brave to stand up there with guns pointed at them, even with the SAS lying in wait. What if one of the nasties had been trigger happy?

I loved PR in that. Can just imagine her saying that!

Now for Australia.

 

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#1603:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 7:08 pm

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Australia

The first of the four to awaken was Jo; it took her some time to realise that she was awake because it was completely black, there was no light. She raised her head from Jack’s shoulder, he was still sleeping sweetly, and rummaged around to find her bag. Inside her questing fingers discovered her lighter and she flicked it on, allowing a small prayer that she had not been able to give up smoking. She looked around, the four of them were still in Jem’s car, Jem and Madge in the front, Jack and herself in the back, but the car had obviously been moved. Joey held the lighter out of the window.

“We’re inside a lorry or van,” she said, in some surprise. Her voice seemed to waken Jack and he sat up, blearily eyed. A short time later the other two were also awake. The four fell to discussing what had happened.

“Whoever has done this,” Jem said quickly, “They seem to draw the line at actually harming us. I mean, we could have been shot with real bullets, rather than tranquilliser darts.”

“And they want us to be somewhere,” Madge said practically, “I mean this lorry is taking us somewhere.”

“We’ve been unconscious for almost three hours,” Jack said, his arm around Joey, “Wherever they are taking us isn’t local, or at least,” he qualified, “Isn’t in Melbourne.”

The men had tried, without success, to open the car doors, but the car fit so snugly in the back of the lorry there wasn’t enough room to squeeze out. They were resigned to waiting. They had also tried to call for help, but had found that their mobile phones had been removed, although everything else had been left.

“I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see,” Jack said eventually, reining in his temper, “At least we’re all together.” Joey snuggled into his side while, in the front, Jem placed an arm around Madge’s shoulder. They waited.

Scotland

The soldiers were very quick at locating both women; after feeling the cuffs around her wrists snapped free, Hilda Annersley was helped to her feet by a rather embarrassed SAS man, she smiled slightly at him, increasing his discomfort. Walking over to where the Princess Royal stood, next to an SAS Colonel, she looked round for her friend. Seconds later a very white faced Nell Wilson appeared. Hilda went to meet her.

“Nell, are you alright?” the voice was very gentle, as Hilda could see that Nell was close to reliving her ordeal with Janet McRae, she placed an arm around her friend’s shoulder.

Nell swallowed a few times, and her colour returned, she reached up to hold Hilda’s hand, “I am now,” she said, a little shakily, “I was not expecting that last bit!”

They had reached the Princess by now, she looked across at both of them worriedly, “Are either of you hurt?” she asked, “It didn’t occur to me that you would be treated like that, I am sorry.”

The Colonel attempted to rally at this point, “Ma’am, in fairness, my men have to work in extremely hazardous conditions, they do not have the time to ascertain someone’s identity until after the exercise is complete.”

Hilda and Nell both looked at him and it seemed to the Princess that even this battle hardened soldier winced at the twin regard, he swallowed slightly, “My apologies, ladies,” he said very formally.

Both women continued staring for a few seconds before nodding acceptance. The Colonel stiffened and saluted the Princess before moving off to deal with his prisoners. The Princess Royal smiled across at the two, Hilda and Nell, reminded by the salute from the soldier, both sank into formal curtsies before her. Anne reached across and placed a hand on each woman’s shoulder, “Save that for the Queen,” she said softly, “I don’t need it, especially not from you two!”

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Jul 24, 2004 7:13 am; edited 3 times in total

 

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#1604:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 7:48 pm

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Aww. Isn't she lovely? Now I remember why I'm a royalist!

And woohoo! It's the weekend! Lots of time for lots of drabble...

 

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#1605:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 8:16 pm

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Lesley please, please take pity on me and post as much as you can tonight.

That was lovely.

 

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#1606:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:28 pm

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Ah! Now I remember why, not exactly a royalist, I've always had a soft spot for the PR. I always felt sorry for her as the 'spare' rather than the 'heir' she didn't get the chance to do her own thing!

Hooray for Lesley.

*wibbles about the Russell/Maynard quartette*

*Expresses total faith in Lesley's genius in bringing this to a happy conclusion*

*Crosses all relevant body parts*

PS that does include eyes and legs which could cause some strange looks in Asda tomorrow , not to mention the difficulties in driving

 

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#1607:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:14 pm

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I met Anne 20 odd years ago when she visited an RAF base. Not presented but spoke to her in a walk about. She was lovely then.

 

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#1608:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:27 pm

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Especiallyu since there are those who argue that Queen Anne II would bea much better monarch than Charles III...

More lesley! Bring HM on!!

 

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#1609:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:39 pm

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Lisa_T wrote:

Especiallyu since there are those who argue that Queen Anne II would bea much better monarch than Charles III...

LOL! Could be more interesting!

 

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#1610:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:45 pm

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Always liked/admired the PR!

Both women stood up again smiling, before they could say anything there was a commotion over by the car park as a landrover appeared. Looking across there, with the power now restored and all the external lighting switched on, they saw a group of three girls being restrained from entering the compound by a soldier. The Princess looked from the girls and then back at Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson,

“Are they yours?” she asked softly, on receiving their nods she called across, “Let them through!”

Alison, Louise and Carol, on hearing the command, ducked under the soldier’s restraining arm and ran across to where Hilda and Nell waited. It was probably a good thing that Nell Wilson was a strong woman, as all three of them leapt on her at the same time, and she only just managed to stop herself being pushed over.

“Didn’t believe you could be dead, knew Hilda was right!” This from Alison as she quickly kissed Nell’s cheek. As soon as they’d finished greeting her they turned to Hilda and the Head had to fend them off so that she wasn’t overwhelmed by all three at the same time!

As they finished greeting Hilda, and Hilda was asking what had happened at the camp, an amused voice next to them spoke,

“I gather these are the ones that posed as college kids in the camp, Miss Annersley? Are they pupils of yours?”

Hilda smiled, her arm still around Carol’s shoulders, “Pupils yes, Ma’am, but they are also our family.”

The three girls, suddenly realising who was speaking, all curtsied to the Princess, she smiled, “Thank you, girls.” She looked across at Hilda and Nell before continuing, “I’m very impressed, I had thought that a proper curtsey was no longer taught in schools.”

“Ours is a rather specialised school, ma’am!” Nell replied, her face expressionless apart from a gleam in her eyes.

The next few hours were spent in formality. Very early on, a soldier brought a mobile phone to the Princess with the news that someone wanted to speak to her. When the group from the Real Chalet School tried to withdraw she signalled that they remain. They were therefore able to hear the Princess speak to the caller. No names were mentioned, but it was not difficult to guess the identity of the caller given that the Princess finished her conversation with the following, “Yes Ma’am, I’ll tell them!”

The Princess Royal turned to the group in front of her, “Her Majesty has asked me to pass on her sincere thanks,” she said simply. Before the group could react another landrover appeared and a man in his early fifties stepped out. On seeing him the Princess smiled widely, “You’ll excuse me, everyone,” she said quickly, “And once again, thank you!” She turned and ran toward the man, Rear Admiral Tim Lawrence, her husband.

There were a number of interviews to be given, both to the Police and the Army. Both Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson had to give formal statements and were questioned by a number of different people about their impressions on all that had happened. In addition the friends managed to hear about what had happened to the girls and were introduced to Andrew and the two friends he had persuaded to come with him on the Friday. They watched as a number of military helicopters landed and the prisoners were all taken to the nearest military stockade, to await trial and imprisonment. It was with some satisfaction that Hilda and Nell saw that two of the prisoners requiring medical help were Holland and Gilmour! Then there was a soft footfall behind them and Hilda Annersley turned to see the Sergeant.

“So your 90 minutes of arguments on Friday have proven to be correct, Miss Annersley?” he smiled.

Hilda smiled back, holding out her hand, “My thanks for all that you did, Sergeant,” she said softly.

The Sergeant shook Hilda’s hand then turned as Nell walked up, “Miss Wilson? You are looking a great deal better than the last time I saw you!”

Nell laughed, “Well as you thought I was dead then, that’s not too difficult!” She also held out a hand, “Thanks for believing Hilda, I know it must have seemed incredible.”

“Not so incredible as listening to your friend argue for 90 minutes,” he said with a smile, “She was very persuasive!” He turned to go and Hilda called after him,

“Sergeant? I don’t even know your name!”

The man smiled, “It’s Nick, ma'am, Nick Hamilton. And I'm no longer a Sergeant, seems I have the rank of Inspector now, with a post as part of the Princess Royal's bodyguard. There was a vacancy, so I understand!" He nodded before leaving.

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Jul 24, 2004 7:25 am; edited 2 times in total

 

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#1611:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:51 pm

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That was really nice! lovely to see them all together again. But surely this doesn't mean you're starting to collectg the loose threads....?!

 

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#1612:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:52 pm

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Nice! Thank you Lesley.

 

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#1613:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:56 pm

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This is going to finish while I'm away isn't it!

 

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#1614:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:59 pm

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Well it's possible, Carolyn, I mean they've only got another five days till they fly back to Oz! There again, the last 24 hours has taken up more than 25,000 words!

 

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#1615:  Author: Dot, Location: Ireland Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 11:03 pm

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Great stuff, Lesley! What's your word total?

 

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#1616:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 11:10 pm

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For this one? 76,512.....and counting!

 

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#1617:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 11:18 pm

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RCS was well over 100,000 wasn't it?

 

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#1618:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 11:33 pm

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Yep, RCS over 107,000 words and Surfeit over 110,000 words.

However time-wise - RCS covered about 18 months while Surfeit 10 weeks, and this one, so far, 16 days!

 

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#1619:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 12:37 am

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Gem wrote:

Vikki wrote: Gem wrote: You don't consider yourself to be one of the lunatics then Vikki? Of course I am not! I am perfectly sane, with no schizophrenic tendencies whatsoever! Denial's a wonderful thing, isn't it, Vikki?

Ooooh! You little horror!!!! Just you wait til the Summer Gathering!!!!!!



Thanks for more great story Lesley!!! Looking forward to the next bits!

 

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#1620:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 12:41 am

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Absolutely fantastic as usual, Lesley.

I can't wait for the next bit and for RCS 5 - where would we be without all the cliffs to hang off

 

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#1621:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 12:47 am

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Oh! I almost forgot!
Lesley, Rosie asked me to ask you if Louise and Andrew had, erm, shall we say, consumated their relationship yet? (her exact words were "Have they done it yet?")
She's dying to know but was too shy to ask you herself........







*wonders how far away to run and hide when Rosie sees this......*

 

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#1622:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 3:45 am

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LOL at Vikki! Are you sure thayt it was Rosie who wanted to know?
Thanks Lesley, wonderful, even though I'm not a royalist - I would like to see Nell & Hilda meet the queen though (hint hint)
It does seem sadly, that this may be drawing to an end, although there still appears to be quite a few threads to tie up in Australia, but I'm looking forward to V, and VI, and VII etc, etc.

 

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#1623:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 3:56 am

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*shakes head over Vikki & Rosie*
(apologizes to R if she's been slandered)

*hopes Nell's nightmares don't recur*

*is enjoying Hilda & Nell's victory, and looks forward to seeing the Australian foursomes do (almost) as well.*

 

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#1624:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 11:01 am

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Vikki wrote:

Ooooh! You little horror!!!! Just you wait til the Summer Gathering!!!!!!

*looks desperately for someone to hide behind*

Rosie, don't worry, I was wondering the same thing!! What can I say, I have a gutter mind

Girls and Hilda and Nell are safe *sigh of relief*

Thank you, Lesley!

 

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#1625:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 11:46 am

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Lesley, have you been practising on a roller-coaster? My heart was in my mouth then.

 

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#1626:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 1:52 pm

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Nothing to add - but this was getting dangerouslly close to the bottom of the page.

 

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#1627:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 2:19 pm

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Is that a subtle variation on the normal nagging techniques, Ellie?

 

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#1628:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 5:53 pm

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Ellie wrote:

LOL at Vikki! Are you sure thayt it was Rosie who wanted to know?

It was definitely Rosie's question, although, I somehow don't think she was intending for me to name her when I asked it........

 

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#1629:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 6:04 pm

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Vikki, Rosie, that's not the type of question someone of delicate breeding either asks or answers!

Australia

Ruth Derwent looked again around the room where she, along with the other three from the Real Chalet School and the four diving instructors, had spent the last few hours. It actually appeared to be some sort of warehouse, there were a few boxes and packing cases on the floor, some of which had the words Barker Industries inscribed on the side. An indication of the person responsible for their abduction. ‘Problem is,’ Ruth thought, ‘We’ve no idea where we are!’

Her mind went back to the scene in the bar, the group had become very excited, they had retrieved a great deal of information, about the yacht itself, the crew, the passengers and about Max Barker, the Industrialist who had died when his yacht sank. They had thought themselves close to solving the mystery. Then those men had appeared, all very smartly dressed, all very polite and all carrying guns. They had forced the eight outside and into a black minibus, without windows, as each person had entered the bus they had relieved them of all phones, computer equipment, everything. A long drive ensued, with the men driving the bus completely ignoring all questions and demands thrown at them. The bus had driven into this warehouse and the eight were ordered out, and they had been here ever since.

Ruth looked across at the two exits, both of them were guarded by two men, and the men had shown themselves to be extremely professional, repulsing the attempt the four men had made to escape with only the minimum force. After that Ruth had insisted that they not attempt escape again, but just wait. It was obvious that they were being held for a reason, and that, at the moment at least, they were not going to be hurt. Indeed, so long as they stayed within sight, and in the centre of the warehouse, the men ignored them.

A sudden commotion outside attracted their attention as the door was flung open and four more people forced, at gunpoint, to enter the warehouse. The four from the Real Chalet School all immediately recognised the Russells and Maynards. They scarcely had a chance to speak however, as they were followed in by a number of men. The prisoners were all ordered to sit down, a command that had to be reinforced by a show of weaponry when it seemed that Jack Maynard wanted to argue! Once everyone was seated another man entered the room.

The man was aged about fifty, brown hair streaked with grey. He was dressed in an expensive and well-cut suit. He looked as though he was worth a great deal of money. He looked at the people sat in front of him.

“You were warned to stop looking into the affair of the yacht sinking,” he said quickly, “You chose to continue your investigation. Because of that your fate has been sealed.”

Madge Russell, shaking off Jem’s restraining arm, stood up, “You should know that threats will not work,” she said, and her voice was cold and steady, “Whatever you are trying to hide, we will discover it.”

The man looked over at the woman, and then allowed his gaze to travel over the rest of the group, “I thought that might be your answer,” he said, with a certain amount of reluctant admiration, “So I will have to ensure that you are not in a position to continue interfering!”

 

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#1630:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 6:23 pm

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Lesley wrote:

Vikki, Rosie, that's not the type of question someone of delicate breeding either asks or answers!

Well, Lesley my love, I don't know that any of us could be described as being 'of delicate breeding'!


And "WIBBLE" at the latest development!!!!!!

 

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#1631:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 6:45 pm

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*does NOT like the sound of Mr. Barker Enterprises*

And Vikki -- it's only their second date! Or third, if you count the original encounter. (I realize the circumstances are sufficient for EBD to have them engaged, but really!)

 

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#1632:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 7:17 pm

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I do not like the way this is going right now...

*wibbles quietly in the corner*

 

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#1633:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 8:09 pm

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There was a shocked silence from the group, all of them taking in the men standing around the walls of the warehouse, all armed. Without anything needing to be said, the rest of the group rose to stand with Madge Russell. The tension in the group almost palpable, as they awaited the next move. When it came, it was somewhat of a surprise. There was a quiet knock on the door, so quiet that it was only just heard. The man in charge glared at the guard by the door, “Get rid of them, whoever it is!” he ordered sharply.

“He cannot do that Martin,” the voice was a surprise, it was the voice of an elderly woman, she walked in to the warehouse, the guard having opened the door wide at her whispered command. She stood just inside the door, looking across at the man. She was in her mid seventies, fairly thin but still spry, her hair greying but styled well. Her light blue eyes swept around the group before turning back to the man. “They all know that I still haven’t relinquished total control of the company yet, Martin.” she said with a smile, “So I’m still effectively paying their wages!”

The man in the suit gulped slightly, “Mother,” he said faintly, “I was trying to do this without having to worry you.”

The older woman smiled and walked across to touch her son on the cheek affectionately, “I know you were, son,” she said, “But you were going about it the wrong way!”

Scotland

By the time all the formalities were over it was close to eleven am, as all the soldiers, police, dignitaries and others began to leave the mine Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson looked to see how they were to return to their cottage. A policeman offered the use of one of the police landrovers and they all piled in. Hilda and Nell greeted again Andrew St John and spoke to his two friends. Hearing that they had driven from Cambridge to Nottingham as soon as the police had given the girls the story. They had then all travelled up to Scotland in Andrew’s 4x4, and been given their tasks by Sergeant Hamilton.

“Didn’t you see them, Hilda?” Nell asked, confused that they had not met up with her friend.

Hilda shook her head, “By the time they got to Pitlochry it was dark, I couldn’t be seen there, Holland might have had watchers out, so I stayed at the Sergeant’s house until dark, his sister looked after me. Then we travelled up toward the mine, ready for Holland to catch me early the following morning!”

By the time the police landrover had reached Pitlochry it was after one pm and everyone was extremely hungry. They stopped of in a local pub for a meal before going back to the cottage. Once there the three from Cambridge had to leave immediately, to ensure they were back in time for their classes the following day. As they were leaving Hilda and Nell saw Louise’s face cloud over. Once the boys had disappeared Hilda went to comfort her, Nell stopped her, “My turn, Hilda,” she said softly.

Nell stepped up to stand next to Louise, “Alright Louise?” she said with a slight smile,

Louise shook herself, “Yes, thanks,” she smiled a little ruefully, “Just not how I’d hoped to be spending the weekend!”

“Agreed,” Nell said drily, “I’ve spent far pleasanter days!”

Louise reddened slightly, “Oh, I’m sorry Miss Wilson, I mean Nell, I didn’t mean that the way it sounded!”

Nell laughed, “I know! Now, about your young man, we’ll be back in Nottingham tomorrow or Tuesday for a couple of days, can’t he come visiting then? It’s not far.”

Louise nodded, “Yes, perhaps he can. I’ll phone him later tonight. Thanks.”

The rest of the day was spent very quietly, no one had had much sleep the night before and everyone was still a little subdued by all that had happened over the last few days, therefore it was a light meal and early bed. The cottage had three bedrooms and Hilda and Nell insisted that the girls have two between them, moving their belongings into one room. Everyone was asleep before ten pm. It was around 2am that Hilda awoke and realised she was alone in the room, she made her way downstairs and saw that the back door was open. Just outside stood Nell.

“Nell, 2am on an October morning is not recommended in Scotland,” her voice low and quiet,

Nell turned around slightly, not really surprised to see her partner there, “Just wanted to check they were there, Hilda,” she replied, “Sort of missed seeing them over the last four nights,” she indicated the stars, bright and numerous in the black sky.

Hilda walked over to stand beside her friend and placed an arm around her shoulders, they stood there for a few minutes, then, “Nell, have you got this out of your system yet? Only I’d really rather I didn’t start next term with pneumonia!”

“Hilda Annersley you have no soul!”

“No, Nell, and no fingers or toes if we stay here much longer!”

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Jul 25, 2004 12:27 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#1634:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 8:32 pm

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Aww, Hilda and Nell are lovely. But who on earth is the little old lady? Not EBD or anything nasty... her sister out for revenge? Er...I really can't think of anything!

Oh! I got a star! Wowee!

 

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#1635:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 8:46 pm

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Woohhhooo Thanks Lesley....

Sits in a corner to wait in "Hope" there might be more tonight

 

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#1636:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 9:03 pm

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Relative of Mateys? What's 'er name's kids? Thekla?! Betty Wynne Davies? *frantically running out of ideas*
*realises it doesn't matter*

and at the idea of either Vikki or Rosie being of delicate breeding. We all know what Vikki's mind is like, and Rosie's favourite responses to any given question/ statement is either "I'm hungry" or "Kick it!"

 

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#1637:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 9:32 pm

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How about she's the female survivor of the yacht wreck?

 

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#1638:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 9:57 pm

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I didn't think there was any doubt of that! I'm just trying to work out if she has any CS connections!

 

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#1639:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 10:20 pm

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Having sworn never to try and guess what Lesley is thinking, I'm doing it again!

"In her 70's". It's now 2004

Aahh! that means possibly anyone at school from around 1935 - 1960 (rather ish).

I give up

 

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#1640:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 11:03 pm

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Seeing as I can never guess who's involved in whatnot in Lesley's fics, I'm simply going to chant for MORE!!! *ducks object that is likely to be thrown by Lesley since she's just provided us with two luffly updates and probably did not intend to write any more tonight*

I know I've said this a hundred times before, but I love your Hilda and Nell. They're wonderflul

 

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#1641:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 12:15 am

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I have visions of the little old lady looking like that woman out of the titanic!
wondering who she could be : there has to be a CS connection in there somewhere!

 

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#1642:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 12:34 am

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Old Rose you mean? Oh Sugar, she was lovely, and I bet you that this woman is anything but!!!

 

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#1643:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 7:15 am

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There has to be some CS connection, doesn't there?

More please, Lesley!

 

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#1644:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 11:46 am

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Lesley I can see you lurking! Please can we have some more?

And I imagine the little old lady to look like the woman from the Tesco advert...I really must stop watching so much television..

 

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#1645:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 12:25 pm

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You mean Prunella Scales? Of Fawlty Towers fame?

Next bit only a little, more later!

Australia

The woman turned to face the group in the centre of the warehouse, “I have only just discovered what has been happening,” she said softly, speaking directly to Madge Russell and Ruth Derwent.

“And do you approve?” Joey Maynard’s voice was rather harsh, however she could be forgiven, it was not that long since her ordeal with Janet McRae.

The woman shook her head, “I do not, Mrs Maynard,” she said firmly, “And yes, I have learnt all of your names, and your professions. Mrs Russell, you have begun a sizeable empire.”

Madge inclined her head, “And is it your intention to destroy that?” she asked.

“It is not,” the woman settled herself in a chair brought to her by one of the guards, she looked around, “Find seats for our guests!” she ordered. There were a few minutes delay while a number of the guards disappeared to return carrying deck chairs. The party noted though that not all the guards moved, and that they were still armed. The woman saw the glances and smiled slightly, “Yes, at the moment you are still prisoners,” she said lightly, “However I hope that will only be a temporary measure, that you will be released soon.”

The groups from the Real Chalet School and the Diving School all warily took the seats offered. There was a short silence than Ruth spoke, “You know all of us,” she said, “Then might we know your name?”

The woman smiled slightly, “Of course,” she said, “My name is Irene Jackson, you might know me better as Irene Barker, granddaughter of the owner of the yacht you were diving to yesterday.”

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Jul 25, 2004 3:01 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#1646:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 12:37 pm

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Oooh. But still; why, how and whodunnit?

And yes, I did mean her - sweet looking on the outside and potentially evil on the inside!

 

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#1647:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 1:23 pm

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*gulps*

Right then... Well, at least she doesn't seem TOO evil - I hope!!!

Laura, have you never seen Fawlty Towers? Believe me, after you've seen her as Sybil, there's no thought of evil-ness - I think she's adorable! *g*

 

---

#1648:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 2:28 pm

---

I never realised it was the same woman until now! (super-observant, me...)

But if she isn't evil: a) Why is she involved in the Real CS at all?!
b) Why is she holding them hostage in a warehouse (always a bad sign)
and c) What on earth is she hiding
oh, and d) What was the implication when she said "But you're going about it in entirely the wrong way..."

So..either she's going to get them to help her, or she's going to use something against them? Agh. I don't know.

 

---

#1649:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 4:33 pm

---

I've no idea, Laura *g* - you're far more observant than I (than me? Where's Hilda when you need her?) when it comes to Lesley's updates! I'm just grasping the fact that she called them guests and that she hopes they'll be released soon. Basically, I'm just trusting in Lesley to keep them safe *hoping desperately* Your point a) seems to sum up everything most accurately *bites nails*

ETA: this post doesn't appear to make a great deal of sense - hopefully you'll figure out what I mean anyway!!

 

---

#1650:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 5:50 pm

---

I'm glad the guns aren't pointing at the RCS people at the moment!

*thankful for small mercies*

 

---

#1651:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 8:21 pm

---

Lisa_T wrote:

Old Rose you mean? Oh Sugar, she was lovely, and I bet you that this woman is anything but!!!

Yes I must admit she is bound to have a not so nice side to her - shes one of Lesleys "baddies" after all Or at least I think she is ???

 

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#1652:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 8:37 pm

---

Hmmm - Maybe it was her grandfather that was the baddy, and she blew up the ship to save the world, oe something. Or maybe not.

 

---

#1653:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 8:53 pm

---

I have just caught up on a week's worth of RCS and have only this to say:

"thankyoulesleyratbagpleasemaywehavesomemore
-andtherestofyoulotareallmadanddidimentionthatthisisbrilliant?"

*gasps for breath*

EDITED TO STOP IT STRETCHING THE SCREEN

Last edited by Xanthe on Sun Jul 25, 2004 9:21 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

---

#1654:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 9:16 pm

---

Want me to call you an ambulance Xan?

 

---

#1655:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 9:21 pm

---

Vikki wrote:

Want me to call you an ambulance Xan?

let me think... erm, no!

 

---

#1656:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 9:32 pm

---

No, Xanthe would MUCH prefer Matey, I'm sure *g*

PatMac wrote:

I'm glad the guns aren't pointing at the RCS people at the moment! *thankful for small mercies*

*wonders if PatMac has not realised that stating this is a surefire way to make sure that in next part said guns will almost certainly be pointing at RCS people*

 

---

#1657:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 10:25 pm

---

Thank you Gem!

*clutching at straws*

 

---

#1658:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 10:27 pm

---

Gem wrote:

No, Xanthe would MUCH prefer Matey, I'm sure *g*

Thanks... thanks a lot...

*goes to look for "the list"*

 

---

#1659:  Author: MoominPapa, Location: West London Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 10:40 pm

---

Xanthe wrote:

*goes to look for "the list"*

NO NO not "THE LIST", anything but "THE LIST"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

---

#1660:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 10:41 pm

---

Oh dear... do I want to know what "the list" is? It sounds ominous.

Sorry, PatMac, but I'll bet it does happen! Just reassure yourself that Lesley loves these characters as much as we do and would never hurt them...

On second thoughts, maybe I'll just join you in clutching at straws

ETA: MoominPapa, please tell me what "the list" is! I'm getting scared!

 

---

#1661:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 10:46 pm

---

Opps

Sorry that was me not Darren, forgot he was still logged on !!



Sorry

 

---

#1662:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 11:07 pm

---

Her son objected, “Mother, we’ve no need to tell them.”

Irene Jackson looked over at her son, “Yes we do, Martin, can you not recognise the type of people they are? They will not be intimidated, they will continue searching.” She looked across at Madge Russell again, “You have faced extreme opposition before, haven’t you? I can recognise it in your eyes.”

Madge nodded slowly, “Yes, both to myself and to my School. At the time I did very little to resist, but two employees of mine inspired the entire School to rebel. I vowed that when I set up my new business I would follow their example.”

The woman nodded, “I hope you still have those two on your payroll,” she remarked.

Madge nodded, “I have, and I also have four of their protégés right here with me.” She indicated the four RCS mistresses.

The old woman nodded once more, thoughtfully. “I see, then you will not allow this to rest?”

Madge shook her head.

The woman sighed, “It’s what to tell you, whether you will understand, you see the time it all happened, 1943, is so remote now, more than sixty years ago.”

Ruth leaned forward, “I think you’ll be surprised at how much we can visualise the time, Mrs Jackson. Would it help if we told you that we know who was responsible for sinking your grandfather’s yacht?”

Irene Jackson looked across in some shock, “You cannot possibly know that!” she said quickly, “There’s no evidence!”

“There’s no evidence now,” Rosalind said, “But we all saw that the man in the engine room was in a wheelchair, and in all the obituaries of the time, retrieved from microfiche, it was mentioned that your grandfather had suffered severely from polio.”

Mark spoke then, “Also, in the plans for the yacht, there were a number of lifts, designed to allow wheelchair access to all parts of the ship.”

Ruth spoke again, “When we worked that out, we wondered what on Earth could cause a man to kill himself, 18 special guests and 9 crew.”

“Except there wasn’t nine crew,” this from Danny, “The Port records go back that far, and they have two very strange details, firstly that all nine crew hired were Phillipinos, illegal immigrants, and second that the Captain had recently bought a small motor launch that he had roped to the yacht. He didn’t use it to escape, and it didn’t sink, instead we think all 9 of those crew used it to leave the yacht before the explosion, probably with enough money to buy themselves citizenship, so they’d keep quiet about the night.”

Irene Jackson looked somewhat shocked at the information she had been given, “H-h-how did you get this information?” she said faintly.

“We have exceptionally good computer equipment, Mrs Jackson,” Madge replied, “And extremely good Staff, able to retrieve information.”

“At least we did,” Kathie Ferrars had remained silent until now, but at this she responded, “Before your goons stole it all!”

Irene Jackson looked at her son, “Not stolen, mother, confiscated. It would have been returned.” Martin Jackson said quickly.

The woman stood up and paced slowly up and down in front of the party, eventually she returned to her seat, “I was unaware of exactly how much you did know,” she said quickly, “That makes it very difficult.” She thought for a while before nodding to herself. “What else do you know?”

“One thing that struck us as very strange,” Nancy put in, “Your son had obviously wanted the wallet back, but we couldn’t work out why, I mean there were only two things that might mean something. The name on the wallet, William Maher, and the photograph.”

Rosalind reached slowly into her jacket and pulled out the picture, “This photograph,” she said. “She made to stand up and one of the guards moved to stop her, Mrs Jackson waved him away and took the picture from Rosalind.

“A picture of a couple on their wedding day, 1924 in New York.” she said dismissively, “There is nothing strange about that.”

“No, except that Maher is a German name,” Nancy said quickly, “Not a problem in itself, after all America is home to people from all over the globe, but we thought the clothes the wedding pair were wearing were significant, in fact Mrs Russell and Mrs Maynard will be able to confirm it.”

Puzzled the woman passed the photograph over to Madge, she and Joey looked at the picture intently, “The couple are German, not American,” Madge stated with authority, "at that time 1924, there were significant differences in how different nationalities dressed.” she smiled slightly, “It’s an interest of mine!”

Col looked across at the women, “Maybe I’m missing something here,” he said, confused, “But what, the Hell does it matter if this William Maher was German rather than American? What’s it got to do with the fact that this lady’s granddad blew up his own yacht?”

 

---

#1663:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 11:11 pm

---

Definitely a CS link then... can't think of any characters with that name though.

*extremely grateful that I was wrong and no guns appear to be pointing at the RCS folk - sorry PatMac!*

Thank you Lesley!

 

---

#1664:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 11:12 pm

---

I expect Lesley will tell us at some point!!! Sooner rather than later hopefully!

 

---

#1665:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 11:15 pm

---

Lesley

PLEASE CAN WE HAVE SOME MOREPLEASE

*far to intrigued*

*far to much Dooleys*

*far to little brain power*

 

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#1666:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 11:16 pm

---

Thanks Lesley! This gets more and more intriguing!

 

---

#1667:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 11:18 pm

---

It's alright Gem, I'm still confuzzled!

Lesley alone knows the answers!

It's in the best tradition of mysteries, Lelsey and I'm wondering if we will all be smacking our heads and saying "Of, course! How could I have missed that!" Or will we be saying - "I'd never have guessed that in a thousand years!"

*On tenterhooks*

 

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#1668:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 11:24 pm

---

I'm gonna go for option b) - have far too small a brain to manage to figure out drabbles I'm afraid

*suddenly realises have been on CBB the ENTIRE DAY* - I'm not the only one that's ever happened to right?!

 

---

#1669:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 11:26 pm

---

Gem wrote:

*suddenly realises have been on CBB the ENTIRE DAY* - I'm not the only one that's ever happened to right?!

Nope

It scarily happens on a very regular basis

 

---

#1670:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 11:57 pm

---

C'mon Lesley, what's the link?
*intrigued*

 

---

#1671:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 1:00 am

---

very confused - wondering is there a link with Thekla or the linders ? - grasping at straws here - can you tell ?

 

---

#1672:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 1:23 am

---

Excellent as ever Lesley - I hope that the fact that the intrepid eight know more than Irene Jackson expected them to know doesn't mean that she'll revise her plans to release them unharmed.

I'm not going to trouble my little peanut sized brain trying to find a link to the CS, if it even exists, after all this was something the staff stumbled into, not something which was aimed at them as was the case in 'Surfeit'.

 

---

#1673:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 9:09 am

---

Very intrigued and confused.

Only one solution:

More please Lesley!


(soon please as my little brain can't cope with this sort of mystery! )

 

---

#1674:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 9:30 am

---

*joins the confuzzled brigade*

I know this is all going to come together and be really obvious and I'll wonder why I didn't put things together myself, but I can't see how.

Lesley, devious genius are the only 2 words I can think fo to describe you!!

More please!!

 

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#1675:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 10:05 am

---

Blimey - pages to catch up on and so much action!!

Loved the bits with the PR telling H&N to save the formalities for the Queen and her side comments on the girls' curtseys!
Liked the way Nell tells Louise to invite Andrew up for a visit - bless!

Very intrigued by the unfolding yacht saga
And just noticed an e-mail from Lesley in my inbox - so off to see if that gives any more clues!!

 

---

#1676:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 10:52 am

---

Brilliant, Lesley, but please let us know the answers!

 

---

#1677:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 1:11 pm

---

*bump*

(was getting scarily near the bottom of the page)

and yes - that is a hint for more, please, Lesley!!

 

---

#1678:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 5:30 pm

---

Nicole wrote:

Lesley, devious genius are the only 2 words I can think fo to describe you!!

Oh, I could think of lots of words that describe Lesley......................






(and many of them can be used to describe a certain gloatsome Rachael too!!!!!)

 

---

#1679:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 7:33 pm

---

No more yet?

Is there a clinic that deals with addiction to RCS?

 

---

#1680:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 7:37 pm

---

The CBB?
Where is Lesley, anyway? unless its those nasty motorways...

 

---

#1681:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 7:43 pm

---

Well she posted about half an hour ago (spies are everywhere Lesley ) so I don't THINK she's on the motorway - unless she posted somehow from work or someone else's house?

Oh well. I don't know. I'd just like some more please!

 

---

#1682:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 7:48 pm

---

Couldn't agree more Laura - btw I love your sig

Have spent the last fifteen minutes reading over previous RCS updates in an attempt to find links, and brain is on the verge of exploding!! My poor lil pea-sized mind can't deal with it

 

---

#1683:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 7:51 pm

---

Thanks! (courtesy of Vi...!)

Did you find them? I didn't! Lesley we eagerly await your presence!

 

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#1684:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 7:58 pm

---

Thought I recognised it! You do mean Vi Lucy, right?

And no, I found absolutely no links - either she hasn't given us any clues or it's so glaringly obvious that we're missing it because we're looking for complicated clues (did that makes sense?). Unfortunately, we can't have any updates any more either. Courtesy of Rachael's drabble thread, Lesley is now "still, grey and to all appearances dead"...

 

---

#1685:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:09 pm

---

Well, the ratbag has been posting on other people's drabbles, with messages like 'Waiting....' and 'We'd like some more'

She'd do well to follow her own advice....

 

---

#1686:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:24 pm

---

*would completely agree if "mini-drabble" wasn't languishing somewhere on page 3*

 

---

#1687:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:31 pm

---

Gem wrote:

*would completely agree if "mini-drabble" wasn't languishing somewhere on page 3*

Not any more it's not.....

 

---

#1688:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:31 pm

---

Well you could always rectify that, Gem!

 

---

#1689:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:37 pm

---

I've been writing - first bit!

Col suddenly flinched as, at his words, he was assailed by glances from all eight of the RCS and from Mrs Jackson herself.

“You see, the time is too remote,” Mrs Jackson said softly, she looked across at Col, “Surely you must know your history, young man,” she said, “1943 was in the middle of the Second World War. Australia, as part of the British Empire, was fighting.”

“Yeah, sure,” Col still looked confused, “My great granddad was in Burma. But we were fighting the Japanese.”

Jem Russell looked over with some impatience, “And the Germans, son! The Germans and the Japs were in alliance against Britain and her allies, that included Australia!” He turned to face the old woman, “Which begs the question, what was a German doing on an Australian yacht in the middle of wartime?”

Everyone turned to look back at Mrs Jackson, so intrigued by the story that they hardly noticed the guard now. The old lady sat, deep in thought for some time, finally she reached a decision, “I’ll tell you, Mr Russell,” she said softly, she waved away the protest from her son, “No, Martin, I think, having discovered so much, they have a right to know the rest. It’s just knowing where to begin.”

“Why not at the beginning?” Joey Maynard’s empathy shone through, the old lady smiled,

“Very well, Mrs Maynard, the beginning. First then, you should know that my grandfather was not always known as Max Barker, his first name was Max, but until 1923 he was know as Max Kahl, he was German. He was born and brought up in a small village in the heart of Bavaria. He ran a successful metalwork’s factory, he had fought in the Great War, in the early 1920’s he had a wife and son.”

Mrs Jackson looked over at the silent group, “You have to understand what life was like then. Although the Great War ended with an armistice, Germany was treated as a defeated nation, more, the other nations all wanted their revenge. There was a world wide recession, the German Mark was not worth anything, at one point people carried them around in wheelbarrows, you needed so many. 200, million Marks for a loaf of bread. There was hunger, no work, an occupying army intend on ensuring that all of Germany was humiliated.” The woman looked across at her audience, “Tell me, you gentlemen especially, how would that make you feel? Knowing that you couldn’t provide for your wife and son?” She looked over at Jem Russell.

He thought for a moment before saying, “Angry, that would make me angry.” Jack and the four divers nodded in agreement.

“Yes, it did, and when a new political party started up in Bavaria, one that gave back some pride to men worn down by struggling. That told them that their country was great, that they should have pride in themselves and in their country. That promised to restore a sense of worth, promised food on the table, promised some dignity. Well it’s hardly surprising that so many joined it.”

“The National Socialist Party,” Jack said softly, “The Nazis,”

The woman nodded, “Yes,” she paused for a moment then continued, “My grandfather joined them, he became a card carrying member. He went to their rallies, took part in their fund raising, he may even have been a part of the disturbances, he never said, but it is possible. You, all of you, are too young to really understand, but at the time the National Socialist Party was the best thing that had happened to Germany. Oh all of you know how it ended, with secret police, Gestapo, dictatorship,” she paused suddenly, “Mrs Maynard would you like a drink?”

Joey, very white and being supported by Jack, nodded slightly, “Thank you,”

One of the guards disappeared to return with a cup of water, Joey slowly regained her normal complexion.

“I’m sorry Mrs Maynard,” Mrs Jackson looked across concerned, Joey smiled and indicated that she should continue.

“Very well, suffice to say that, by the time of the ‘Beer Hall Putsch’ in Munich in November 1923, my grandfather had finally seen the Nazis in their true colours. He renounced his membership, stayed away from any of his friends that were still members and tried to live normally. Even before Hitler’s trial and derisory sentence for High Treason, my grandfather had decided to move away from Europe completely. He, my grandmother and my father, aged 16, emigrated, to Australia.”

 

---

#1690:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:40 pm

---

Are you really leaving it there, Lesley?

 

---

#1691:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:41 pm

---

More later Jennie -but I haven't written it yet and I'm hungry!

 

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#1692:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:44 pm

---

Oooh! Thanks Lesley!!!
I assume Jo went all white and interesting because she was remembering the flight from Austria?
(If only our old lady knew the truth....)

 

---

#1693:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:50 pm

---

Thanks, Lesley. Most intriguing. Eat well, get your strength up

ETA My current status is ' Getting all excited'. Not often it fits, but this time it does!

Last edited by PatMac on Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:52 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#1694:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:51 pm

---

Aw. But you can't leave it there for too long. Please?

 

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#1695:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 9:27 pm

---

Ooohhhh. Beginning to figure out links - v v v slowly - now!

Thank you, Lesley!!!!

 

---

#1696:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 9:39 pm

---

Gem wrote:

Ooohhhh. Beginning to figure out links - v v v slowly - now! Thank you, Lesley!!!!

Well, I'm glad that someone can! But I'm content to just sit back and enjoy....

BTW Lesley, I'm on earlies this week so I'll have to go to bed at a stupidly early hour, you won't make me go to bed without knowing what happens next will you?

 

---

#1697:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 10:18 pm

---

Goodness, Ellie! Was that an attempt at emotional blackmail???

*feeling very sorry for Joey*
*waiting patiently for Lesley to come back*

 

---

#1698:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 10:57 pm

---

Lisa_T wrote:

Goodness, Ellie! Was that an attempt at emotional blackmail???

Yep! Didn't wotk though

 

---

#1699:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 11:02 pm

---

Lesley wrote:

I've been writing - first bit!

Had been hoping that, that meant we might get a second bit tonight..... but NO.........

 

---

#1700:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 11:37 pm

---

Kathye wrote:

Lesley wrote: I've been writing - first bit! Had been hoping that, that meant we might get a second bit tonight..... but NO.........

But yes!

The old lady paused, one of the men passed her a cup of water and she sipped gratefully, “My Grandfather took Australian citizenship for himself and his family. He took the surname Barker as there were still some bad feelings for Germany, and he built up a thriving business, metalwork again, even contracting polio didn’t stop him. He just worked from a wheelchair.

My father grew up, fell in love with an Australian girl and got married. My parents were killed in a road accident when I was only two. As the only heir, my grandfather told me all about the business, even against the dictates of society at the time.” Mrs Jackson smiled across at Madge Russell, “You don’t know how lucky you are, Mrs Russell, running a business today, rather than in the 1930’s and 1940’s. So many men considered that you were incapable simply because you were female.”

Madge smiled, “I probably understand more than you think,” she said, the smile turning up the corners of her mouth. Both Jem Russell and Jack Maynard suddenly looked extremely embarrassed! Madge took pity on them both and asked Mrs Jackson a question, “What happened when the War between Britain and Germany began?”

Mrs Jackson smiled, “My grandfather placed his entire company on a War footing, and changed his production lines to manufacture arms. As Australian men went off to fight he employed women - on the same wage I should add - and ran the factories at break even pace, to be able to provide the arms at the lowest possible prices. He was the most loyal Australian in the country.” Her voice was fierce.

“What happened?” It was Col, subdued at the woman’s obvious emotion.

Mrs Jackson sat there for sometime before making a response, when she did eventually move it was to turn to her son, “Martin, dismiss the men please!”

Martin Jackson made to protest but instead nodded, he turned and ordered all the guards to leave the warehouse. He then came back and sat next to his mother, holding her hand. Irene Jackson smiled at him, then looked over at the group in front of her.

“Three months before the yacht sank, my grandfather was visited by another businessman, William Maher, an American. He said he had some ideas for arms production, ideas that would help the War effort. My grandfather welcomed him, more than anything he wanted the War won, not because he hated Germany, because he still loved her. But because if Germany lost the War then the Nazis would be out of power.”

“But this William Maher wasn’t American, was he?” Rosalind asked softly, “He was German.”

Mrs Jackson nodded, “He was, Germany sent some of their operatives to Australia to help Japan’s War effort, after all it was that much more difficult for those of Japanese ancestry to remain undetected in Australia. This William Maher had a number of friends and associates, some Germans, some other nationalities, those that will do anything for money. They were all Nazis. They told my grandfather that he was to change his production lines, nothing major, just enough that the arms would be defective, would not fire when on the battlefield. If he did not, they would ensure that his links with the Nazis were made public. He faced certain financial and social ruin, he may also have been imprisoned or even executed as a spy.”

“He blew up his yacht,” Nancy said quietly.

Mrs Jackson nodded, “Yes, he arranged for all the Nazis and sympathisers to be on board, pretended it was a celebration as he’d just changed the production lines. His best friend was also the Captain of the yacht, he helped arrange it so that the crew were paid off and the yacht headed out for deep water. The Captain and I left the yacht and travelled back to the shore. Sometime later Grandfather pressed the control triggering explosives, the yacht sank, taking all of them with it.”

“Why didn’t he do it from a dinghy?” Mark asked softly, “It would have worked as well.”

Mrs Jackson smiled sadly, her eyes full of tears, “Because he didn’t feel that he should live, after murdering so many. It was his choice to remain on board.”

 

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#1701:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 11:43 pm

---

*sniffle*
Poor man!!!!!

 

---

#1702:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 12:22 am

---

that is soo sad - poor lady

 

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#1703:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 7:20 am

---

I still haven't got a clue what's happening here, Lesley!

I know I must be missing something really obvious but I can't see what that might be!

Only one thing that can solve things for me - you need to post more, please!!

*Taking subtlety lessons from Jennie*

 

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#1704:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:53 am

---

Definate need to post more - lots more!!!! And as soon as possible too.

 

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#1705:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 9:54 am

---

Brilliant, Lesley - that really works and I love the snippet about Madge undrestanding what it's like to run a business in the '30s & '40s and the suitably embarassed reactions of Jack & Jem

As for Barker - what a hero - very tragic but she must be so proud of him ...

*unconvinced that "gloatsome" is a word ... but liking it anyway! *

 

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#1706:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 11:43 am

---

Wonderful! Have finally caught up with all thats been posted since Friday night, love the way everything in Scotland was resolved and would love to see an encounter between Hilda and HM. Interested to hear about Barker all so much more understandable now, but what is she going to do with them all? Also love Madge's comments about working in the 30s and 40s and Jem and jack's embarrassment!

 

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#1707:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 12:12 pm

---

There was silence at the old lady’s final words, Ruth got up and walked over to place her hand on Mrs Jackson’s shoulder, “You must be very proud of him.” She said simply.

Mrs Jackson nodded, “Yes,” she said quietly, “Even though, at the time, I was distraught. I could see his reasoning.” She shook herself slightly, “My grandfather’s will left everything to me, with his best friend, the Captain of the yacht, as Trustee and Guardian until my 21st birthday. We immediately changed the production lines back to their original specifications, built up the business. Martin Forrester was the best Guardian and Trustee I could have wanted, and yes, I named my son after him. He stood in as a father at my wedding to my late husband, Chris Jackson, and remained a close friend to the family. He remained a director of the company until his death some thirty years later.”

Mrs Jackson stopped and looked around at the company in front of you, “Well now you know the secret of the Yacht Sunshine, though my son Martin did his best to dissuade you from finding out. I apologise for his methods.” She glanced over at the man, Martin Jackson had the grace to blush.

“He only ever intended to frighten you away,” Irene continued softly, “He wanted to protect me and my grandfather. Even now the story would probably make good copy in some of the tabloids.”

Madge looked around the group, seeing in all of their faces the same decision that she had reached, “I don’t think that’s going to happen, Mrs Jackson,” she said softly, “I think your grandfather can rest in peace, there is no need for the story of what happened to that yacht to become public knowledge.”

Mrs Jackson smiled, “Thank you,” she said simply, there was a short pause then she spoke again, “All your belongings will be returned, and my son will ensure his men take you back to your homes. Was there anything else?”

Nancy Wilmot looked up, “We heard that one of the Coastguard had lost his job…” she began.

Mrs Jackson looked across at her son, an eyebrow raised, “He wouldn’t agree to stop investigating!” Martin Jackson said quickly, his mother said nothing, simply continued to look at him, “I’ll ensure he is reinstated.” He mumbled.

 

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#1708:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 12:15 pm

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Thank you Lesley. It's lovely to have a bit of RCS to read over lunch!!!

 

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#1709:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 12:17 pm

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Oh goody, more! Agrees with Pat!

Thank you Lesley, all the ends seem to be being wrapped up...does that mean we're nearly finished?

 

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#1710:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 12:17 pm

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Well Pat, if I got paid to write these stories you would have it every lunchtime!

*Lesley living in hope that she will become the first full time, salaried drabble writer!*

 

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#1711:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 12:20 pm

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We would all like to see that Lesley.

 

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#1712:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 12:22 pm

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*happy dancing*

Thank you Lesley

 

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#1713:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 12:32 pm

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*g*
I love the looks that Mrs Jackson gives her son - I can just feel him quivering!!

Perhaps we should have a whipround or start up another PayPal into Lesley's bank account?

Have to say though - the son's heart may have been in the right place but his tactics were ... interesting ... to say the least!!

 

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#1714:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 1:24 pm

---

Oooh. Three new bits! Wow!

But oh no! Isn't everything resolved now...?

So... *gasp* are we nastily near to the end now?

 

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#1715:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 1:56 pm

---

Does this mean there isn't a CS connection to the yacht?


*wondering where all the cliffs have gone *


*still wanting more! (please!)*

 

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#1716:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 2:07 pm

---

Little bit more. So you miss the cliffs then?

True to her word, the four divers and eight from the RCS were allowed to leave, all their belonging restored. The Russells and Maynards immediately got back into Jem’s car - it was parked just outside - while the others were all driven back to where they had left the minibus. After collecting their belongings from the hotel they prepared for the drive back to Melbourne. Once back in the city, Jem and Jack invited everyone to a late dinner at their Fitness Club, Jem having called ahead to ensure that the main function room was free and that the caterers were available.

Seated around a large table, being served by the staff of the fitness club, the group fell to discussing the events of the day. They decided that the story of Max Barker and the yacht should remain a secret, none of them wanted to tarnish the memory of a man that had paid for an earlier error of judgement with his life.

“After all,” Jem said softly, to Madge and the Maynards, “Although it’s not something that we can broadcast, we are well aware of those times, the fictional world only reflected all that was happening in the real world at that time. No one realised until it was too late, the threat that the Nazis would pose.”

At the Fitness Club, the four RCS Mistresses introduced their four Diving friends to the Head of Catering, Ellie,

“Saw Vikki earlier,” Nancy said, she knew Vikki well from sitting on the RCS Industries Board, “But she seemed too busy serving that tall Scotsman,”

Ellie laughed, “Oh he’s not just a customer,” she said, “Vikki’s been seeing him for a while now. She and Angus MacDonald seem to be an item!”

Last edited by Lesley on Tue Jul 27, 2004 2:19 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#1717:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 2:11 pm

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Nice one Lesley!!

 

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#1718:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 2:17 pm

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Well, Lesley, if I wasn't so busy with my tall scotsman, I would poke you, you ratbag!!!!!

 

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#1719:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 2:18 pm

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Vikki wrote:

Well, Lesley, if I wasn't so busy with my tall scotsman, I would poke you, you ratbag!!!!!

 

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#1720:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 3:14 pm

---

 

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#1721:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 3:14 pm

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Nice touch Lesley! And nice shiny updates - three of 'em!!! Knew I should have waited ten minutes more before logging off last night.

Poor man

*extremely relieved that was completely and utterly wrong about guns and nasty evil very non-shiny weapons are long gone*

 

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#1722:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 3:58 pm

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I think that Max Barker was a hero. Thank you, Lesley, that was positively lustrous.

 

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#1723:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 4:25 pm

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That was a very satisfying conclusion to that thread. thank you.

 

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#1724:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 4:35 pm

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It's not over yet, is it?

 

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#1725:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 4:36 pm

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*snicker*

wonderful!

 

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#1726:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 4:57 pm

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Looks like we're coming towards the end of this bit... barring any last minute cliffs Lesley throws at us.

 

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#1727:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 5:01 pm

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Weeeeeeeeeeeeell, knowing Lesley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

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#1728:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 5:01 pm

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Hey - how come Vikki gets the tall Scotsman? *Sulks*

Great episodes Lesley, but it all seems to ending rather quickly - too quickly, it isn't really over yet is it?

 

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#1729:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 6:00 pm

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*getting worried about Lesley's earlier comment about cliffs....*


*preparing to fall off one soon!*




*actually quite looking forward to it *

 

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#1730:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 6:12 pm

---

Melbourne Monday 11th October

The following day saw the four RCS mistresses back at the School, they had said goodbye to the four from the diving school the night before and confirmed that they were interested in other dives, Mark had promised to contact them about possible dives in the future well in advance so that they would be able to arrange to all have the weekend off.

Work at the RCS was progressing, now that the Chemistry Lab refurbishment was complete, Nancy and Kathie together oversaw the building work and also helped out both Ruth and Rosalind. Ruth continued with the idea that the afternoons were free and took all four of them into Melbourne shopping for the afternoon. They then had to rush back as they had an invitation from the Sheppards' for the evening. They joined Rosalie Dene and Jeanne de Lachennais.

The evening finished a little after eleven, back in her room, Rosalind Moore rang a number on her phone.

“Geoff Stevens here,”

“Hello Geoff, it’s Rosalind,”

“Rosalind, there’s nothing wrong is there? I mean we spoke last night when you got back from your dive.”

“Of course not,” Rosalind laughed, “No, I’ve been thinking about this coming weekend. Geoff can you change the booking? Instead of two single rooms, can you book one double?”

There was silence for a while, then, “Rosalind, you know that’s what I want, but are you sure?”

“I’m sure Geoff, I realised over this last weekend, you only live once, and there’s no telling when your life will end. I owe it to myself to experience everything. And I love you, I want to experience all that loving you entails.”

Geoff said nothing for a time then, “I love you too, I’ll change the booking.”

Scotland Monday 11th October

Louise and Carol had shared a bedroom, leaving Alison, always a later riser, the luxury of a room to herself. Carol was first down Monday morning, intending to put the kettle on for a drink prior to both her and Louise going out for an early walk. While waiting for the kettle to boil she went to the back door to look at the weather. She was surprised to find that the door was unlocked.

“Look at this, Lou,” she said in a quiet voice to Louise, she had just appeared, “I’m sure we locked the door last night.”

“I think I can guess who opened it, Carol,” Louise said softly, “Come and see!” She led the way back to the lounge, opening the door very quietly.

The two girls looked in, the lounge felt warmer than the rest of the cottage, although the cottage had central heating it had only switched on perhaps 30 minutes before. However in the lounge someone had obviously fed the fire during the night and it was still throwing out a fair amount of heat. One of the small table lights was switched on and the two-seater sofa had been drawn up closer to the fire. On the sofa sat Hilda Annersley and Nell Wilson. Nell had her head on Hilda’s shoulder and was curled up, asleep, lying on her side. Hilda had her arm around her friend and had fallen asleep with her head resting on top of Nell’s. They both had one of the spare duvets around them.

Louise quietly closed the door, “We’ll let them sleep,” she said quietly, “I’ll warn Ally not to make any noise,” The two walked back into the kitchen.

Carol looked across at her friend, “What do you think they were doing?” she asked softly.

Louise smiled slightly, “It was probably Bill that couldn’t sleep,” she said thoughtfully, “But, if you want my opinion, after all that they’ve been through over the last few days, I think they both just needed to know the other was there.”

Last edited by Lesley on Tue Jul 27, 2004 9:21 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#1731:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 6:15 pm

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Aw, *sniffles* thank you Lesley

 

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#1732:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 6:40 pm

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What a lot of posts!
Quite a twist in the yacht sinking story! Though I must say the son has a warped way of dealing with things.
Lovely scene with girls and H & N.
Wondering whether Vikki is about to make exciting excursions with Mountain Rescue -- assuming Angus is truthful, of course .

 

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#1733:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 7:09 pm

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Lesley, that was such a sweet picture of Hilda and Nell!


Kathy, don't give Lesley evil ideas like that!!! She's more than capable of coming up with evil ideas on her own!!!!!!

 

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#1734:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 7:48 pm

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Aaww! lovely post.

 

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#1735:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 7:56 pm

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Lots of lovely posts, Lesley, thank you. That last one was especially lovely and it shows the closeness and understanding that's developed between Louise and the Heads.

Thank you.

 

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#1736:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:59 pm

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*torn between giggling at Vikki and Angus and crying over that lovely H&N snippet..* that was lovely, Lesley, thanks!

 

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#1737:  Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:37 pm

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Lovely! Especially that last scene.
Lots of ends seem to be being tied up nicely here. Hope that doesn't mean we're too near the end!
Thank you Lesley!

 

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#1738:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:44 pm

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Lesley, my poppet, is it not time for the next part?
Pretty please?

 

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#1739:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 11:11 pm

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glad the yacht mystery has been solved

giggling at Vikki and Angus

Loved the H&N bit too

Hopes there will be some more story

 

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#1740:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 11:41 pm

---

It was some hours later before the two in the lounge awoke; the girls were all up and dressed, even Alison, long before they stirred. In the end, rather than a noise or the flickering October sunlight waking them, it was the smell of bacon cooking. Hilda sat up and stretched, glancing at the clock on the mantel as she did so, it said almost ten o’clock.

“Good grief,” she said aloud with surprise,

“What is it?” Nell lifted her head from her friend’s shoulder, yawning.

“It’s ten o’clock, Nell,” Hilda Annersley sounded almost shocked.

“Well we must have needed the sleep,” Nell was quite philosophical about it, “And I know I feel a lot better than I did last night!”

The lounge door opened and Louise peered in, “Thought I heard you,” she said with a smile, “Breakfast is served! If you’re interested that is!” she grinned and disappeared.

The two women looked at each other with some amusement, “Knew there was a reason we wanted those three along, Hilda!” Nell said, grinning.

In the kitchen the girls had prepared a full English breakfast, as the two friends walked out and were seated at the table, Alison was half apologising,

“I know this is very unhealthy,” she began, “And I know it’s not the recommended start to the day. But we all felt that you would enjoy it.”

The two Heads looked at each other, “Nell, I’ve got no problem eating this,” Miss Annersley said, completely serious, “How about you?”

“Well just this once, Hilda!”

The late breakfast was very welcome, the three girls joining the Heads, as they had only had coffee before. During breakfast talk moved from all the events of the last five days to their plans for the day. Nell looked around,

“I know that the plan is to travel back to Nottingham tomorrow,” she said, “But any ideas on how? We can’t use the bikes, we haven’t enough space!”

There’s a branch of the hire company from whom we hired the bikes in Pitlochry,” Hilda had checked this the day before, “As your bike was brought back by the police, and mine is in the police station car park, we can take them to the hire company and get a van or something.”

“So we’re leaving tomorrow then?” this from Louise,

“Yes, first thing,” Nell replied, “And as Hilda and I will be sharing the driving we may make better time, less long rest stops.”

“What about today, then?” this from Carol, “I mean, even after you’ve got ready and gone to swap the bikes for a van, it’ll still only be about midday. Is there time to see a bit of the countryside?”

Nell smiled, “Certainly, I think, so long as we stay away from that mine, that’ll be fine!” The others all giggled appreciably, except Hilda, Nell noticed. “What’s wrong, Hilda?”

Hilda Annersley sat, deep in thought for a minute or so before replying, “I wonder, Nell, if, instead of going sight-seeing, you would all accompany me to the hospital?”

The other four looked alarmed, Nell responded first, “Are you unwell, Hilda?” the concern in her voice, and in the faces of the three girls.

Hilda smiled, “I am very well,” she said firmly, “But I thought it would be…” she paused for the right word, “educational, to speak to a Dr McAllen, Consultant Neurologist, a Mr Penner, Consultant Neurosurgeon, and a Dr Jackson, Consultant Anaesthetist.” Hilda’s eyes darkened dramatically and she took on a positively evil look!

 

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#1741:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 11:46 pm

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*sniffs* Hilda and Nell asleep together is a beautiful picture, and I love the girls leaving them and then getting them a (very unhealthy) breakfast.

Now I wonder exactly what Hilda's got planned...

 

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#1742:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 11:59 pm

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OoOhhhh! Hilda has that evil gleam.........

 

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#1743:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 2:10 am

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*g* I don't need to wonder. She's out to make that doctor feel like the lowest form of life and then some.

Alternatively, being Hilda, maybe she'll just be very very aggravating and give him a stern HM lecture before gently forgiving him and warning him to be a good lickle boy in future!

 

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#1744:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 6:43 am

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Wonderful, Lesley.

Can't wait to see Hilda's discussion with the doctors. That'll be fun!!!

 

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#1745:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 9:23 am

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Lovely - I'm so pleased for Rosalind and the Heads asleep scene was beautiful ... (again )

Can't wait to see those surgeons reduced to snivelling schoolboys ...
Go, Hilda!! And Nell!!

*settles down with paper and pen to take notes*

 

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#1746:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 10:30 am

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Wonderful. The scene with the Heads asleep was lovely, and the girls are so sweet too.

Can't wait to see Hilda's encounter with the surgeons!!

 

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#1747:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 11:10 am

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'Is she going to demolish them for their part in trying to deceive her?' asked Jennie eagerly.

If the above is true, please book me a ringside seat.

 

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#1748:  Author: Robin, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 11:52 am

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ooh yes, can't wait to see those naughty docs squirm under the combined glares of H&N

Can I have the seat next to Jennie in the ring please!

 

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#1749:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 1:04 pm

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*books another seat - will pay any price!*

The scene with the girls and H and N was soooooo cute *g*

 

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#1750:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 3:58 pm

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Next bit - a teaser!

The Neurology Consultant finished his examination of the young woman on the coach,

“And have these symptoms recurred?” he asked, smiling at the woman, unlike some she did not appear to be feeling at all nervous about visiting a Consultant.

“Not since the first time, doctor,” the woman replied, “I just thought I should get it checked out, with an expert, you know!”

Dr McAllen finished testing the woman’s reflexes before picking up an instrument and starting to examine the eyes, “This instrument is called an ophthalmoscope,” he said gently, “It allows me to check the health of your eyes, there are a number of neurological conditions that first show symptoms in the eyes. He completed his check on the eyes, “No, nothing there, stand up please, and I’ll check your spatial awareness, just follow my instructions.” He watched intently while the woman obeyed his orders.

“You were very lucky to get an appointment Miss Martin,” he said, making some notes on a chart, “It’s always best to get any symptoms similar to those you describe checked out as soon as possible. Even if you are on holiday.”

“Yes, your secretary said it was a cancellation, and as it was an emergency she could fit me in.”

The Consultant finished writing up his notes, he smiled across at the woman sat on the other side of the desk. “Well I’m pleased to say that you have no evidence of any neurological complaint, Miss Martin, all your results show a perfectly normal and functioning nervous system and brain.” He smiled across at the woman.

The woman did not smile back, “Er, sorry to doubt you, Doctor, but are you sure about that?”

Dr McAllen looked somewhat taken aback, “I assure you, young woman, I am an expert in my field. I am willing to stake my reputation that you have no neurological symptoms.”

“Are you always correct then, doctor?”

Dr McAllen started to look angry at his professional competence being questioned, with an effort he reined in his temper, “No doctor can boast a 100% success rate, Miss Martin. However I am rarely wrong, and certainly not when something is as simple as this.”

The young woman pulled a phone from her pockets and pressed a button, “Oh, well I’ll have to tell my Guardians that they must have the wrong man, then.” she said quickly.

“Wrong man? What are you talking about?” The Doctor was perplexed, “and who are your Guardians?”

The door opened, Dr McAllen looked over crossly, about to complain about being disturbed, instead he stopped transfixed, when he saw the two women at the door.

“These are my Guardians, Dr McAllen,” Alison Martin introduced them, “Hilda Annersley and Nell Wilson. I believe you have met before.” She sidled up to the doctor, “Confidentially, doctor, I don’t think either of them has much confidence in your diagnostic skills!”

 

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#1751:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 4:00 pm

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Lovely, lovely, lovely!!!! Really sneaky!

 

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#1752:  Author: Robin, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 4:04 pm

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hee hee excellent

 

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#1753:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 4:07 pm

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Good for Alison! But now the bit we really want to see...*fights for a ringside seat* *reminds everyone I need one to lipread*

 

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#1754:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 4:19 pm

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Brilliant bit of duping!!

*joins the clamour for the real entertainment*

*offers own ringside seat to Lisa_T and crouches forward with recording equipment and microphone to ensure this exchange is preserved for posterity ... and so we can replay it lots of times *

 

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#1755:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 4:22 pm

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So I've got to go and write it now then?

I thought you could just use your imagination!

 

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#1756:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 4:24 pm

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I thought maybe the patient was Nell (under an assumed name). After the diagnosis she could point out that surely being brain dead was a neuroogical problem.

*this would explain why I'm not the one writting stories!

 

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#1757:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 4:26 pm

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Not at all Chelsea - I fell for that one too, and thought that Hilda or Nell was about to whip off their disguise and reveal themselves!!

Come on, Lesley - I bet you've already written it ... or at least got them playing it out in your head ...

 

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#1758:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 4:29 pm

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Rachael wrote:

Not at all Chelsea - I fell for that one too, and thought that Hilda or Nell was about to whip off their disguise and reveal themselves!! Come on, Lesley - I bet you've already written it ... or at least got them playing it out in your head ...

They're playing, Rachael, I've just got to go and call them back so I can write it all down!

 

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#1759:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 5:32 pm

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I'm quite tall so I'll stand at the back. I think this should be on video as well. Lovely one, Lesley!

*Anyone for coffee while we're waiting?*

 

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#1760:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 5:52 pm

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*shudders* No thanks, PatMac

Ugh... coffee - I'm not a very good Chalet girl am I?

Thanks, Lesley! Can't wait to see how Hilda and Nell deal with him *g*

 

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#1761:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 7:35 pm

---

Well, this is what Hilda and Nell came back with!

The Doctor watched, aghast, as the two women walked in, Hilda Annersley smiled over at Alison, “Thank you Alison,” she said softly.

“No problem, Hilda,” Alison grinned, she walked over to a small bench located next to the door and sat down, seconds later Louise and Carol joined her; they sat back to watch.

Nell walked over to stand in front of the Doctor; McAllen was not a tall man, barely overtopping Nell’s 5’8” by more than an inch or two, he stared into Nell’s eyes, dumbstruck.

“I’d like your opinion, doctor,” and the sarcastic inflection to the word ‘doctor’ was so apparent that McAllen visibly winced! Nell continued, “Yes, your opinion on the health of my nervous system and brain. You see, Hilda tells me that some idiot, some unprincipled, unethical and corrupt excuse for a physician, told her that I was brain dead. Forced her to have to go through the agony of seeing her closest friend die. Forced her to have to make the decision to switch off the ventilator. So I’d like to hear your opinion.”

McAllen swallowed sharply, “You have to understand,” he said breathlessly, “Inspector Holland told us that you were criminals, that the only way to protect the Royal Family was to allow your friend to believe that you had died.”

“You haven’t given me your opinion yet…….doctor!” and the coldness in Nell’s voice made even the watching girls shiver.

McAllen looked into Nell’s grey merciless eyes, he gulped, “You have a perfectly functioning nervous system and brain, Miss Wilson,” he whispered.

Nell nodded, “I think so, doc,” she said quickly, “although, after hearing your opinion I may just have to get it checked out. Don’t think I can trust you.”

The doctor flushed and went to reply, however instead he fell back in alarm as the second woman stepped forward, “Dr McAllen, do you have any idea of the pain you caused?” Hilda’s voice was not cold, it just asked the question simply. “Have you any concept of just how much your actions hurt?”

“I-I-I’m sorry Miss Annersley, we did what we thought was best…” McAllen began,

“Best? You had a patient who was obviously drugged, with no evidence of any injuries, indeed with evidence, had you thought to look, of having been drugged against their will.”

At this Nell rolled up her sleeve to show the bruising and marks left by the initial needles. The doctor glanced across at them before flinching away once more.

“Had someone been brought to your Casualty department in this state, you would immediately have contacted the police, you would have investigated. Yet instead you just accepted what one man told you, because he supposedly spoke for the Crown.”

“There was no reason to believe Inspector Holland was lying, he was very persuasive…”

“Really? Tell me Dr McAllen, when you go to cast your vote in an election, do you support the party that was most persuasive? Regardless of the Party’s actual policies? It seems that the ‘Old Wives Tales’ are correct, having intelligence frequently means that you are devoid of common sense!”

Hilda’s eyes pierced into the doctor and her voice became icy, “You had no regard for the patient placed, however temporarily, in your care, and certainly no regard for her next of kin. You deliberately lied and falsified medical information, you then stood back and watched while a colleague actually went ahead and switched off the ventilator, said machine being the only way that Nell could breath. Tell me McAllen, why do you still have a licence to practice medicine?”

“My colleagues and I,” McAllen gulped then continued, “We’ve been visited by the Police, they decided, in the State’s interest, that no charges should be brought. That we, too, had been the victims of a con-man.”

Hilda Annersley nodded, “Yes, they said the same to us,” she replied, “Those men that survived will still face justice, there are enough things they can be charged with, but it means that you and your two colleagues will escape censure.” Her face darkened further, “But do not think you have escaped scot-free, Dr McAllen, you will remember this, remember that you disobeyed one of the basic tenets of your profession. I don’t think you are required to actually take the Hippocratic Oath any longer are you? A pity. There is a very pertinent part that says that you should refrain from doing harm or injustice to your patients. You shattered that when you took part in the deception, and it is only through luck that your actions didn’t lead to the death of at least two, and a living Hell for a third. Good day doctor.”

 

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#1762:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 7:49 pm

---

Ooooh.... go Nell, go Hilda *boogies*

I can imagine saying things like that myself, I can be horribly sarcastic when I'm in the mood.

Sorry there, got a little carried away. Don't suppose they're going to end up meeting HM..... are they..... pretty please...

Can't wait for this to be wrapped up and a new adventure started

JackieJ

 

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#1763:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 7:51 pm

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I thought they were actually quite constrained and kind considering what he had done!

But Oh, my! I don't think he will forget them in a hurry

 

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#1764:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 7:57 pm

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They may have been restrained, but I don't think I'd have liked to have been on the receiving end of that!!!!

 

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#1765:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 8:00 pm

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Too much practise in tempering justice with mercy, PatMac! I hope he does have conscience enough to seriously reconsider practising medicine, but I doubt it. Gr.

Thank you, Lesley! Am surprised that the prefects were restrained enough to keep quiet though - had I been in their position, I think someone would have had to hold me back! I suppose they recognised that it was more Hilda's and Nell's fight than theirs though.

*punches doctor*

 

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#1766:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 8:32 pm

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Go Hilda!!!

That was a great read Lesley, thanks!

 

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#1767:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 8:43 pm

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*shivers*

Very glad I wasn't on the receiving end of that!!!


Thanks, Lesley.

 

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#1768:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 9:43 pm

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Little extra!

Hilda, Nell and the girls also managed to see the other two doctors, saying pretty similar things to both of them. It is on record that an entire theatre list had to be postponed as both the senior Anaesthetist and the Consultant Neurosurgeon called in sick!

Afterwards, riding in the People Carrier that they had hired, they drove to some of the more picturesque sites and even managed a short walk alongside one of the lochs. Knowing that they wanted an early start the following morning, they arrived back at the cottage before 6pm and, rather than bother cooking, went to a nearby restaurant. On their return they arranged their packing and settled down for a night watching TV. It was a little after eight when the telephone rang. Hilda, being closest, answered it, the others looked across idly and then watched with astonishment as she suddenly turned white. She replaced the receiver and sat there, unmoving.

After trying, without success, to get her friend to respond, Nell reached across and shook Hilda. “What’s the matter, Hilda? You’re as white as a sheet!”

The Head swallowed, she looked round at her friend and the three girls, “That was the Princess Royal, she asked if she could come over this evening, for a very informal chat, she also said she‘d love a cup of tea!”

Nell gulped, “Wow!” she said feelingly, “That’s a bit of a shock, what did you say?”

Hilda looked across with some exasperation, “I said no, Nell,” she said somewhat sarcastically, “What do you think I said?”

Nell grinned, “OK, silly question, so when will she be here?”

“She said she would get here about nine thirty.” Hilda said absently, “But she not coming alone, she’s bringing a couple of others with her.”

“Who?”

“Her parents!”

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Jul 29, 2004 4:15 am; edited 1 time in total

 

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#1769:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 9:51 pm

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ROFL!!!


I thought for a moment you were going to give us yet another cliff!!!

Looking forward to the next part!!

 

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#1770:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 9:53 pm

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Lovely!!!

 

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#1771:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 10:01 pm

---

was my expression at the end though.

At least all that curtseying is going to come in useful.

Can't wait to see what HM and Prince Philip make of Hilda, Nell and the girls.

JackieJ

 

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#1772:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 10:07 pm

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Can't wait to see Nell awestruck!

 

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#1773:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 10:24 pm

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Marvellous!!!!!

Can't wait to see them meet the Queen!!!!

 

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#1774:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 10:42 pm

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Go Lesley!!!!

 

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#1775:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 10:50 pm

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*happy dancing*

please please PLEASE may we have some more, oh shiny one?

 

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#1776:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 1:42 am

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*hands nice kind lovely Rachael a lovely bunch of flowers and chocs..*

Lesley... ..only now i suppose we must wait for the next bit!
*hangs on to ringside seat*&

 

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#1777:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 2:20 am

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Oh! Oh! Oh!

Lesley! You're a marvel!!! That was brilliant!!!
And SO looking forward to seeing the meeting with the queen!!!!!!

 

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#1778:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 5:02 am

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Hilda, intimidated by royalty? Never!

Loved the quashing of the quacks!

 

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#1779:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:10 am

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Ouch!
I think the calmness of the exchange made it even mroe menacing!!

As for this bit:

Quote:

Nell gulped, “Wow!” she said feelingly, “That’s a bit of a shock, what did you say?” Hilda looked across with some exasperation, “I said no, Nell,” she said somewhat sarcastically, “What do you think I said?”

The next bit's rather good too ...

However, what I really want to know is - will Pheeleep make one of his usual gaffes and if so, how will Hilda & Nell react?!!

 

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#1780:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:38 am

---

Yay for Lesley, what a lovely demolition job. Can't wait to see Lizzie and Phil and the CS reaction to them.

 

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#1781:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:04 am

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Wonderful! Hilda and Nell are fantastic, would not have wanted to be on the recieving wnd of that!

Loved the phone call from the PR and the quote Rachael picked out! Looking forward to seeing the meeting with the Queen and HRH!

ETA: Just realised I won't (until after the SG) unless Lesley posts before I leave work...or unless the campsite has an internet cafe...

 

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#1782:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 2:54 pm

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Ohhh please let the Queen be a CS fan and remark on Nell and Hilda's names..................

Please..................... *begging smiley*

 

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#1783:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 5:15 pm

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*popping in to gloat - tonight's posts really are cracking!!*

 

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#1784:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 5:19 pm

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I'm starting to really dislike you two and your gloating...

 

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#1785:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 5:32 pm

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Kathye wrote:

Ohhh please let the Queen be a CS fan and remark on Nell and Hilda's names.................. Please..................... *begging smiley*

She's the right age group to have read the early books as a child. I bet she's got a full set of 1st Editions in pristine condition (with dustjackets of course)

 

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#1786:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 8:58 pm

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The Queen as a CS fan would be hysterical, though I think any metting between the Royals and Hilda and Nell is going to be fun.

 

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#1787:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:15 pm

---

Apologise for the late posting - my email from work has decided to go on holiday so I've had to re-write this and the next post!

There was silence as the group all digested this, then Nell swallowed slightly and spoke, “Well I suppose we’d better tidy up!”

Hilda nodded, “I’d also recommend that we all change into something rather more suitable,” she said, “But I know for a fact that the only clothing I brought with me was specifically for hiking in the mountains!” She looked down at her attire, khaki trousers, sweatshirt and hiking boots, hardly suitable for meeting the Queen.

Nell laughed slightly, “Well don’t worry, we’re all in the same boat. I’m sure they’ll understand.”

The next hour or so the five spent cleaning and tidying the cottage as much as they could. In addition Nell ran down to the nearby 24hr garage and bought some biscuits and cakes. They then all sat in the lounge, not speaking, just waiting. A little after nine thirty they heard the sound of cars outside, Carol, closest to the window, looked out. She saw a 4x4 draw up and the Princess Royal and a man, obviously a bodyguard, get out. Behind them a black Bentley purred to a stop and the chauffeur moved to open the back door. Two people got out, a man and a woman. Carol turned to the others,

“They’re here!” she said, her voice squeaking somewhat with nervousness.

Everyone stood up and Hilda and Nell moved to the door, as they did Nell spoke to Hilda in an undertone, “How can you be so calm? I’m shaking here!”

Hilda turned to her friend, and Nell saw that her eyes were grey, “Nell,” she said softly, “I’ve just discovered another reason to go back to Elinor!”

Nell looked at her sharply, aware that the quip was said only half in jest, she squeezed Hilda’s arm, “Me too!” she said quickly.

There was a quiet knock at the door, Hilda took a deep breath and her normal, calm demeanour settled about her shoulders like a cloak. She opened the door to see the Princess Royal stood there, a small grin on her face, “I wonder if we might beg a cuppa from you?”

Hilda Annersley smiled, “Please, come in, all of you,” she said calmly, betraying none of the nervousness she had suffered only minutes before. Nell looked across, her eyes accusing, unable to believe just how good her friend was at hiding her emotions. The Princess and her parents entered the cottage, though the two bodyguards elected to remain outside.

The Princess turned to the smaller, older woman beside her, “Your Majesty, may I present Miss Hilda Annersley, Miss Nell Wilson, they are the reason I survived my ordeal.”

The Queen turned brilliant blue eyes on the two women, Hilda and Nell had both sunk into formal curtseys on being introduced, when they rose again the Queen leant forward to shake each of them by the hand. “You have our, my sincere thanks,” she said, smiling, and her voice was far less affected than it appeared when she was on television. “After eight days, and no clue as to her whereabouts, we were losing all hope of ever seeing our daughter again.”

Both Hilda and Nell said something to the effect of ‘You’re welcome’ then Hilda turned, “May I present three of our wards? Alison Martin, Louise Chad and Carol Leigh.”

The three girls curtseyed and the Queen smiled, “I understand you also played a part in freeing my daughter?” she asked Alison.

Alison couldn’t say anything so the Princess came to her rescue, “They, and three friends of theirs, lured seven of the men out of their hiding place, making it simple for them to be disarmed!”

While Hilda was introducing the girls to the Queen, Nell was meeting Prince Phillip. The Duke belied his 83 years standing tall and strong, after initial greetings he looked across at Miss Wilson, “I understand that you and my daughter almost came to blows, Miss Wilson?” His voice was stern and uncompromising, though he had a gleam in his eyes.

Nell floundered, “Er, well, Sir, I wouldn’t say that…” she began, she then looked the Duke in the face and caught his expression, “That is, Sir, yes we did.” she paused for breath before continuing, “And if we had, Sir, I’d have won!”

For a moment Nell thought she’d gone too far as the Duke glared at her, then he suddenly gave a great roar of laughter, “I bet you would too, Miss Wilson,” he said with a grin, “Anne’s really out of condition!”

Last edited by Lesley on Fri Jul 30, 2004 2:50 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

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#1788:  Author: Dot, Location: Ireland Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:19 pm

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Oh, lovely!

Hope the next post is coming soon

 

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#1789:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:35 pm

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me too! otherwise I'll be waiting until the 9th! Thank you Lesley, wonderful as ever! Loved the way Hilda can seem so composed and Philip's exchange with Nell.

 

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#1790:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:58 pm

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Fabulous!


Thank you, Lesley.

 

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#1791:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:59 pm

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Is the Duke 83??! WOW!

I thought he was about 60....hmm. Interesting!

More please, soon Lesley!

 

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#1792:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:06 pm

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You said there was another bit Lesley! Where is it? Has it been deleted?

 

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#1793:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:08 pm

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I love the fact they had to go to the 24hr garage for supplies !

Also enjoyed Nell's repartee with Prince Philip.

Can I stay awake waiting or the next post? Will certainly try!

 

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#1794:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:10 pm

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LOLOL!
*hoping for a Philip gaffe* Maybe he's the closet CS fan? Come to that, Anne could have read the books as a child though somehow i see her as more of a pony story person!

 

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#1795:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:16 pm

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ROFL! Loved it, Lesley! Bet Anne won't like Prince Philip's last comment though *g*

 

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#1796:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:36 pm

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Email has still not appeared so I've rewritten the next post -think I've remembered everything!

A short time later their distinguished guests were sat around the dining table, once tea had been served and biscuits and cakes set out, the Queen insisted that the five joined them, after dragging a couple of extra chairs in, everyone sat down. The Princess and Nell Wilson began to relate to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh everything that had occurred the night before, starting with Nell and Hilda escaping from their own cell. The girls listened, expecting to be bored as they had heard it all before, instead all three of them listened enthralled as Nell related all that had happened on them encountering Gilmour. Neither Hilda nor Nell had mentioned him before and Alison and the others shot indignant looks toward both their Guardians for attempting to keep it from them!

Then, when the Princess related all that had happened when the two friends had first released her, all three girls spluttered with laughter. They were not the only ones, Prince Phillip was also laughing while there was a definite smile on the Queen’s lips. The Princess Royal and Nell Wilson exchanged somewhat sheepish looks before turning to look at Miss Annersley. Hilda sat, her head slightly bowed, and with a pink flush across her cheeks.

The Queen leant across to touch Hilda’s arm, “Miss Annersley, do you always have that reaction from those you reprimand?” she asked, her eyes twinkling.

Hilda looked up, “Yes Ma’am,” she replied, “For as long as I can remember, I’ve always known exactly what words to say, to reduce even the most hardened miscreant to feeling worm-like. It’s ingrained in me.”

“I understand, I have the same skill!” Her Majesty leant closer and spoke only for Miss Annersley to hear, “And it’s great fun, too! Isn’t it?”

Later when Hilda or Nell would have risen to switch the kettle back on for another refill, the Queen stopped them. Standing and signalling that everyone else should remain seated, she looked round the small company.

“We decided, Prince Philip and I, to visit you today, so that we could personally thank you all, for what you did. If it were not for your actions, our daughter would be dead. Both she, and I am very grateful.” The Queen paused to take a breath, she looked round again, “I believe you were informed of the need for secrecy?”

Nell answered, “Yes Ma’am, the police went through it yesterday morning, we all signed the Official Secrets Act.” Nell gave a tiny smile, “We’re very good at keeping secrets!”

The Queen nodded, “It was decided that it is not in the State’s interest for any of this episode to be released to the public domain. Oh those men that survived the assault will not escape punishment, there is more than enough charges without having to detail my daughter’s ordeal. Unfortunately, though, it means that I cannot give you the applause, accolades and honours that your deeds deserve. All I can say is that you have my deepest gratitude and that of the entire House of Windsor. If you are ever in trouble, please do not hesitate to ask for help. We owe you.”

Shortly afterwards the three indicated that they must leave; Nell, speaking softly with the Duke of Edinburgh, found it very difficult to stop giggling long enough to make her farewells to the Queen. Just before leaving, Her Majesty spoke very quietly to Hilda, they then all left, Princess Anne leaving last and thanking both of them again.

The 4x4 and Bentley roared off and the five looked at each other.

“Well the only thing I’m glad about,” Nell began, “Is that I wasn’t alone just now, at least I’ve got you four to talk to about this. I’d never believe it otherwise!”

The three girls nodded in agreement, Hilda didn’t move, “Are you OK, Hilda?” Nell’s voice was worried, “You’ve gone rather white again,”

Hilda looked across at her friend, “Nell, did you hear the last thing her Majesty said to me?”

“No Hilda, I was too busy laughing at a joke the Duke told. Must say I didn’t think that type of joke and Royalty were supposed to go together…”

Hilda interrupted, “She said that as a young girl she used to collect school stories, that among others she had all those written by a Miss Brent-Dyer up to her coronation.” Hilda looked round a suddenly silent group, “She said, Nell, that you and I were very true to our written characters!”

Last edited by Lesley on Fri Jul 30, 2004 7:43 am; edited 2 times in total

 

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#1797:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:36 pm

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If Anne read them as a child she'd have surely made a connection with the combination of names!!!

 

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#1798:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:41 pm

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Clever Queen!! She must be awfully confused as to how that came about though! Unless Hilda explained it?

 

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#1799:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:47 pm

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Brilliant!!! Thank you Lesley!!!!

 

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#1800:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:22 pm

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Good grief! What on earth must the Queen have thought!?!?!

Fabulous, marvellous, enthralling and superb writing, Lesley

*standing to applaud*

 

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#1801:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:37 pm

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just testing something.......

 

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#1802:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:44 pm

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(there was a strange "no posts on this thread" message a few minutes back, Vikki, is that what you were checking for?)

 

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#1803:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 1:24 am

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Yep, that's the one Catherine!!! CBB playing the fool again I guess!!!



And Lesley, those posts were marvellous!!! Love that the Queen was a CS fan!!!

 

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#1804:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 2:24 am

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ROFL!!!!! Thank you Lesley! That was great. I knew Hilda and HM would get on!!!!


OK, it's my turn to be pedantic- hey, it doesn't happen very often!!!

Lesley wrote:

Just before leaving, Queen Elizabeth spoke very quietly to Hilda, they then all left, Princess Anne leaving last and thanking both of them again.

You do realise Lesley, that you have implied that the ghost of the Queen Mother was there too? The Queen, as sovereign, is never referred to as 'Queen Elizabeth'- that is the title of a queen consort. The Queen is always precisely that- The Queen, or Elizabeth II- but never Queen Elizabeth.
(just compare the By Royal Appointment badges on your kelloggs cereal boxes and you'll see the difference) Similarly, people refer to Diana, Princess of Wales, as 'Princess Diana' and that's inaccurate too- only Princesses Anne, Eugenie and Beatric etc are allowed to have 'Princess' before the name. It applies right through. Madge Russell, officially, would be 'Margaret, Lady Russell' and never 'Lady Margaret Russell' which would imply she was the daughter of an earl or duke.

*climbs down from soapbox*

 

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#1805:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 6:23 am

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Well done, Lesley. That was brilliant!!

More please!!

 

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#1806:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 7:45 am

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To Lisa in her pedantic hat!

Have amended post.

 

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#1807:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 8:44 am

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Lesley wrote:

To Lisa in her pedantic hat! Have amended post.

that's what comes of allowing historians on the board!

I think HM knows quite a bit more than she is letting on. Useful that she can be called on in future emergencies, Lesley .

Great as ever, thanks.

 

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#1808:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:41 am

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Absolutely brilliant, as predicted/gloated!!
And Lesley - you could barely tell any difference despite the re-write

BTW - my money's on Anne having read horsey books a la Flambards etc (no idea re dates) in her youth- the only CS girl she'd have warmed to would be Norah Fitzgerald!!

I do love the idea of Philip telling Nell dirty jokes and the fact that the Queen actually read the books is superb
(Anyone else thinking that in future RCSs it might be convenient for H&N to "call upon the House of Windsor", along with Bill Gates et al?! And that perhaps the US might benefit from a H&N visit - perhaps to have a couple of audiences with George W?!!)

 

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#1809:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:48 am

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Superb, Lesley. I loved the interplay between P Philip and Nell. I also loved the way Philip compared Anne with a horse.

 

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#1810:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 10:05 am

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Thank you Thank you Thank you, for making the Queen a CS Fan

*Does happy jigs at computer screen*

*gets very strange looks from parents*

 

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#1811:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 10:56 am

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*also happy dancing, but has the sense to do so without RL witnesses*

 

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#1812:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 11:07 am

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But you are going to do it for us next Friday, aren't you, Xan?

 

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#1813:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 2:50 pm

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Since you are hanging around in C&D Lesley (I won't say lurking!!), how about the next installment!

 

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#1814:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 2:57 pm

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OK, I'll go and write it then!

 

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#1815:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 2:59 pm

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I thought that was an update!!

 

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#1816:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 3:18 pm

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I can't believe we're near the end! What mk are we on now?

 

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#1817:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 3:29 pm

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This is Mk 4, the next one will be 5! Little update.

The five discussed this revelation for some hours, in particular as, it seemed, that the Queen had not asked Miss Annersley to explain or even expressed surprise, that characters from a book had come to life.

“Almost as though it wasn’t an especially unusual thing as far as she was concerned,” Nell said thoughtfully, “As though she had come across it before!”

“Well if that’s the reason it would make sense,” Hilda replied, “Who would be more qualified to judge than the Queen of Great Britain.”

“Plus it wasn’t as though you were a threat or anything,” this from Carol, “I mean, you’d already proven your loyalty.”

They continued chatting for a while before Hilda awoke to the time, “We want to be on the road at seven!” she said, shooing everyone upstairs to bed, “That’s in less than six hours. Go to bed immediately, no dawdling girls, you too, Nell!”

“Yes, mother!” Nell’s response floated back to the girls who all immediately started giggling. They did, however, obey Hilda. Minutes later the cottage was in darkness, everyone settling down to sleep…

Surprisingly, considering their late night, everyone was up on time, they packed the van and tidied up the cottage, they then dropped off the key with Mrs Duncan. Hilda was driving but the two women intended to share the load, swapping every couple of hours. In the seats at the back, Alison was stretched out on a double seat, already asleep once more, while Carol and Louise were sat closer to the front seats chatting with the Heads. It was barely seven fifteen when they left Pitlochry.

Nell fell silent and sat looking back at the town, deep in thought, Hilda, looking across, caught her expression, “Are you alright, Nell?” she asked softly.

Nell shook herself, “Just thinking, Hilda, about how it was a nice place to visit, but not somewhere that I’d want to stay!”

Hilda smiled slightly, “You prefer Melbourne to stay then?” Carol and Louise fell silent to listen to the reply.

“Not especially, Hilda, “ Nell’s response was quick, and she smiled round at the others, “Just anywhere with family.”

 

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#1818:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 3:33 pm

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Aww Lesley that's lovely.

I'm so glad there's going to be a Mk 5! I can't wait!

 

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#1819:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 3:33 pm

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Thank you.
So what other book(s) characters are you planning to bring into the Real World Lesley?

 

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#1820:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 3:35 pm

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Pat wrote:

Thank you. So what other book(s) characters are you planning to bring into the Real World Lesley?

Wait and see!

 

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#1821:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 3:36 pm

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*trying to get to the next page*

 

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#1822:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 3:38 pm

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Do I take it that that's in RCS 5 then?

 

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#1823:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 3:44 pm

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Aw, that last line was sooooooo cute!!!! *g* Love Hilda being called "mother" as well - Nell is totally one of the girls, Hilda is the mummy of the family

*happy dance*

 

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#1824:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 4:33 pm

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Lovely interplay between Hilda and Nell, Lesley. What else is going to go wrong before they get home?

 

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#1825:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 5:15 pm

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Jennie wrote:

But you are going to do it for us next Friday, aren't you, Xan?

Well, I have seen Xan's happy dance! Can't remember whether it was the middle of Cambridge or the middle of London, but it was definitely one of the two!!!!



Lesley, this is just as good as ever, and I can't wait for RCS 5!!!!!

 

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#1826:  Author: Guest,  Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 5:23 pm

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yay for HM et al!

And now, dear Lesley, for RCS 5 (should I set up a new thread for thta very purpose???)

 

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#1827:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 5:29 pm

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^
l
l

me (not logged in)

 

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#1828:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 6:15 pm

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Hang on, everyone. they're not home yet. Lesley might have another cliff up her sleeve (Ouch! that sounds uncomfortable ).

 

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#1829:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 6:18 pm

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Think of the scratches, PatMac!

 

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#1830:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 7:47 pm

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Thank you Lesley

Vikki wrote:

Well, I have seen Xan's happy dance! Can't remember whether it was the middle of Cambridge or the middle of London, but it was definitely one of the two!!!!

Vikki: we were in Cambs... in the market square...

 

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#1831:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 7:52 pm

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Well, it can't be any worse that someone standing on their head in a town square..

I love the 'yes mother' line too. It's so characteristic of Hilda as well- in the books, she's always the one to tell everyone to go to bed!

 

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#1832:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 7:54 pm

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I had a FEELING it was Cambs!!!

 

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#1833:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:32 pm

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Melbourne Tuesday 12th October

Tuesday had been a fairly routine day, after the work in the morning, which all four of them recognised was getting progressively easier, the friends had not arranged any activities. Instead all going back to their room/cottage, to perform some ordinary tasks. In the Staff House, Ruth and Rosalind were the only ones there, Jeanne having elected to stay with Joey Maynard for a few days. They were therefore able to make full use of the laundry room situated in the basement of the building.

This was something that originally had not been considered, all laundry had been performed by the domestic staff when at the chalet school. However when plans were being drawn up, Madge Russell had considered that, for those Staff that would be using the Staff House as their only home, they should be able to wash their clothes even when the domestic staff were unavailable. Most Staff tended to use the School laundry service for large items and everyday clothes, but used their own laundry room for more personal items and when the School itself was shut.

That evening Nancy and Kathie were spending together, Ruth was going to Joey’s for a meal and Rosalind had been invited. However, instead, she elected to travel down to the Real Hospital to see Kelly. Geoff Stevens was not going to be there, he had been contacted by a Lt Colonel serving in the Australian Army, a friend from when he had served in Australia. He was joining him at a Mess function and not expected to get back until very late. When Rosalind had heard this she immediately said that she would visit Kelly.

Kelly Stevens was almost fit enough to be discharged, her specialist was looking at allowing her out in a little over two weeks. She was therefore much improved over her condition more than two months previously when, for some days, it was not known if she would survive. Most of the superficial burns on her arms. legs and chest had healed, those burns that had not been superficial, that had required skin grafting, were healing well. Kelly was still in some pain, although thankfully nothing like as severe as when she had first awoken. She had learnt to accept the pain and continue to perform her exercises even when the pain was so bad that she was almost crying.

When Rosalind entered the hospital room, she found Kelly sat watching something on TV, Kelly looked up and smiled.

“Miss Moore! Dad said you might come, hang on a sec, I’ll just switch this off.” she operated the remote and the TV was switched off.

“You weren’t watching that were you?” Rosalind bent to kiss Kelly.

“Oh no, it was a load of crap an…” Kelly suddenly stopped, remembering exactly who her visitor was, “I-I-I mean it was rubbish!” she said quickly, flushing red.

Rosalind smiled, “I caught sight of the programme before you switched it off, Kelly,” she said, a twinkle to her eye, “I think you were probably correct the first time!”

Kelly smiled rather shyly at her form mistress.

“But try not to use that expression when you return to school,” Rosalind continued, “And don’t let your father hear it!”

Kelly nodded, “Yes, Miss Moore,” she said quietly, a conspiratorial grin flicking across her face.

The two sat in silence for a short time, then Kelly turned to her visitor, “Will you be going on other dives soon? The one to that sunken yacht sounded so cool!”

Rosalind nodded, “Yes, if all four of us can get the same weekend off we’ll be diving again. I would never have believed just how wonderful diving could be.”

Kelly sighed, “I always wanted to try it,” she said sadly, “But with dad’s job, he could never guarantee the time off. Oh, we booked it once, then his entire unit got placed on stand by, so it was cancelled.”

Rosalind looked across at the girl, “Kelly, when you are fully recovered and your doctors say that its alright. Would you like me to take you?”

Kelly looked across, her face splitting into a wide grin, “Oh, but that’ll be so wicked, Miss Moore! Are you sure? I won’t be a nuisance?”

Rosalind hugged the girl, “Of course I’m sure, silly! I’d not have said it otherwise. And why do you think you’ll be a nuisance?”

Kelly flushed red again, she looked down at the floor for a while before answering, “Well, I don’t want to get between you and dad.” she said quietly, “I’ve seen some of the soaps, when a single parent starts dating again. There’s always some real cow of a teenager, does her best to break them up. And in the last school I was in, one of the girls in my year forced her dad to get a divorce from her step-mum, she was really nasty.”

Rosalind hugged Kelly again, “You are nothing like that, Kelly,” she said softly, “I couldn’t ask for a nicer girl to be the daughter of the man I love.”

Kelly grinned, “Do you really? Love dad, I mean? That’s fantastic! I mean I think he’s a pretty good dad, as dads go, but he’s been on his own a long time. I wasn’t even six when my mum died.”

It was Rosalind’s turn to blush, “Yes, Kelly, I believe I do love him. I can’t be certain of what the future will hold. But I hope it will mean that he and I are together.” She looked across at the girl, “That is, if you approve.”

Kelly looked incredulous, “Are you joking? I’ve been trying to get my dad to start dating for years. I’m really glad, Miss Moore, you’re just right for him!”

Rosalind smiled, “I’m pleased to hear it, Kelly, by the way, I think, out of school, we can come up with another name for you to call me.”

Kelly stopped for a moment, “Y-y-you don’t mean ‘mum’ do you?”

“Of course not, I’m not your mum, no I was thinking that you could call me Rosalind. It’s a pretty good name you know!” Rosalind’s eyes twinkled.

“Oh, OK then,” Kelly smiled, “Thanks.”

Rosalind’s face became serious for a moment, “Only outside of School and School activities though, Kelly,” she warned, “Inside you must still call me Miss Moore!”

“I’ll remember, Rosalind,” Kelly said the name almost as though experimenting.

 

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#1834:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:36 pm

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Just caught up!!!

Wonderful, brilliant, etc etc etc...

Roll on number 5...will we find out about Cornelia in that one??

 

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#1835:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:38 pm

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Awwww! Rosalind is so sweet with Kelly!!!!

 

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#1836:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:39 pm

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Tsk tsk, I've not finished number four yet!


(Cornelia-who is she again?)

 

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#1837:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:44 pm

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*happy dancing*

Lesley, you are so VEEEEEEEEEEEEERY shiny...

 

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#1838:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:44 pm

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Lesley wrote:

Tsk tsk, I've not finished number four yet! (Cornelia-who is she again?)

I'm eager! And who can blame me!

Cornelia, I think if you re read your chalet books you may just find mention of her once or twice!

 

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#1839:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:45 pm

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Awww thats soooo sweet, do we get the wedding ????????


Lesley

We want to know what happened to Cornelia...and see I'm not the only one !!!!

 

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#1840:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:48 pm

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*straps Lesley to her computer chair*

 

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#1841:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:50 pm

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Did anyone else have problems accessing this? It said no posts existed for this topic!

 

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#1842:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:52 pm

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I just did, but then I went back to the index page, tried again and voila, posts were there.

Good new bit though, Kelly is so sweet. And I want to know what's happened to Corney as well.

JackieJ

 

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#1843:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:52 pm

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Vikki did too.

 

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#1844:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:54 pm

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It's doing that every time it gets to the bottom of a page! Very annoying!!!!

 

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#1845:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:55 pm

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Thank you, Lesley.

Hope Hilda, Nell and the girls get back safely.

 

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#1846:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 10:03 pm

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Phew - caught up again!
Liked the way Nell and Hilda dealt with the doctor - I daresay he felt like a naughty middle.
Loved the bits with the heads and the prees - plenty of warm fuzzies.
Glad that they did get to meet the queen, though I can't help wondering how many other refugees from books HM has met!
Glad that Kelly approves of her dad and Rosalind - not sure I would have wanted my dad to date my form mistress, even if she was a nice as Miss Moore.
*Thinks that we ought to let Lesley finish RCS4 before we chant for RCS5.*
*Looking forward to RCS5 and 6.*

 

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#1847:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 10:55 pm

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I noticed it doing that this morning! I thought it had always done it, but I had just never noticed it before.

Ellie - it's NEVER too early to start chanting *g*

Love Rosalind with Kelly - nice that she was honest enough to admit to her that she loved her father - couldn't have been easy!

 

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#1848:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 1:14 pm

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It's taken me 3 days - but I've finally read this from page one to here!!!

I can't think of high enough praise for your writing Lesley - it's just brilliant.

And, MORE please!!!

 

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#1849:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 5:40 pm

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Thank you Kat - I'm honoured.

England 12th October

The journey back to Nottingham was without any major incidents, as Hilda and Nell could alternate driving, they tended to drive for around 90 minutes, take a very short break to swap, then continue. Even stopping at a service station for lunch meant that they made far quicker time travelling back to Nottingham that the reverse journey eight days before. It was therefore only just four pm when they arrived back at Centre Parcs in Nottingham and drew up outside their lodge.

When the girls had left the previous Friday they had kept on the lodge in the hopes that everyone would be returning, therefore there were no formalities to go through. Hilda, who was driving, brought the People Carrier to the front of the lodge and enjoined everyone to quickly unload it before she took the vehicle back to the car park. Such was their efficiency that by the time she had walked back from the car park, all the luggage had been unpacked and they were all sat round the table waiting for her. As she joined them, Nell pushed across a cup of coffee, and they all sat drinking for a time.

“What time is Andrew getting here?” Alison asked Louise.

“He said his last lecture today ended at four, so he’ll be on his way then.” Louise replied, “He hopes to be here by six.”

“Will those friends of his be coming too?” This from Carol,

Louise shook her head, “No, they’ve both got football practice, Andrew doesn’t play football, he plays rugby and their training day is Wednesday.”

After some discussion the others decided that they would make use of the pool, less than ten minutes later everyone except Louise was walking across to the large swimming pool. Louise opted to remain at the lodge, unsure when Andrew was going to arrive.

Hilda, Nell, Alison and Carol spent more than an hour in the pool, trying out all the water slides and some of the diving boards, although only Carol would dive from the top board. Once this activity had paled somewhat they considered what to do next. No one wanted to go back to the lodge for a while, wanting to leave Louise and Andrew a little privacy. After some discussion Alison and Carol persuaded the two heads to join them in an archery class. It was not something that either of them had tried before. Accordingly they all left the poolside and, after quick showers, got dressed once more.

As they left the pool complex to walk across to where the archery lessons took place Nell managed a quick remark about their clothing, “You know, Hilda, when we get back to the School for next term, it’s going to be very difficult swapping back to formal dresses and skirts and blouses. I’ve come to really appreciate the casual look! Don’t suppose you’d care to rethink the policy about Staff attire, would you?”

Hilda looked across at her friend, Nell had on a pair of Levi jeans, a brilliant red sweatshirt and trainers, “And exactly how likely do you think that is, Nell?”

Nell grinned, “Oh let’s see, about as likely as characters from a series of children’s books coming to life!”

Hilda smiled and shook her head, “Far less likely than that, Nell, after all, look at that top of yours!”

“What’s wrong with it?”

“It’s so bright you need sun glasses! None of your pupils would get any work done, they'd be too busy sheltering from the glare! Reminds me of Jacynth Hardy’s comment about one of Tom’s Doll’s houses!”

Nell looked rather offended, “It’s not that bad,” she said, “And anyway, I’m supposed to wear bright colours, according to that colour specialist I’m a Summer person!”

“Yes but I don’t think they meant Summer on Mars, Nell, I can‘t think of anywhere on Earth that would be quite so red!”

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Aug 01, 2004 9:15 am; edited 2 times in total

 

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#1850:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 5:55 pm

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Somehow I'm already worried about Louise.

It's not that I dont trust you, Lesley.. well, only a little! But we've had a remarkably calm last few posts!

 

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#1851:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 7:41 pm

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I love that conversation between Nell & Hilda Lesley. Wonderful.

 

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#1852:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 8:12 pm

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*grins at the exchange between Hilda and Nell!*


*wonders how Lesley does it?????*

 

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#1853:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 8:40 pm

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*happy dancing* thank you lovely Lesley

 

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#1854:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 9:08 pm

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*Also worrying about Louise* It's not exactly that I don't trust you Lesley. but......



PS Great exchange between Hilda and Nell - where can I get a top like that please?

 

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#1855:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 10:57 pm

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I wasn't worrying about Louise - until I read everyone's replies!

Love the exchange between Nell and Hilda, Lesley - btw, what is Hilda wearing? I can't quite picture her in jeans!

 

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#1856:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 11:03 pm

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This worrying lark is infectious!

I think Hilda's jeans would be well cut, fit perfectly, be exactly the right length and look superb on her!

 

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#1857:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 11:24 pm

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By this time the four had reached the area where archery was taught. Alison and Carol, recognised by one of the instructors, were immediately issued with equipment and pointed toward a target. Hilda and Nell however, were asked to wait a few minutes, until an instructor was free to help. A short time later the two girls, looking across rather anxiously, saw that the older instructor, Rob, had gone over to the Heads.

“That’s OK, then, Alison said, “He’s the best anyway!”

Carol nodded, then concentrated and sent a shaft into the bullseye.

Rob smiled at the two women, “Interested in any particular type of bow, ladies?” He asked, Hilda and Nell looked across at him, they saw a tall, lean man, aged around forty with short brown hair and eyes. A man that appeared weather-beaten, as though most of his time was spent outdoors.

“Are there different types then?” Hilda asked.

“Most definitely, anything from the ordinary bow, to the composite bow, the long bow and the crossbow.” Rob smiled, “each of them has its good and bad points.”

“Do you have a favourite?” Nell asked.

The man considered for a while, “I think I’d have to say, the longbow,” he said, “It’s a formidable weapon.”

“Wasn’t it the longbow that was responsible for the victory at Agincourt?” Hilda asked.

“Thought you didn’t know anything about bows!” Nell said, surprised.

“I don’t,” Hilda replied, “But I do know Shakespeare, Henry the 5th?”

Rob smiled, “Yes the longbow was instrumental in victory then, and at the battle of Crecy 69 years before. It seems that the French didn’t learn the first time!”

“Oh but it’s obsolete now, as a weapon, surely?” Nell said frowning.

“It’s not used as often now, but there is nothing better as a handheld range weapon if you need silence.” Rob replied, “Now, come with me ladies, we must find a bow that each of you can draw.”

He led the way over to where a large number of bows were stacked along one wall, looking over at both women he spoke, “Well you’re both tall, so we’re looking at a proper longbow, at least. Of course you’ll not be able to manage the ones over six foot, no woman has the strength…”

“What do you mean, no woman has the strength?” this was Nell, behind her Hilda just sighed, “Have you ever allowed a woman to try?”

“Er, well no, Nell,” Rob appeared a little flustered, “But the really long longbows require such strength to string them or draw them that many men are not able to use them.”

“Well why don’t you try me?” Nell demanded.

Realising she meant what she said, Rob picked out a bow fully a foot taller than Nell, it was unstrung. “Alright, if you can string the bow, you can try shooting with it,” he said, handing the bow to Nell after first showing her what he meant by stringing it.

Nell took the bow, holding the string in one hand, and placing one end of the bow on the floor, kept still by her foot, she brought all of her strength into bending the bow enough to be able to hook the string over the other end. Rob and Hilda watched in silence for a time, then Hilda turned to Rob,

This could take some time,” she remarked, “What is the bow made of, Rob, I thought they’d be a type of steel or plastic, but it’s wood.”

“Yes, these bows are all made of natural material,” Rob replied, “And this bow is made of the best wood around - yew. The yew tree has a natural springiness and after being bent, always returns to its original shape, it’s the perfect wood, has been for more than 800 years.”

They both turned back to watch, Nell had, through using all her strength, managed to get the end of the bowstring to within a few inches of the bow. As they watched she exerted a little more power and slipped the bow string onto the bow. She turned to the instructor in triumph,

“Unbelievable,” Rob said, in shock, “The strength required is far more than a women should have!”

Nell looked across, “Are you saying I’m not a women?” she asked quickly.

Rob slowly looked Nell up and down, “No, Nell,” he said softly, “I’m not saying that. It’s patently obvious that you are a woman.” He smiled slightly and Nell found herself turning slightly pink despite herself. A muffled laugh from her partner didn’t help matters!

Rob continued, “I was wrong,” he said magnanimously, “It seems that this bow can be used, by some women. Now let’s find a suitable bow for Hilda so I can start the lesson.”

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Aug 01, 2004 9:20 am; edited 1 time in total

 

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#1858:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 11:33 pm

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Lesley wrote:

Of course you’ll not be able to manage the ones over six foot, no woman has the strength…”

Knew Nell would disagree with that as soon as I read it!

Love Rob's slight flirtation with Nell - Hilda's reaction to it was very believable as well *g* Still trying to imagine Nell blushing though - don't think it would happen very often!!

 

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#1859:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 12:46 am

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*wondering if Nell could be heading for romance..*
Well if you will set Rosalind Moore up, you can't blame me for wondering!!!!!

I love the posts about Hilda and co on the water slides. Only trouble is, i have a vision of Hilda Annersley, in MA gown etc, whizzing down one of those twirly water slides with rapids and whirlpools interrupting the slide!

 

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#1860:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 1:16 am

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Quote:

“It’s not used as often now, but there is nothing better as a handheld range weapon if you need silence.”

Lesley - that's got me worried.

Brilliant as ever....

 

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#1861:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 2:13 am

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*posting to get the next page...again

I loved the scene with Nell and the (now sheepish) instructor

 

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#1862:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 2:20 am

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*also suspicious about the longbows, given the tendency of these two to apply skills they "just happen" to pick up. And when you add the potential for other crossover characters, the possibilities are endless....*

* at Lisa's water slide image*

*in favor of Nell's new wardrobe* (except for sneaking through the woods with her longbow)

 

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#1863:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 8:33 am

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Nice to have a harmless post for once - I think! Must admit I'm a bit worried by the silent weapon comment though.

Love these lines:

Quote:

Hilda looked across at her friend, Nell had on a pair of Levi jeans, a brilliant red sweatshirt and trainers, “And exactly how likely do you think that is, Nell?” Nell grinned, “Oh let’s see, about as likely as characters from a series of children’s books coming to life!”

- classic!

 

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#1864:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 9:34 am

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Oh dear... so in how many posts time do we think Hilda and/or Nell will feel the need for a silent weapon??! You'd think Nell's wouldn't be very discreet though!

 

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#1865:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 9:38 am

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Thank you, Lesleu. Absolutely brilliant as always.

*Loving Nell and the longbow - can't wait to see the outcome*

 

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#1866:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 10:11 am

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I love the way you set future scenes up ahead of time. Looking forward to finding out why they will need the skill of archery.

 

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#1867:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 10:34 am

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'Nother bit!

The lesson itself went well, once Hilda had a bow - somewhat smaller than Nell’s, but still a lethal weapon in the right hands - they moved to one of the target lanes. Both women seemed to have an affinity with the weapon, at least as far as hitting the target was concerned. Although Nell retained her scepticism about just how dangerous an arrow could be. At least she did, until Rob set up an experiment. He had the target set behind a sheet of steel plating, such as was used to reinforce cars, he then shot an arrow. The arrow, with its razor sharp head, pierced the steel plating, to a depth of some inches. After this Nell said no more about the fact that the bow was obsolete.

Eventually, after about two hours, the women called a halt. They were surprised at the time - they had only paid for an hours instruction. Rob waved away their attempts to pay him more, saying that it had been a pleasure.

“Well if you’re sure, Rob, thank you,” Hilda smiled, “We’ll be back again tomorrow, I’ve no doubt!”

“We’ve got to go now, Rob,” Nell put in, “We’ve got to find a halfway decent place to eat. We can’t go to the Excel,” She named the restaurant they had used before, the one recommended by all the guide books.

Rob looked puzzled, “Why not?” he asked.

“One of the girls will be dining there with a friend,” Hilda put in, smiling, “The last thing she needs is the rest of us there, watching their every move! You are from this area, Rob, can you recommend anywhere?”

Rob smiled, “I can,” he replied, “It’s only a pub restaurant, but the food is exceptional. I’m going there myself tonight. Would you all care to join me?”

After only a short discussion the two friends assented, stopping only to exchange details on where to meet, the two joined up with Alison and Carol.

“How did you like the archery, then?” Alison asked,

“Excellent,” Hilda smiled, “And surprisingly simple, once you’ve mastered the initial draw.”

“I think it helped that we both have good hand-eye co-ordination,” Nell responded, “And of course good eyesight!”

“Of course!” Hilda replied smoothly.

“Did you find the bow string slapped back onto your left arm?” This from Carol, “I did when I first started, that’s why I got this,” she pointed to the bracer on her left forearm.

Hilda nodded, showing that her left forearm was rather red and bruised, “Perhaps I’ll buy one of those, tomorrow,” she said softly.

Nell shook her head, “The bowstring wasn’t catching me on the forearm,” she said ruefully, “But somewhere else! Afraid I can’t show you where though!”

The others all looked across at her puzzled, then Hilda suddenly smiled, “Why Nell, I believe that the Amazon warriors were rumoured to all have a right mastectomy for that very reason!”

Last edited by Lesley on Mon Aug 02, 2004 7:17 am; edited 1 time in total

 

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#1868:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 10:40 am

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Dear me! I can't imagine EBD making such a comment! (Though why I should expect to see Nell & Hilda being EBD-esque after four RCS stories is beyond me!)

I'm awfully afraid Nell isn't going to be able to control her bow and will do someone an injury - please don't let her pride get her into trouble, Lesley!

 

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#1869:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 10:44 am

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Only Hilda could get away with that kind of comment!!!

 

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#1870:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 10:49 am

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Lesley I'm loving every minute of this.

The nasty-suspicious-mind ive cultivated during CBB membership (particularly after the nasty policemen) is making me query whether the instructor has something up his sleeve - he better not!

More soon - but please don't let Nell do anything awful with the bow!

 

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#1871:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 11:04 am

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Poor Nell - take it from someone who knows it is really really painful when the string catches you there!

this brings back happy memories of being banned from public transport when carrying my archery equipment and the happy time returning from a competition in germany when we got stopped at customs and had to explain why we were carrying arrows etc (they didn't recognise the bows when they were broken down into their cases)

had a small problem with the "normal" bow - assume that you meant Recurve..........and the composite was possibly a compound bow?? not that i'm being picky or anything!!!

 

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#1872:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 3:32 pm

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Bow to Kate's superior knowledge I thought a composite bow was one developed in the Middle East for Horse archers.

The evening meal was a great success, the food at the pub Rob had recommended was just as good as Rob had promised. Rob himself was good company, reducing the company to fits of laughter on a number of occasions describing different students and the mistakes they made. Afterwards they asked him a little about himself. Rob was a little reticent here, eventually admitting that some of his previous roles had included breaking the law.

“Oh that’s alright Rob,” Nell replied, a wicked look in her eyes, “Some of the most upright and dignified citizens have broken the law, you’re in good company!” Nell didn’t turn to face her friend, but was certain she could feel twin lasers beating into the back of her head!

The end of the evening was marred somewhat, however, when they came to pay. The bar staff had all seemed to disappear and so they had moved round to the kitchen at the back. Before their eyes they watched, horrified, as the genial owner of the Blue Boar, was obviously being attacked by two heavy-set men. They could hear something of what was said,

“You’ll find it difficult being able to cook and serve drinks if you’ve got badly burnt hands, Leigh!”

“Burnt hands? What are you talking about? I haven’t got burnt hands!”

The two men grabbed hold of the man and held him so that he was next to the deep fat fryer. “Not yet, you’ve not!” one of them snarled. “Now have that money by tomorrow or Mr Gisborn will get really mad!”

Rob erupted into the kitchen, “What do you think you’re doing?” he snarled, “Leave him alone!”

The two men spun round, in their surprise they released the owner, the bigger of the two replied, “Push off, this is none of your business!”

“Oh I think it has just become our business,” the cool voice from the door was Hilda Annersley’s, she and Nell were stood looking at the scene, the two girls just behind them.

The bigger man swore, “Let’s get out of here!” he said to his companion, the other man nodded and the two spun round and made for the door.

 

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#1873:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 3:33 pm

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*winces*
Poor Nell! I too am worried by all the "silent weapon" comments and the lethalness of the arrows. I thought we were heading for the ending here...

Thanks Lesley.

EDIT: Well turns out we probably should have been worried! Looks like they're about to get themselves involved in another spot of trouble.

 

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#1874:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 3:54 pm

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Oh crikey!

Lesley, haven't they had enough excitement recently? Can't you allow them one day of rest and relaxation, at least?!

 

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#1875:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 4:07 pm

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Catherine_B wrote:

Oh crikey! Lesley, haven't they had enough excitement recently? Can't you allow them one day of rest and relaxation, at least?!

I'll have you know, Cathy, that I checked with Rachael about this! The problem was, I could easily have finished, wound up the holiday - those bits that I'd planned for Ruth and co could be postponed until RCS5, but the bits planned for H and N would have had to be lost.

Rachael pleaded that they not be lost!

 

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#1876:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 4:23 pm

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Well done, Rachael! We all agree

I think it's well in line with EBD - didn't she use the phrase 'regular flypaper for adventures'. Lelsey is just carrying on in the EBD tradition, except that these are grown up and up to date adventures not just falling in lakes and simple things like that.

*settles to wait for next instalment*

 

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#1877:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 4:30 pm

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Should have known they couldn't last a day without getting into trouble! *g* Well, I never did get why Joey was allowed to have all the adventures anyway - far more interesting with Hilda and Nell!

Hope Rob's a nice guy really - have cultivated something of a suspicious mind!

Thank you Lesley - wonderful updates!

 

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#1878:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 5:19 pm

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Aggh. I'm trying to read through all of Santa in July and Surfeit before the end of the day...

I've covered Santa and now I'm on p92 of Surfeit. All the same - I'm very glad I didnt read it at the time! Because there are a hideous amount of cliffs!

(am particularly pleased I won the book token btw!)

---> I finished!! I've spent my entire afternoon reading it - is v gd but woooooah am I glad I read it now and not whilst it was being written! Lesley you never cease to amaze me. It's all completely fab and we can't praise your writing enough! But....did you have to give us so much worry over Hilda and Nell???! For two who seem to be your favourite characters - you sure do torture them!

 

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#1879:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 6:55 pm

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Oooooooh

*wants to know what comes next*

 

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#1880:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 7:27 pm

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*winces over Nell's bruised boob!*
*Wonders if Lesley might manage to have the concluding part ready for sneak previewing at the SG........* (sorry, did that lack subtlety? )

 

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#1881:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 7:29 pm

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just rolling this over onto the next page......

 

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#1882:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 7:29 pm

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even though that would be hideously unfair to all us icklies who couldnt even attend if we wanted to... *wounded sniff*

 

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#1883:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 9:27 pm

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Vikki wrote:

*winces over Nell's bruised boob!* *Wonders if Lesley might manage to have the concluding part ready for sneak previewing at the SG........* (sorry, did that lack subtlety? )

Or I could leave it on a massive cliff for the entire weekend!

Hilda and Nell stopped Rob from chasing after the two men, “You could get hurt,” Nell said, “You’ve no idea how many of their friends could be waiting!”

“Besides, we need to find out what’s happening first.” Hilda said sensibly.

Back in the bar the group all sat down at one of the tables and listened while the owner, Richard Leigh, explained, “Thanks for appearing when you did,” he said, smiling round at the others. A young man, Leigh was only in his late twenties, he took a deep breath, “I gather you’d like an explanation?”

“Of course we would, Mr Leigh,” Hilda said with a smile.

“Richard,” Leigh said quickly, “Well it’s simple enough, I bought this place just over three years ago. I’d just finished a chef’s course at college and my granddad had died, left me some money. I thought I could make a go of it. Well, I needed more money, there were extra expenses, things I’d not banked on, electrics were shot, needed the whole place rewired, then the ovens had to be replaced. No bank or building society would lend me the money, so I went elsewhere.”

“A loan shark?” this from Rob.

Richard nodded, “Yeah, though it didn’t seem like it at the time. He gave me the money, quoted a good interest rate, I was sure I could get the place profitable in less than three years, and he said that if I repaid the entire loan before three years was up then that would be it, debt cancelled.”

“Couldn’t you raise the money?” Nell asked gently.

Richard laughed, “Yes I raised the money, as I said, the place is a gold mine. Paid it off, no trouble, two months before the cut off point.”

“So what went wrong?” This from Carol.

“They changed the rules,” Richard’s voice was angry, “The loan company was taken over by some new bloke, Gisborn, he’s scraped the idea that you can pay off the loan and be finished, he says I still owe him the interest on the loan, and will for the next seven years.”

“And you refused to pay?”

“I did,” the pub owner looked around at everyone, “I paid off that loan, but it was hard work, I’ve not had a day off in all that time, and most days get by on 4 or 5 hours sleep. The extra money now I don’t have that hanging round my neck, well, I can hire more Staff, expand the business. Nothing Earth shattering, just simple ways to improve my life and livelihood.”

“So they sent round some people to change your mind?” Alison asked.

“Yes, this was the second time, after the first I went to the police, but they couldn’t help. Said I should go back to them if they actually did something.” The man shook his head, “Now it looks as though they’ll either hurt me, or the pub, either way I’m sunk.”

***

Louise was watching the news on TV when she heard the sound of a diesel engine, she opened the door to discover Andrew stood there, his hand raised, about to knock.

“Andrew, you made good time,” Even as she said this, Louise silently cursed, what an inane thing to say! Andrew didn’t seem to share Louise’s opinion however, he reached across and stroked down the side of Louise’s cheek.

“Louise,” he said quietly, “You look beautiful.”

Louise blushed slightly and turned away, “You’d better come in,” she said hurriedly, have you any more gear to bring in?”

Andrew walked into the lounge and shrugged off a rucksack, “Nope, this is it, brought a sleeping bag as I wasn’t sure if you had any spare duvets.” He walked across and sat on the sofa, Louise went and sat beside him. He reached out and clasped her hand, “I am really pleased to see you, Louise Chad,” he said softly.

Louise smiled and brought Andrew’s hand to her face, she kissed his hand, “Likewise, Andrew St John,” she replied.

They sat together on the sofa for a time, Louise leaning against Andrew’s shoulder, Andrew with his arm around her. Eventually Andrew sighed, “You know, I could just stay here forever…” he began.

“But we have a reservation, and I’m hungry!” Louise smiled.

“Well!” Andrew’s injured tones, “She prefers food to me?”

Louise punched him lightly on the shoulder, “Unless you want me to start eating you,” she retorted, getting up and dragging him upright too.

Andrew caught her around the waist,” Now there’s a thought,” he said softly, he stood looking into her eyes for a time, then, suddenly, almost as though in unison, both their stomachs rumbled. “Betrayed by our own bodies,” he said ruefully, “Who could guess at what may have happened if only!”

Louise laughed and reached up to kiss him on the cheek, “Come on you, we’re both hungry. And I thought you were supposed to be studying Law, not Drama!”

Andrew looked offended, “My dear girl, all the best lawyers are excellent actors!”

 

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#1884:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 9:30 pm

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*beams*

Thank you Lesley

 

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#1885:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 9:49 pm

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That was ever so sweet Lesley!!! Lousie and Andrew are just right together!

 

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#1886:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 9:53 pm

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*Have great faith in H & N's ability to sort out loan sharks*

*Looking forward to a romantic interlude for Alison and Andrew*

Yay to both scenarios!!!

 

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#1887:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 10:07 pm

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PatMac wrote:

*Looking forward to a romantic interlude for Alison and Andrew*

Sincerely hope not Pat - otherwise Alison and Louise may come to blows!

 

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#1888:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 10:09 pm

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Can't wait to see Hilda lecturing loan sharks! Have utter faith that she'll be able to reduce each and every one of them to sobbing schoolgirls!

 

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#1889:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 10:10 pm

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I always get them confused too!

Lesley that was lovely. They're just so cute!

 

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#1890:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 12:18 am

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Aw, Louise and Andrew are great together. I can't wait to see how Hilda and Nell deal with the loan sharks though

Thanks Lesley.

 

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#1891:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 12:30 am

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Hurray - another of adventure for Hilda & Nell! And a romance for Louise and Andrew.

No doubt the new found archery skills are going to come in very useful shortly. Hope so anyway (Tho' I can't see Hilda shooting to kill)

Glad I dodn't have to worry about Louise, or not yet anyway - unless the same protection mob are targetting the Excel!

And I'm sure that Nell and Hilda get plenty of unexiting moments during the interludes when Lesley isn't writing about them.

 

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#1892:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 7:25 am

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Lesley wrote:

PatMac wrote: *Looking forward to a romantic interlude for Alison and Andrew* Sincerely hope not Pat - otherwise Alison and Louise may come to blows!

Ooops! Sorry! Blame the wine

*Agrees with Laura. Most of the biggies won't be there either!*

 

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#1893:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 8:56 am

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Another superb post, Lesley. Just give us a few days warning of when Hilda and Nell are going to sort out the rest of the world, please.

 

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#1894:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 11:16 am

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Marvellous Lesley!!

Can empathise with the bruised arms, though not boob ... archery is very difficult so I'm very impressed Kate!

Loved the scene between Rosalind and Kelly - so sweet
Giggled at Rob's minor flirtation with Nell!
Love Andrew & Louise - they are so made for each other

*knows exactly where Lesley got the colours idea from! *

*wonders when everyone is going to click as to what Lesley is doing!!*
Very subtle so far, Lesley!!

 

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#1895:  Author: Sophie, Location: Cambridegeshire Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 4:08 pm

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Wow! Haven't been able to get here for a week or so. What a fantastic story. Loved the meeting with the Queen, loved taking the docs down a peg or two, loved the old Australian lady's story of her grandfather...heck, I loved it all.

As for Rob...excellent! A little romance for Nell on the horizon? I have my own theories as to Rob's identity, which I won't post here for now...I'll let you know if I was right!

Thanks, Lesley for a wonderful story.

ETA The fact the the old Australian lady had a German grandfather must provide a Chalet link...I just can't think of one for the moment. Hmmm....

 

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#1896:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 5:29 pm

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Back in the pub, the group sat talking to Richard Leigh for some time, they had all introduced themselves and they discovered, for the first time, that Rob had a surname, Bonnett. Richard smiled when Carol introduced herself, wondering if they could be related!

“Oh, I don’t think so,” Carol said, grinning, “I’m almost certain that you’ll not have met my family. They were from a long way away!”

“Ah well,” Richard smiled again, “Its not an uncommon name!”

Hilda and Nell looked at each other, Nell leant across, “Was almost waiting for the improbable coincidence then!” she said.

Hilda smiled, “And me, shows that we’re no longer in the fictional world!”

They both returned their attention to the conversation going on,

“Well I can’t see anything for it,” Richard was saying, “I’m going to have to pay!”

“But you can’t, that’ll mean that those thugs will have won!” Alison sounded almost disappointed.

Richard looked across at her, “What else can I do? I can’t rely on people like yourself being there all the time, and if they damage the pub, or hurt me so I can’t cook, I’ll be in an even worse state. I’ll have to keep paying the interest. At least it’s a far lower amount than when I was paying Interest and part of the Capital.”

By this time it was after eleven and Richard had to close the pub so the others had to leave. He tried to refuse to take the group’s money for the meal and drinks, but was quickly persuaded when Hilda gently reminded him that he needed all the money he could get!”

On the way back to Centre Parks, the group discussed the problem. While all feeling desperately sorry for Richard, none of them could see how they could help. It was with some dissatisfaction that they eventually decided to shelf any ideas of help. Saying ‘good night’ to Rob near the main entrance to the Park, the others made their way back to the lodge. They were in time to catch the late movie before deciding to retire to bed. Louise and Andrew had not returned.

In their room, neither Hilda nor Nell slept, both of them initially keeping quiet to avoid awakening the other. Eventually, on realising that they were both awake, the two friend started chatting softly.

“You do know that this is ridiculous, Nell?” Hilda said, “I mean, if our Scotland holiday had gone to plan, she’d have met Andrew while we were hundreds of miles away.”

“I know, Hilda,” Nell nodded, “They’d have had no parental supervision, and the time and space to do anything. We’d never have known what time they got back, or enen if they got back. Us lying here worrying about it isn’t going to make a scrap of difference!”

There was silence for a time, then Hilda said quietly, “So why are we both sat here worrying? It would be far more logical to just accept it.”

Nell thought for a time, then, “Because being a parent has absolutely nothing to do with logic, and everything to do with emotion.”

There was a sound downstairs and the two women fell silent. They heard the front door close quietly and muffled voices belonging to Louise and Andrew. Hilda looked across at Nell, “Good night Nell,” she said quickly.

“Night Hilda,” Nell sounded as though she were almost asleep. They settled for the rest of the night.

 

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#1897:  Author: Guest,  Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 5:30 pm

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More please Lesley?

*Smiles sweetly*

 

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#1898:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 5:33 pm

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Oops, was me sorry! And didn't realise that Lesley had posted again!

Either way, would still like some more please!

Kat

 

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#1899:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 5:55 pm

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Ooh, another part since I checked earlier! Yay!

More pwease, Lesley! Would like to hear Louise and Andrew's conversation that we are hearing the mufflings of!

 

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#1900:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 5:57 pm

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Loved that bit! Can remember lying awake and then pretending to be asleep when a teenager stuck his/her head round the door in case I was lying awake!

 

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#1901:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 6:27 pm

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PatMac wrote:

Loved that bit! Can remember lying awake and then pretending to be asleep when a teenager stuck his/her head round the door in case I was lying awake!

I once called my FATHER's then girlfriend (now wife)'s house early one morning to see if he was there! I was at home so that he could drive me to the airport for a morning flight and when he left the night before he said he would be home early. It was now 6 in the morning and he wasn't yet home!

 

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#1902:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 6:31 pm

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Aw tis luffley. But please can we hear the mufflings? (isnt a word, but should be...is it?!)

 

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#1903:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 7:22 pm

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Chelsea wrote:

I once called my FATHER's then girlfriend (now wife)'s house early one morning to see if he was there! I was at home so that he could drive me to the airport for a morning flight and when he left the night before he said he would be home early. It was now 6 in the morning and he wasn't yet home!

Role reversal or regression on the part of your Father?

 

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#1904:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 7:29 pm

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Yet another wonderful post. It's great to see how the relationship between Hilda and Nell and the girls is deepening all the time.

 

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#1905:  Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 7:29 pm

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Lovely! Hope Louise and Andrew had a nice meal! Would also be interested to hear the conversation.
I'm glad this wasn't as near to the end as I feared. Hope there is lots more!
H & N are superb - although they do seem to walk into trouble a lot. RL seems quite peaceful in comparison!
*Sitting down to enjoy, and wondering whether Lesley has any more lurking cliffs for us.*

 

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#1906:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 7:57 pm

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Lesley, fabulous!

This was pretty much the first thing I read when I logged in yesterday, and I sat ignoring people in MSN for ages while I caught up - then I was too tired to post!

A tad more would be appreciated.

 

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#1907:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 8:54 pm

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Whew. Just caught up from page 80-something, absolutely hooked, you know when you keep reading faster to find out what happens next even though you want to savour every moment? Well that's me. And now there's no more! *kicks puter to make sure it behaves tomorrow so I can maybe get on and see if there's more*

Fab as ever Lesley.

 

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#1908:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 9:24 pm

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*smiles sweetly at Lesley, in the hope she might make another shiny post!!!*

 

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#1909:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 9:31 pm

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In the lounge, Andrew and Louise were striving, without a great deal of success, to stay quiet. However they did remember to shut all the connecting doors first!

“I have never had such a good time!” Louise said, smiling, “What on Earth were we talking about? The time went so quickly. I couldn’t believe it when the waiter told us we had to go!”

“Well it was half hour after their closing time,” Andrew replied, “We should have guessed by the fact that the waiters and chefs all had their coats on!”

“Idiot!” Louise said affectionately, she looked across at Andrew sprawled on the sofa, and sat on the floor in front of him. He rested his hands on her shoulders.

Louise turned to look up at him, “Do you fancy a drink?”

Andrew considered, “Yes, that’d be nice!”

“Oh, well get me one while you’re there will you!” Louise grinned.

“Flipping cheek, is that any way to treat a guest?”

“No,” Louise replied, “Must mean I don’t consider you a guest then!”

Andrew reached down and grabbed Louise round the waist, hauling her up so she sat on his lap, he nuzzled into her neck. “So what do you consider me then?” he said, somewhat indistinctly.

Louise tried, half-heartedly, to pull away from Andrew, eventually giving up on that she turned so that the pair were almost nose to nose. “Oh, I don’t know.” she said, trying to answer the question, “A friend, maybe, someone who should never be allowed to sing, definitely!”

“Hey it wasn’t my fault all those others were out of tune!”

“All those others were in tune!” Louise returned, “You were the only one singing in a totally different key! Honestly, I bet the Excel will think again before having people come to serenade couples!”

“They were just not ready for my type of singing!” Andrew said huffily. He remained in a huff for exactly 30 seconds, that being the time it took Louise to find a ticklish spot under his ribs. “Ah! No! Help!” Andrew tried desperately to get away and ended up precipitating the pair of them onto the floor!

There was a stunned silence while they waited to see if anyone was going to burst in, demanding to know who made the noise. After a few minutes they both giggled rather quietly before picking themselves up and sitting side by side on the sofa.

Andrew looked over at Louise, “It’s after one,” he said, “P’raps we should get some sleep.” he said, “Though I must admit I’d rather stay with you.”

Louise smiled, she moved closer to Andrew and held his hand, “Andrew, did you want…?” she didn’t finish the question, but Andrew knew.

“Of course I do,” he said softly, “From the first time I saw you, in Knightsbridge.” he held out his arms and Louise snuggled into them. “You are the most fascinating person I’ve ever met.” he said softly, kissing her ear. “We can talk about anything, we laugh at the same things, we seem to be made for each other.”

Louise turned to face him, and they kissed…

Afterwards he smiled, “And you kiss better than anyone else I know!”

“Oh so there have been others then?”

Andrew’s face took on a far more serious mien, “Yes, there have,” he admitted, “But none of them meant anything. Louise I’ve only known you just over two weeks, but I want to know you much more,” he smiled slightly, “And yes, I want to know you in the biblical sense too! But I can wait, it’s not the reason I want to see you. It’s a bit late, and we haven’t really got much privacy. We can wait!”

Louise smiled, “OK,” she said, “We’ll wait, maybe before we fly back to Melbourne we can arrange something.”

“That’ll be fine.” Andrew looked round, “Now help me unroll my sleeping bag then disappear! Before I change my mind!”

Last edited by Lesley on Mon Aug 02, 2004 11:38 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#1910:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 9:34 pm

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Awwww!!! Lovely

Aren't they sweet!

*Hopes nasty loan sharks don't turn up!*

 

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#1911:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 9:37 pm

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*wonders if smiling sweetly at Lesley might work a second time*

*decides that might be pushing it*

*sends Lesley a big thank you card"!*

 

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#1912:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 9:42 pm

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Aww! I can but echo all the 'lovely's and 'aww's..

But awww! How jealous are we??!

 

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#1913:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 10:39 pm

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*wails* why haven't I found a nice man like that in Cambridge?

*resolves to look harder next term*

 

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#1914:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 11:39 pm

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England, Wednesday 13th October

The following morning, over breakfast, the group discussed their plans, Andrew was first to speak,

“I haven’t got any lectures today,” he began, “So, if it’s alright with you,” he looked toward Hilda and Nell, “I’ll be staying until tomorrow morning. If I leave here by six tomorrow I can be back in Cambridge in plenty of time for my first lecture at nine tomorrow.”

Nell smiled, “So long as you’re happy with that, Louise?”

Louise nodded and smiled.

Hilda looked across at Andrew curiously, “Why do you have no lectures today, Andrew?” she asked softly, “Your timetable seems to be rather disorganised!”

Andrew went slightly red, and was unable to look Hilda in the eye, “Well, I have got a free day to allow me to study for an exam,” he mumbled,

“And instead you are spending it here?” Hilda’s voice remained pleasant but there was just the hint of a cold snap within it!

Nell punched Hilda slightly on the arm, “Hilda, leave the poor boy alone!” she ordered, “You’re not his Headmistress! I’m sure he will be able to set aside some other time to make up today!”

Andrew nodded quickly, “Oh yes, it’s not a problem!” he said swiftly, “I planned to work over the weekend, anyway!”

Nell and the girls watched as Andrew went through exactly the same changes in colour as anyone caught on the opposite side of the desk to the Headmistress. Eventually Hilda took pity on him and smiled,

“Well as you are here, I’m sure that Louise will be glad of your company,” she said looking toward Louise.

“We’re going into Nottingham for the day,” Louise said softly.

“Excellent, enjoy the day, it looks as though it will be fine!” Hilda turned to the others, “Anything in particular for the rest of us?” she asked.

“We could go back to the archery range for a while,” this from Carol, “If you enjoyed it, that is?”

Hilda and Nell looked at each other, “Why not, Hilda?” Nell said, “It was fun yesterday. We can always move on to other activities later.”

Shortly afterwards Louise and Andrew disappeared in his jeep, while the other four walked over to the archery range. As they entered they saw Rob, he came over to meet them, “Hoped you would be back,” he said, “Have something special lined up, if you’re interested!”

Everyone quickly moved across to pick up their bows, and then waited expectantly.

Last edited by Lesley on Wed Aug 11, 2004 6:15 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

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#1915:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 11:51 pm

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Lesley Ann Green!!!!!
Was that a CLIFF????????

 

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#1916:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 11:56 pm

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Vikki wrote:

Lesley Ann Green!!!!! Was that a CLIFF????????

No Vikki! How can you think that? I don't do cliffs!


*Sits and watches herd of pigs fly past bedroom window!*

 

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#1917:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 12:09 am

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*watches as one of said pigs fires a 'package' with deadly accurracy through Lesley's open window.....*


















runs and hides

 

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#1918:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 2:18 am

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*Grins at Vikki*

Excellent Lesley, but

Rachael wrote:

Marvellous Lesley!! *wonders when everyone is going to click as to what Lesley is doing!!* Very subtle so far, Lesley!!

my subtle detector isn't working.

Please come back soon and explain.

*Cocks head to one side, opens eyes wide, and tries to copy the 'pleading' expression of a spaniel puppy*

 

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#1919:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 5:09 am

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Ellie wrote:

Rachael wrote: Marvellous Lesley!! *wonders when everyone is going to click as to what Lesley is doing!!* Very subtle so far, Lesley!! my subtle detector isn't working. Please come back soon and explain. *Cocks head to one side, opens eyes wide, and tries to copy the 'pleading' expression of a spaniel puppy*

Well one person has managed to work it out! So the rest of you should be able to!

 

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#1920:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:56 am

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*utterly confused*

*hoping I'm not the only one*

Lesleeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love Hilda telling Andrew off! Also Nell saying that parenthood is all about emotion - so sweet

 

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#1921:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 9:17 am

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Oh, bless them - they're so sweet and in luurrrvvveee!!
Poor Andrew though - I can well imagine Hilda's beady eye making him quiver!!

Loved the talk of "improbable coincidences"!! It being perfectly plausible of course to go round meeting/blackmailing and saving people like Enimen, Bill Gates and various members of the Royal Family!!

Loking forward to more!

 

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#1922:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 11:54 am

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Any chance of some m-o-r-e soon? Please?

 

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#1923:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 1:12 pm

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Rachael wrote:

Oh, bless them - they're so sweet and in luurrrvvveee!! Poor Andrew though - I can well imagine Hilda's beady eye making him quiver!! Loved the talk of "improbable coincidences"!! It being perfectly plausible of course to go round meeting/blackmailing and saving people like Enimen, Bill Gates and various members of the Royal Family!! Loking forward to more!

ROFL!!! That never even occurred to me. I just assumed Lesley was making a dig at EBD!!! but of course Lesley's co-incidences etc ..!!!

 

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#1924:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 1:17 pm

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Vikki wrote:

*watches as one of said pigs fires a 'package' with deadly accurracy through Lesley's open window.....* runs and hides

Nice one Vikki!!!!!

 

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#1925:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 4:23 pm

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This is great. Lesley, I can't wait for more.

 

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#1926:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 4:47 pm

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This is a wonderful story, waiting now to see how they will sort ouit the loan shark, because of course they WILL!

 

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#1927:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 4:58 pm

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Yes of course they will. I'm looking forward to it.

 

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#1928:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 7:19 pm

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Pat wrote:

Vikki wrote: *watches as one of said pigs fires a 'package' with deadly accurracy through Lesley's open window.....* runs and hides Nice one Vikki!!!!!

*big grin*

Thanks Pat!!!!

 

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#1929:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 7:58 pm

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*Shakes head in disbelief!* You'd think Vikki would learn!

Rob smiled at the four women, “I thought it would be useful to see how the weapon would have been used in a combat situation,” he said, “Rather than in this, somewhat false, scenario. I have one of the Park minibuses outside and we can go somewhat deeper into the woods,”

The four looked at each other, “Sounds fun!” Alison said, smiling, she and the others looked at the Head.

Hilda smiled, “Why not?” she said.

They all moved outside and waited while Rob went to fetch the minibus, Hilda turned to speak to Nell, “Of course it’s a good thing that we’ll not require camouflage, Nell, that red top of yours can be seen for miles! Why are you wearing it again?”

Nell looked somewhat offended, “It’s clean,” she said quickly, “And, if you must know, I’m getting close to the end of my clothes. I stuck a load into the washing machine before we came out, otherwise I’ll not have anything decent to wear for the flight back.”

“Good idea,” Hilda nodded, she looked at the top again, “But I’m sure you must have had something else to put on.”

“I think you’re jealous, Hilda,” Nell said with decision, “When we get back to Melbourne I’m going to buy you one of these!”

Hilda laughed, “If you must, Nell,” she paused, then said innocently, “Size 10 though, Nell, yours will swamp me!”

There was silence for a few seconds then, “I could slap you, Hilda Annersley!”

“Breaking your promise again, Nell?”

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Aug 28, 2004 9:35 am; edited 1 time in total

 

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#1930:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:00 pm

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Will Hilda and Nell never learn?

 

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#1931:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:02 pm

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*chuckles*

What a pair!!

 

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#1932:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:06 pm

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*eyes Lesley warily*

*giggles at Hilda and Nell*

 

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#1933:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:11 pm

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Lovely!

 

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#1934:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:49 pm

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*giggles at Hilda and Nell*

Thanks Lesley, this should be fun.

 

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#1935:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 9:03 pm

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Next bit - got to write some more now!

The journey into the woods took some time, eventually Rob stopped beside a large clearing at the top of a hill. The four stood at the top of the hill and looked around, the trees were densely packed on either side, allowing very little access. But the clearing in front of them was easily traversed. Alison mentioned this,

“Rob, you say this is an excellent defensive post? But what’s to stop the attackers coming straight for you?”

Rob smiled, “Nothing Alison, but this is a good spot for defence nonetheless.” He strung his bow and fired into the air, the arrow hurtled down into the clearing. The four looked on, surprised at how far it had travelled.

“Now,” Rob said, “Imagine that you have an army at the base of the hill. No way to get here except to come straight, you can’t encircle the enemy, the trees are too thick. Look at where my arrow landed. From then onwards you are in range, and we’re not talking about just five archers, we’re talking about thousands of archers, all of whom can have three arrows in the air at the same time. They called it an arrow storm.”

Hilda looked down the hill again, “You’re talking about slaughter!” she said, in her imagination she could almost see it.

Nell looked over at Rob, “There’d be some on horseback though, surely?” she said, “They would have armour to protect them and could get up the hill reasonably quickly?”

“Yes,” Rob nodded, “And the armour would have given them some protection, arrows would glance off of it. So where do you think the archers would aim?”

There was silence for a while, then, looking slightly sick, Carol replied, “The horses, they’d aim for the horses. Once they were down the knight or whoever is vulnerable because they can’t move fast.”

“What about those that did make it here?” Hilda asked.

“Firstly, they’d had to run up hill, clambering over bodies and seeing friends die beside them.” Rob said gently, “Then, when they got here, they were faced with 18 foot long stakes, stuck in the ground. While they were trying to traverse then, the men-at-arms, with short swords, axes and clubs, would be on them. Very few would have got to the archers safe at the back.”

There was silence for a time as the four tried to imagine the sight. Ron spoke again, “This isn’t a virtual battlefield, or a fake one, this actually happened. It was Agincourt. The French were numerically superior, they had upwards of three times the troops, but the English had the advantage of being at the top of a hill, with no way to be out flanked. Plus the ground was almost boggy, making it that much harder to move, and the English had the longbowmen.

 

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#1936:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 9:14 pm

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What a powerful description.

 

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#1937:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 9:23 pm

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But I have (as usual) a terrible feeling that Nell's red t-shirt is going to backfire on her. Aggh.

 

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#1938:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 10:31 pm

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I can't really believe the amount of research you've done, Lesley! That's an incredible vision of Agincourt!

*Always worries when there is no obvious cliff*

Knowing there must be one just over the horizon is nearly as scary as falling over the edge.

*Walks forward gingerly to the next post*

 

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#1939:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 11:15 pm

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I watched a fascinating programme on telly recently about the Battle Of Agincourt that suggested it wasn't actually the prowess of the archers at Agincourt that won the battle - it was more to do with what said archers were WEARING compared to the French.

That and the fact that the French expected to be treated as nobles by the English after capture and henry Whatsit was so insecure about his voctory that he allowed all the French to be executed AFTER the battle!

It was a GREAT programme!




And more story would be GREAT too!

 

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#1940:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 11:28 pm

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Agrees with Rachel - more story would be extremely acceptable.

 

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#1941:  Author: Guest,  Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 11:29 pm

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*on the edge of her seat*

[BUMP!]

ow... *on floor, waiting eagerly for some more story when it is forthcoming*

 

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#1942:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 11:35 pm

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*agrees that that was a great post, but more drabble would be even greater!!!!*




ETA : LESLEY ANN GREEN!!! We know you're there!! Come and post! Please???

 

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#1943:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 11:49 pm

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*contacts the squadron of pigs that Vikki found so accurately on target and sends them in for another straffing run*

 

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#1944:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 12:21 am

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Well, that was a lovely two posts (I'm also worried about Nell's jumper...a little too much of a target?) but more VERY soon is urgent!

 

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#1945:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 12:26 am

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OK Vikki says that not having written anything is no excuse for not posting - so here we go!

 

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#1946:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 12:28 am

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*spluttering*
*miffed*
LESLEY ANN GREEN!!!!!!!!!!!!

gah!











What will Vikki say?

 

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#1947:  Author: Matthew, Location: Birmingham, England Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 12:29 am

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I guessed that this post was a response to the yibblers rather than a serious post! I mean Vikki and Pat, what else could you expect?

 

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#1948:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 12:32 am

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Can't wait - need sleep!!! So here's next bit!

The group all stared in silence down the hill, the more imaginative among able to see the battle unfold. Eventually Hilda spoke, “How many survived?” she asked faintly.

“From the French?” Rob looked across, “Not many, mainly those that decided not to even try fighting. They had a number of mercenary archers with them, but their bows didn’t have the range, it was suicide for them to even try and get close enough to return fire. They left the battlefield.” Rob sighed, “A large number of the nobles surrendered, they were confident of being ransomed, that being the normal method in that time.”

“What happened?” Nell had picked up on Rob’s sigh of regret.

“After the battle, when the French nobility had surrendered, the French baggage train, stores, camp followers etc were spotted. King Henry thought it was another attack, he ordered all the prisoners killed. The French lost the flower of their nobility due to an error, and the cry of ‘no quarter’.”

Rob remained silent for some time, then shook himself and smiled at the group, “Now, this all happened nearly 600 years ago, nowadays the bow cannot be used in full scale battles. The advent of the gun has meant that as a distance weapon it has been superseded. There is however another way the bow can be used in combat, even today. Any ideas?”

The four looked around at each other, eventually Nell spoke, “From cover or concealment?” she said hesitantly, “When silence is required?”

“Yes,” Rob nodded, “And if you come with me I’ll show you an example.”

He led the group back into the woods, along paths that rapidly became narrower and narrower, eventually ending up walking along paths that looked as though they had been in place for hundreds of years. Paths that had not been trod for almost as long. Suddenly the way opened out into a small clearing, Rob stopped there and waited for the others to catch up.

“I have a confession to make,” he said softly, “I didn’t bring you here just to show you the different ways that a longbow can be used in combat. But to allow you to experience it for yourself.”

“What do you mean?” Hilda asked, puzzled.

Rob pointed, “The other side of that clearing is a road through the forest,” he began, he looked at his watch, “In about ten minutes time a large car will drive slowly along it, taking the owner of the car and his people to one of his offices.”

“Owner of the car?” Nell spoke sharply, “Who is the owner of the car?”

“It’s Gisborn,” there was an exclamation at his words, “Yes, the loan shark, the one trying to get extra money from Richard Leigh.” Rob grinned and his face took on an unholy joy, “I wondered if you’d like to help me put the fear of God into him!”

 

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#1949:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 12:34 am

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*hysterics* Nell will love that one! ROFL!!! I just hope being nasty shifty kind of characters they don't 'just' happen to have a gun handy..

*sets up appropriate apparatus and eyes Lesley warily*

 

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#1950:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 12:38 am

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No WAY is Hilda Annersley going to allow the group to shoot someone unless in self defence!!

Incredible research, Lesley!

 

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#1951:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 12:40 am

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Well she might not like it, but if Nell is really determined and the prees agree with her, she'll not have much choice!!! then again they may fire first and give them the sxcuse...

Lesley, you don't really want to go to bed do you?

 

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#1952:  Author: Matthew, Location: Birmingham, England Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 12:43 am

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You're playing games with us now Lesley, most unsporting! And Catherine, of course they're not going to shoot Gisborn just scare him! Anyway is it just me or is this turning into the Adventures of Robin Hood. We've already got Gisborn, is it the Sherrif of Nottingham next!

 

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#1953:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 3:47 am

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wish I could think of some different superlatives - it get's so repetive to keep saying excellent!

I guessed Rob was talking about Agincourt - I've read loads of books and seen loads of progs about it, including one which claimed the English only won coz of the mud.
(I used to be quite fascinated by Henry V - blame WS for that)

But, I digress, I really want to see what is going to happen next, but please don't let Nell get shot (or anyone else for that matter, tho Nell is the clearest target in the red top)

 

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#1954:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 7:51 am

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Lots to catch up on

*agrees about suspicious density of names/characterizations intersecting fiction featuring longbows.*
*looks forward to encounter btwn. Gisborn & Nell Scarlett, but suspects cliff is getting steep enough for jump to Australia*

 

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#1955:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 8:34 am

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Wonderful! Also worried about Nell's sweater though *wibbles*

 

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#1956:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 8:39 am

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Thank you Lesley. I shall recall the squadron!!

 

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#1957:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 9:25 am

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*happy dancing* thank-you-lesley-i-hope-we-get-some-more-soon

 

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#1958:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 9:32 am

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*g* Looks like they've clicked, Lesley!!

Don't worry Cathy - Rob's intent is to

Quote:

put the fear of God into him!

- surely "toying" with them is OK?

*also concerned about the red top and thinking that Hilda is very rude to comment on Nell's size! *

 

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#1959:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:21 am

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I still haven't clicked!!

I'll just have to beg for more so I can figure out what's happening...

 

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#1960:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:41 am

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Nicole, go back and reread Matthews post, he gives the game away if you read what he says carefully!

 

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#1961:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:50 am

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*slaps hand to forehead*

Now I get it!!

Nicole - officially having a thick day...

But I still would like some more please, Lesley

 

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#1962:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 12:44 pm

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Lesley wrote:

OK Vikki says that not having written anything is no excuse for not posting - so here we go!

Lesley, my petal, when trying to wind someone up, you really should make sure that the person you are winding hasn't decided to have an early night............


Thank you for the real post by the way!!!

 

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#1963:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:16 pm

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Thank you Lesley.... that was splendiferous (that do for you Ellie )

Now please may we have some more as I don't really want to see Nell in hospital (again), plus I'm wondering if someone called Marion's going to turn up.

Please.......

JackieJ (getting abseiling equipment on just in case)

 

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#1964:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:19 pm

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*g* Well why not? Personally, I could see Hilda doing a very good Marion...with the prees as her merry men!

 

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#1965:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 6:29 pm

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Oh, someone not only guessed - they posted it so everyone knew! Congrats to Sophie, Pat and Carolyn who all guessed correctly but just pm'd me.
*Must be a national event - Vikki went to bed early!!! *

There was silence for a time, then Nell, Alison and Carol all turned toward Hilda, she acknowledged their glances then turned to Rob. “Explain please, Rob.” She said softly.

Rob nodded, “I don’t mean to kill him, or even hurt him, unless it’s necessary,” he began. “I just want to scare him so that he’ll never even consider trying to cheat someone again. If we shoot out the tyres and then get him out of the car, we can make him agree to anything!”

Hilda looked at the bow she carried thoughtfully, then turned back, “Rob, as you have pointed out in the past, and ably demonstrated, this can be a lethal weapon. It is not a subtle weapon.”

Nell broke in, “Hilda we wouldn’t ask you to use it…” She was interrupted,

“Nell, this is not just a case of my own sensibilities! I do not want anyone here to kill,” Hilda was adamant, “If this Gisborn is unprotected he may well capitulate. However, if he or his henchmen are armed then there could be slaughter. Besides, you, all of you, know the strength that is needed to draw these bows. How long can you hold them drawn? How long before you tire?” Her eyes swept over Nell and the girls, all three of then nodded reluctantly, she turned back to the man standing beside her. “Rob, I sympathise with your plan, I would very much like to ensure that Mr Gisborn meet Justice. However I cannot agree to anything that could cause Nell or the girls to commit murder.”

Rob looked across at Hilda, he nodded his head in understanding, “Accepted, Hilda,” he said, “That’s your choice, but surely the others can choose for themselves? They are not under your jurisdiction now.”

Nell looked over at Hilda then turned to Rob, she sighed, “She’s right, Rob, much as I’d love to scare Gisborn, there’s too much potential for tragedy.”

Rob looked over with some exasperation mingled with understanding, “You know there was only ever one person who could successfully argue against me.” He said softly, “It seems, Hilda, that you are a reincarnation of her.”

“No Rob, she’s just damned annoying!” Perhaps Nell meant to say this under her breath, however unfortunately everyone heard. Hilda smiled.

In the distance was the sound of a car, Rob looked across at everyone, “OK, how about this?” he began. “We stop the car and Hilda talks to Gisborn, maybe she can persuade him! The rest of us have our bows strung but no arrows, if there is any trouble we can draw back the bows in seconds.”

Hilda thought about it, “Very well,” she said eventually, “But one more thing, regardless of what happens, you do not shoot to kill.” Her eyes swept round all the others, Alison and Carol swiftly nodded, after a moment’s thought so did Rob.

“Nell?” Hilda stared at her friend,

“What if you’re in danger, Hilda?”

“Even then, Nell.”

There was silence for a time then Nell sighed, “OK Hilda, I’ll not shoot to kill!” she said reluctantly, “But if you die I’ll never forgive you!”

Hilda bit her lip in an attempt to remain serious at this sentence from Nell, she failed.

 

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#1966:  Author: Matthew, Location: Birmingham, England Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 6:34 pm

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Didn't realise that it was a secret and that I needed to pm you to guess. Sorry!

 

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#1967:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 6:38 pm

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It's OK Matthew! It was just fun seeing that most people didn't know! I'll just have to think up more things now!

 

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#1968:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 7:19 pm

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She enjoys making us all confused, Matthew!!!! You've just handed her another opportunity!!

We are getting some more tonight, aren't we Lesley? Please?

 

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#1969:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 8:05 pm

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Lesley wrote:

*Must be a national event - Vikki went to bed early!!! *

Just you wait til the weekend my dear!!!!


Thank you for the post, and more soon please!!!

 

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#1970:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 8:28 pm

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LOl at the Robin Hood names, but where's Little John?

 

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#1971:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 8:38 pm

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*giggling* *chanting* (see, I can multitask...)

 

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#1972:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 8:43 pm

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*admits to never having read the book, or seen the movie, or having even heard of a great deal about it*

I know of Robin Hood and Maid Marion and that's it!

Love Nell's last line - wonderful!!

 

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#1973:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 9:15 pm

---

As the noise of the car grew louder the five moved onto the road. Nell stood on one side with Carol, while Rob stood on the other side next to Alison. They had all strung their bows and held them loosely in one hand. All of them also had a quiver full of arrows. Hilda was not carrying her bow, she had left it, unstrung, leaning against a tree, with the quiver of arrows next to it. She walked out into the middle of the road.

The sound of the car grew louder and suddenly, up ahead, it appeared. It wasn’t travelling fast, the narrow unmade road saw to that, but it was probably reaching a speed of 15-20 miles per hour. Hilda stood in the centre of the road and waited. The sound of the car’s horn blared out while, at the same time, there was a screech of brakes. The car skidded slightly and swerved, but ended up stopping a bare three feet in front of Hilda. The car had three occupants, in the front the five could see, were the two men who had attacked Richard Leigh the night before. In the back a man that none of the Real Chalet School had seen before. It was this man that reacted.

Diving out of the car, the man stalked over to stand directly in front of Hilda, a tall man he overtopped Hilda by some six inches, “What the Hell do you think you’re doing you stupid cow?” he screamed, “Get out the road!”

Hilda stiffened and her eyes appeared to emit sparks, “What did you call me?” Her voice was neither loud nor angry, instead it was icy cold and the others watched as it seemed to pierce right through the man. He swallowed, affected despite himself, he took a step back and even began to mouth an apology, then, catching sight of his two henchmen watching, he rallied.

“I said get out of the road, can’t you hear?” he moved toward her with an upraised hand. As he did there was the sound of an arrow being placed on a string and a bow being drawn, the sounds were barely audible but Hilda had been waiting for them.

“I’d advise you to step back, Mr Gisborn,” she said softly, the man looked at her, puzzled, without even looking Hilda indicated Nell, standing there with bow drawn, aiming at the man. “Nell has promised that she’ll not kill, Mr Gisborn,” Hilda continued, “I hope she’s aiming at your leg. But sometimes Nell lies, even to me. I’d hate for you to discover that she was aiming at your heart!”

 

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#1974:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 9:25 pm

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Yay, another good one for Hilda! Thank you, Lesley.

 

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#1975:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 9:25 pm

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Nice!!! How flumoxing for the man that she's not afraid!!!!

 

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#1976:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 9:27 pm

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Brilliant!

Quote:

But sometimes Nell lies, even to me. I’d hate for you to discover that she was aiming at your heart!

Love it!

 

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#1977:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 9:35 pm

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Yay! Admits to being flummoxed for some time there

 

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#1978:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 9:37 pm

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Lovely!!! More soon please shiny Lesley!!!

 

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#1979:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 9:39 pm

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*doing the happy drabble dance*

thank you Lesley (and hurrah for Hilda)

 

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#1980:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:09 pm

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excellent posts!

slightly concerned that Nell is using a long bow cos holding it at full draw is extremely difficult (there great for getting 2 or 3 arrows in the air at once though).............. could now wonder off into a long winded post about the merits of compound bows in these situations (they have pulleys and more strings and all sorts) as you can hold them at full draw for ages without the weight being on your shoulders......... but your probably all bored by now and just waiting for Lesley to tell more story.

Actually come to that, I am waiting for more story too.......... and not very patiently..................

 

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#1981:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:16 pm

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No posts exist on page 100 for this topic, so thought I'd post one!

Knew that Nell wouldn't be able to stand there and do nothing if there was a chance of Hilda being hurt - glad to see Hilda knew that as well!!

*waiting for Hilda to put the fear of God in evil loan sharks*

 

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#1982:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:38 pm

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The angry man took in the way the woman with the red shirt was staring at him, and decided that perhaps discretion was the better part of valour. He stood back slightly, swallowing.

“That’s better,” Nell’s voice was just as cold as Hilda’s, “Now don’t you owe Hilda something?”

Gisborn flushed but, mindful of the arrow, turned to Hilda, “My apologies, I was extremely rude.”

“Yes you were,” Hilda agreed, “However, I will accept your apology….this time.”

Gisborn flashed a look back to his two men, somewhat surprised that they had not attempted to rescue him from the situation, he saw that both men were sitting almost unnaturally still, it wasn’t difficult to see why, Rob, Alison and Carol were standing close to the car, aiming arrows in through the open windows. Gisborn turned back to Hilda, “Might I ask, why have you stopped me? You don’t appear to be thieves.”

At this Rob laughed, “Oh you’d be surprised, Gisborn,” he said quickly.

Hilda also smiled, “No Mr Gisborn, we are not here to steal, rather to prevent a crime, a crime that you yourself are close to completing.”

“Me?” Gisborn laughed, “Now I know you’re crazy, I’ve had the police and Inland Revenue go over my books ten times, I’m clean.” He watched as Nell relaxed her muscles, allowing the bow to resume it’s normal shape. He wasn’t heartened by the sight, he had already seen how quickly she could draw it. He looked back at the woman in front of him in the road, “I’ve done nothing illegal, there’s no need, my business is extremely profitable, I’d be foolish to risk jail.”

“Yet that is exactly what you are risking,” Hilda returned, “In your treatment of Richard Leigh.”

“Leigh? You mean the owner of the Blue Boar? I’m just retrieving what I’m owed. I have the contract, he took out a loan, regular payment, to be paid off over ten years. It’s not my fault that he took a verbal agreement from the idiot that had the company before me, as Gospel. That can’t be verified in court.”

Hilda and Nell exchanged glances, Nell smiled and spoke, “Oh but it can, Mr Gisborn, haven’t you heard of the change in the Law? A verbal contract is still a contract.”

“Not if one of the two parties isn’t around to confirm it!” sneered Gisborn, “The old man I bought the business off, he died of a heart attack last winter, there’s no proof. Leigh will have to keep paying me interest for the next seven years. Hell, if he doesn’t I can take the pub from him.”

“What if we decide to end your reign right now, Gisborn?” Rob called across angrily.

“You wouldn’t,” Gisborn said quickly, “This is just to frighten me into changing my mind, well it hasn’t worked! Why don’t you get back to that holiday camp, where you belong? I’m sure it’s not allowed to be pointing those things at people.”

Hilda smiled slightly, but something in her eyes stopped Gisborn from being completely sure of himself. “Mr Gisborn, a change in the law has allowed the use of lie detectors in court, these machines are capable of telling if a person is lying or even just avoiding telling the complete truth. If you continue to try and extort money from Richard Leigh he will take you to court and insist that a test is administered to both himself and you.”

Gisborn had paled at this news, “You’re lying, there’s no such change in the law.”

“I was speaking to a man studying Law at Cambridge University only this morning,” Hilda said steadily, “And I rarely lie.” She paused to watch that sink in, “Now, Mr Leigh will be taking you to court unless you cancel the debt. It’s your choice.”

Gisborn looked around wildly, he took a half step toward Hilda but stopped instantly Nell drew back on her bow again, he scowled, “OK, tell him it’s cancelled.”

Nell shook her head, “Not enough Gisborn, we need it in writing.”

They watched as Gisborn slowly made his way back to the car and, watched over closely by Carol and Alison, he retrieved a sheet of paper and a pen from his case. Swiftly he wrote that Richard Leigh’s loan had been paid in full. After signing it he passed the paper to Hilda.

“Your case, Mr Gisborn,” she said quietly, “I need to ascertain that this is your signature.”

Gisborn flushed slightly but handed over the case, inside were a number of papers with his signature upon them. It matched.

Last edited by Lesley on Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:47 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#1983:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:44 pm

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ni-ice

Lesley - this is as wonderful as ever.

 

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#1984:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:47 pm

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*happy-drabble-dancing again*

Lesley you are so shiny

 

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#1985:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:47 pm

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I love the way your mind works Lesley.

 

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#1986:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:49 pm

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Good for Hilda!!!


Thanks, Lesley!!

 

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#1987:  Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:51 pm

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"rarely lies"!!!!! I love that!!

awaits more.....

 

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#1988:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 11:05 pm

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I hope Hilda get's the two heavies to sign as witnesses too!

Further installments eagerly anticipated.

 

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#1989:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 11:10 pm

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*dashes over to Lesley and hugs her*


More soon please shiny Lesley!!!

 

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#1990:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 11:29 pm

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Thanks for reminding me, Rachel!

Hilda handed the case back to Gisborn, “Thank you Mr Gisborn,” she said quietly, “Could you please ask your men to witness this?" She waited while he did this, then, "I believe our business is complete.”

Gisborn turned back to the car, “Mr Gisborn?” Nell’s voice was soft, “Don’t think that you need to search for vengeance, will you?”

Gisborn looked across at her, Nell had again released the draw on the long bow, he smiled a little deprecatingly, “I’m a businessman, you have to expect set backs. I’m not in the habit of revenge." He nodded to both Hilda and Nell and got back into the car, seconds later the car drove away.

The five gathered together, Rob seemed particularly delighted, “That was magnificent!” he said quickly, “You were both wonderful! Nell, you remind me of someone that was a very close friend, years ago, he would never allow his friends to be hurt.” He reached across and hugged her, turning to Hilda he grinned, “And you are so like my wife in how you argue, it’s uncanny.”

“I didn’t know you were married, Rob?” Alison said with interest.

Rob’s eyes clouded over, “She died, many years ago.”

There was silence for a short time then he shook himself, “This worked better than I dared hope,” he said quickly, “And without a shot even being fired! But I’m astounded that you would just know this information about lie detectors. I haven’t seen anything in the news, is it something your Law expert told you?”

The others laughed, “Rob, the man studying Law at Cambridge is Louise’s boyfriend. He stayed the night.” Carol replied.

“Then where did you get the information?” Rob looked puzzled.

“She made it up!” Nell grinned, “She has the most impassive face I know, can bluff anyone.” Rob turned to look at Hilda,

“I did say that I rarely lie,” Hilda said, a slight smile on her face, “Perhaps I should also have completed the statement by saying - but I am lying on this occasion!”

 

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#1991:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 11:34 pm

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lovely Lesley!!!
Good for Hilda!!!

 

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#1992:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 12:05 am

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LOLOL! I love that bluff!!!!

 

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#1993:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 12:51 am

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Terrific Lesley, loved that scene. I'm glad that the Blue Boar is saved - unfortunately it isn't going to help all the other people that Gisborne is extorting money from - still, even Hilda and Nell can't save everyone.
*Smiles contentedly, before realising this is probably H & N's last adventure in England*
*Remembers RCS5 will be along shortly*
*Smiles again*

 

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#1994:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 1:02 am

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and then RC6 and 7 and 8 and....well you get the pic, Lesley! We're not at all demanding, you see.

 

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#1995:  Author: Cathy, Location: Australia Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 5:36 am

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Lesley wrote:

He reached across and hugged her, turning to Hilda he grinned, “And you are so like my wife in how you argue, it’s uncanny.” “I didn’t know you were married, Rob?” Alison said with interest. Rob’s eyes clouded over, “She died, many years ago.”

I suppose her name was Marion! When do Little John and Friar Tuck join the gang?

 

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#1996:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 5:48 am

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Going soft, are you, Lesley? Thanks for dealing with Gisborn so promptly .

Love the way Hilda knows just when to bend her principles

 

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#1997:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 8:13 am

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A most satisfactory conclusion to that episode and quite subtle the little crossover! Thank you Lesley.

I'm quite glad they didn't shoot Gisborn - they'd have been calling in favours from HM rather quickly if they had

 

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#1998:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 10:24 am

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Awesome!! I can't believe how prolific you were last night!!

Hilda "rarely" lying - superb!!

And the Nell bits are jsut brilliant - I'd have pulled out the same quote as Carolyn - fantastic!!

 

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#1999:  Author: Sophie, Location: Cambridegeshire Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 10:53 am

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Fantastic. Also loved the "I rarely lie" line. Laughing a lot at 'Bill' Scarlet! Really great stuff. Thank you , Lesley.

 

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#2000:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 2:46 pm

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Brilliant as ever Lesley - just one incy wincy point though.... where's the next bit??

 

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