The CBB :: View topic - Helen at the Chalet School

#1: Helen at the Chalet School Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 5:23 pm

Okay, I promised a new story, so here it goes. I decided it was time we had a story about a chalet girl from Canada. This takes place in the 1930's.

The doctor sat looking at the Edward James with a grave expression on his face.
"The plain fact Mr. James, is that your daughter is overworked. You cannot expect a girl of fourteen to cope with the responsibility of caring for a house and three children, and go to school, and not suffer any ill effects. It is simply too much."

"What would you suggest I do, Doctor? I simply don't have the money to hire help, and the other children help out, but they are too young to be of much use, and I'm working fourteen hour days simply to keep food on the table, and the rent paid. She can leave school at the end of the year, and I'm hoping that will ighten her burden."
"Simply leaving school isn't enough" the Doctor replied, "She needs a chance to be a child. She's in the same amount of health as an ill woman of forty. Is there anyone you could turn too for assistance?"
"No Doctor. My family in England was fairly well off when I left, but they have n't spoken to me since I married and moved to Canada."
"Well, all I can suggest is trying again. No one likes to have to eat humble pie, but it looks like it could be Kate's best hope. I'll let you know if I hear of any other solutions."
"Thank you Doctor"
Edward left the small office with a heavy heart, feeling quite sure that there would be no solution.

#2: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 5:40 pm

Great start Shander! Let's hope the British relatives are nice (though since she ends up at the CS, there must a happy ending)

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

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 5:43 pm

This looks very promising Shander

#4: Author: Lisa, Location: South Coast of England

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 6:55 pm

It certainly looks good, Shander! It reminds me a little of Katy Carr at the moment. I'm really looking forward to reading about Canada through your knowledge, and Katherine's experience! More when you can please!

#5: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 7:01 pm

Yay! New story! This seems really good - may we have some more please?

#6: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 7:07 pm

New story! That's going to be really interesting.

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

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 7:21 pm

Good beginning Shander - looking forward to more!

#8: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 7:23 pm

Lovely start. May we have some more please? coffee

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

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 9:49 pm

That's an interesting start, I don't think there were any canadian girls at the school were there?

Are we going to see more soon? jester

#10: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:04 pm

Good start Shander! So many possibilities as to how it could develop.

#11: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:50 pm

I'm looking forward to seeing more of this Shander, it looks very interesting so far, with lots of possibilities ahead.

#12: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 1:19 am

Ooh, I love new stories! Please, Shander, don't make us wait too long!

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

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 4:10 am

*waiting eagerly for more please Shander!!*

#14: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 4:51 am

*joins the chant I think Vikki started*

#15: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 4:52 am

*Joins KB and Vikki in the chant.

Shander should be able to hear me best given that we don't have an ocean between us.

#16: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 5:01 am

Yes, that's true. I just hope she pays attention!

#17: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 10:18 am

Excellent start, Shander -very CS-esque!

More, please - this is definitely worthy of chanting!!

#18: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 12:36 pm

Yay! Nice new drabble - please fill it up quickly Shander!

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

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 6:58 pm

Please may we have some more Shander! Smile

#20: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 2:38 am

Shander this is a very good start at a new drabble spoilt only by one thing - there isn't enough of it.

#21: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 3:55 am

More would definitely be welcome!

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

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 5:11 pm

I logged on expecting lots more story - where is it Confused

#23: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 10:29 pm

Please continue with this, Shander!

#24: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 1:14 am

You aren't taking the total destruction of Canada seriously, are you, Shander?

More, please.

#25: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 4:50 am

Thanks for your patience everyone. This week has been hectic and my plotbunnies have been sluggish. Now that they have been poked awake and chased in from the fields, they have informed me that I have made a mistake in naming my characters. The character that I named Kate/Katherine should be called Helen. She will have an aunt named Katherine, but that's a completely different matter. Sorry about the confusion.

It was late when Mr. James arrived at his front door and he paused a moment, trying to compose his features so that his daughter would not see the worry that was there. The chances of him contacting his family were terribly slim. It had been fifteen years since he had left England, and there was no way of knowing where they had got to. He brushed these thoughts aside and went, taking off his coat, boots, toque, scarf and all of the other necessities of a Canadian winter. Just as he had finished putting these away his oldest daughter, Helen [who was Kate in the first part of this], came into the hall with a tired smile on her face.
"Hello Daddy, how was your day?"
"Long, darling, but allright. What about you? How have you felt?" he said. In his mind, he felt that the proper answer to his daughter's questions should have been terrible, but after the doctor's word, he was determined to save her all that he could.
"It was all right. The other children are in bed, and I've kept your supper warm for you."
"Thank you sweetheart. You go off to bed, I'll see to my own dishes tonight."
"Are you sure? I can stay up a little longer if need be."
"No dear, you need your sleep as well. Have a good night."
Helen bid her father goodnight and went up the stairs to the room she shared with her sisters.

Down stairs, Mr. James took the supper his daughter had made, and kept warm and ate it quickly, doing his dishes and putting them away when he was finished. He then took out a piece of paper and began to write. Any doubts he had about asking his family in England had dissapeared as he saw his daughter exhaustion and ill health that evening. Her face was far to careworn for a girl of her age. Parts of his family had not approved his marriage, or his move to Canada, and although he had thought about healing the breech, there had been no motivation to do so. He let out a sigh, and concentrated on his writing.

The letter Edward James wrote did reach its destination, and caused quite a stir when it did so. The majority of the village where he had lived remembered him still, and when the postmaster saw the address he went immediatley to the James household to deliver it.
Edward had two sisters (both unmarried) and one brother.

#26: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 7:29 am

Oh, wonderful! More of this story! I do love it!

#27: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 5:43 pm

*seconds KB*

More, please, Shander! Very Happy

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

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 5:51 pm

That was lovely Shander may we have some more please Smile

#29: Author: Polly, Location: Essex

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 5:52 pm

More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More!
Shander!
Please!

Thanx! Very Happy

#30: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 6:04 pm

Thanks Shander.

Quote:

He brushed these thoughts aside and went, taking off his coat, boots, toque, scarf and all of the other necessities of a Canadian winter.

Definately needed here today. Depending on the report it is -29 to -35 with the windchill. Obviously written by a Canuck - does anyone else call it a toque?

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

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 6:26 pm

*leaps about chanting enthusiastically*

#32: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 8:05 pm

Chelsea wrote:

Obviously written by a Canuck - does anyone else call it a toque?

Chelsea, what's a Canuck?

#33: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 8:10 pm

Sarah_L wrote:

Chelsea wrote:

Obviously written by a Canuck - does anyone else call it a toque?

Chelsea, what's a Canuck?

A Canuck is slang for a Canadian. Like a Kiwi for those from New Zealand.

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

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 8:20 pm

Errmm what's a toque?

Shander - love the new bit - more please!

#35: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 8:38 pm

A toque is a winter hat. Not sure WHY.

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

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 9:45 pm

*chanting loudly for more!*

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

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 10:02 pm

Chelsea wrote:

A toque is a winter hat. Not sure WHY.

because it would be too warm to be a summer hat maybe? student

#38: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 10:15 pm

Well, it's a very warm-sounding word!

#39: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 10:35 pm

Thank you for the next part of the story Shander, I think the Canadian winter garments would come in handy over here.
More soon please.

#40: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:08 pm

Shivering at the thought of your temperatures and wondering still more why Margot was sent to Canada!

Sending special English lettuce untouched by frost to the plot bunnies!

#41: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:28 pm

Not sure if the English lettuce will remain untouched by frost after the next couple of days.

#42: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:33 pm

Xanthe wrote:

Chelsea wrote:

A toque is a winter hat. Not sure WHY.

because it would be too warm to be a summer hat maybe? student

Then surely it should be called a winter hat?

#43: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:34 pm

No matter what you call it, I'm sure it won't come when you do!

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

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 3:53 pm

Please may we have some more Shander Smile

#45: Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:20 am

Have just done a quick google search on this : looks like a toque was a style of ladies' hat (the examples I found were from the 1930's) usually made a fur or velvet, and usually worn in winter, so maybe the Canadian variety for men came from this? *there goes my inquiring mind, again - another totally useless piece of trivia to add to the collection*

BTW, thanks Shander, this is a great story - more please, as soon as... Very Happy

#46: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:42 am

Thanks for that, Ellen!

#47: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 9:17 pm

I'm looking forward to lots more of this, Shander.

#48: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 9:38 pm

I'm so glad everyone is enjoying it. Here is a description of a toque for interested parties.
A tuque is a knited hat, originally usually wool, that is designed to provide warmth in winter. Sometimes considered Canada's national hat, all tuques are tapered and brimless, and they are often topped with pom-poms.
they have apparently misspelled it.
And thanks to a very boring astronomy class, you get more drabble.

The postmaster arrive at Moore House, the James family home to deliver the letter. It was the first sign of news from Edward James in more than 10 years. The post master rang the doorbell, and Katherine, the oldest sister, cames to the door and opened it.
He had been going to tell her about the letter, but as she opened the door, he thought the better of it. "Tell her," he thought, "and she would refuse to read it. Leave it for her to discover, and the shcok would force her to open it. "
So he merely lifter is cap and said
"Mail for you, Miss James. I was passing this way to take Mrs. Porter a letter from her son. She'll be so excited. It's what she lives for, now that her husband is dead. Anyway, I thught I'd drop your mail by.
Katherine James smiled graciously, thanked him, and went inside to read and sort her mail.
As she went throught the usual assortment of bills and notes from friends, she caught sight of a familiar handwriting, and paled. She pulled the letter out of the pile, and looked at it more closely. There was no mistaking the writing, but she couldn't imagine the sender still being alive.

There is more, but I have to go or I will be late for class. More will come tonight (my time). Hope you enjoy what's here.

#49: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 9:44 pm

Thanks for that bit.

Be careful going to and coming home from class. Don't forget your tuque!
For others, there is currently a major snow storm warning in effect in this area - cold, with lots of blowing snow and ice!

#50: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 10:18 pm

Thank you Shander - sure there is a clue in 'Katherine' Confused

Be very careful in the ice and snow! Having googled toque and remembered a restaurant in California called La Toque, I eventually find that they seem to be (in current incarnation) a wooly hat which pulls down over the ears and I have one! If that is what you mean, of course?

#51: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 10:25 pm

That sounds about right - wollen hat that covers the ears. Although mine has a fleece lining on the part that covers my ears so it is nice and soft and not itchy.

#52: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 10:55 pm

PatMac, my plot bunnies greatly appreciate the lettuce. I will be careful Chelsea. They're saying we'll be getting 46 cm of snow by tomorrow morning, and it is certainly nasty out right now. I'm here for four and a half more hours.
Class let out early, so I have time before work, so you get more drabble.
The estrangement from their brother Edward had been a greif to the James siblings. Edward had written to his parents after his marriage and emigration, in an attempt to make peace, he had recieved no answer. The siblings had tried to contact him a their fathers death, but the letter had been returned with "addressee unkown" scrawled across the front. Ten years later, there had still been no trace of him, and they had sadly concluded that they would never hear from him again.
Katherine was pulled out of her reverie by the sound of children passing her front door. She stood and resolutley put the letter aside. It was addressed to the whole family, and she would wait until they were all assembled to read it. She went to the phone to call her brother and request his prescence that evening.

That evening, Allan, Ruth and Katherine weere gathered in the sitting room at Moore House. Allan glanced at Katherine and said
"Why don't you read it, Katherine?"
She slit the enveloped and pulled out the letter.

#53: Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 10:56 pm

These descriptions from Shander and Chelsea sound like what we would call a beanie - what do you think, KB and other Aussies? Don't really need one today, it's going to be a lovely day, but in the windy Tasmanian winter, definitely!

#54: Author: Polly, Location: Essex

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 11:37 pm

Thanx Shander! Now eagerly awaiting the next bit! Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 11:43 pm

*leaps around enthusiastically in appreciation of the drabble*

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

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 4:25 am

*gets dizzy watching Xan, and goes to sit down, but would like more drabble soon please!!!*

#57: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 5:06 am

Quote:

These descriptions from Shander and Chelsea sound like what we would call a beanie

How odd- A beanie here is sort of a skull cap with a button on top, for example the one worn by Brownies:
click here for web link

I can't think of any special name for this "toque" though. If it's what I think it is, a knit hat with earflaps and a tassel, I've seen them advertized as both "earflap hats" and "toboggan hats." But earflap hats don't always have the tassel and toboggan hats don't always have the earflaps. Also sometimes they have strings and sometimes not.

*About to put on her thick fleece hat with earflaps but no tassel and go home*

(Thanks for the new pieces of story, Shander.)

#58: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 5:10 am

A toque covers the ears but doesn't actually have ear flaps. Think of a Santa hat without the fur and not so long. Basically a ski hat. It may or may not have a pom pom or tassell (mine has a tassell).

As for beanie - I think of the same thing that you think of Kathy. Though some have propellers on top (I gave one of those to my brother when he was called to the bar!).

#59: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 5:33 am

Yes, the Santa hat shape was sort of what I had in mind. That sounds like the toboggan hat, then, without earflaps.

Was your brother's beanie like the one in Beany & Cecil (the sea-sick sea serpent)? One of my sisters once had an official Beany & Cecil beanie, only in plastic. You pulled a string and the propeller shot up into the sky.

#60: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 9:32 pm

More drabble
"Dear Mother, Father, etc.
"I have assumed that since I did not recieve a reply to my letter of 14 years ago, you do not wish to be contacted by me, and if it were not that the health of my beloved eldest daughter is at stake, I would not be bothering you now."
The three sibling looked at each other, stunned by this.
"He doesn't know that they're dead!" Ruth, managed to get out in a hoarse whisper.
Katherine's only response was to return to the letter, hungry for more information.
Allan sat silent, waiting.

"I am sorry that it was my action that has caused such a breech in the family, but I cannot regret my marriage or my emigration. My wife and I had a very happy marriage, and Canada has been kind to us.
"Unfortunatley, my wife was killed two years ago, when she was trampled by a runaway horse while out doing errands.
" Since that time my eldest daughter, Helen, has been running our household. Our finances our such that we can live comfortably, but there is little money left over to hire someone, and I have been keeping for an emergency.
"Helen's health has always been somewhat delicate, and the strain of looking after her siblings and doing her school work has taxed her strength sorely. She is eligible to leave school this year, but it is the feeling of myself and our doctor that what she truly needs is a rest.
"Also, I truly wish that she might have some time to simply be a child.
"To that end, I wonder if you would allow her to visit you for a few months this summer?

#61: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 9:38 pm

Thanks Shander

*hopes the response is good.

#62: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 10:45 pm

Thanks for that episode Shander. I'm with Chelsea in hoping the response is good!

#63: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 10:47 pm

Thank you Shander - since the others have trying to get in touch I'm sure they will help, I hope so anyway.

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

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 10:49 pm

Feel sure of a good response, it's needed to get the school invilved somehow, I think?

Like your sig Shander. Full of hope.

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

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 11:05 pm

Aww please let them be nice!

Please may we have some more! Smile

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

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 11:52 pm

Excellent Shander - more please!

#67: Author: Polly, Location: Essex

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 12:24 am

Thanx Shander! More please! Very Happy

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

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 2:57 am

*echoes the pleas from the previous posts!!*

#69: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 4:14 am

*joins in chant*

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

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:29 pm

*joins the chant*

#71: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:44 pm

Getting error messages, Chloe? BTW - how do you make the umluat? (cannot spell that word).

More please Shander!!

*hopes Shander isn't snowed in somewhere.

#72: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 7:21 pm

Chelsea wrote:

Getting error messages, Chloe? BTW - how do you make the umluat? (cannot spell that word).

Answering for Chloë (who won't mind, I'm sure) instead of typing 'e' hold down the alt key and type 137 on the numeric pad to the right. (just make sure the numlock is on first LOL)

Here's a link to a conversion for the other symbols in ASCII as you would type them. It's not fantastically clear but it prints out clear enough so you can read it - but I tend to remember the ones I use often so I put it off!
/www.jimprice.com/ascii-128-255.gif

#73: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 7:23 pm

Hi Chloë.

Just testing the Umlaut thingy.

Thanks Pat.

#74: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 7:36 pm

Deleted your multiple posts for you Chloe. Very Happy

#75: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 7:38 pm

"Please know that I would not impose upon you in this manner if it were not the only option available to me.
"Sincerely Yours
Edward James"

Katherine, Allan and Ruth looked at each other silently. None of them were quite sure what to say. Ruth was the first to speak.
"Of course we'll have her with us, but I wish we could provide a more long term solution. Things won't get easier for her when she goes back, and what will happen to the rest of the children while she is here?"

The other two were silent for a moment. Katherine was mentally blaming Edward for going so far away from his family. If he had still been living in England, he wouldn't have been in this trouble. The family would have taken over right away. As it stood, they had to have an unkown girl, of ill health and probably ill temper, to stay with them. In truth, Katherine was feeling somewhat guilty that they hadn't tried harder to find their brother before this, which led her to blame her brother.
Allan sat thinking about his own family, and how grieved he would be if anything happened to his wife and child.
"I agree Ruth," he said, "this doesn't solve the main problem. The question is, what do we do, and how do we get him to accept it?

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

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 7:47 pm

So, what do they do? Answers on a postcard to...

Hope to find out soon.

#77: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 8:02 pm

More please Shander. This is really good.

#78: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 8:05 pm

Well. obviously the title gives some clue, but it's nice to see the family's reaction.
More please Shander

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

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 10:33 pm

Oooh!! More please Shander!!!!!

#80: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 11:53 pm

Quote:

Well. obviously the title gives some clue, but it's nice to see the family's reaction.

But how does her aunt being at the CS help Helen?

Shander, please post more to solve this conundrum.

#81: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 11:57 pm

Katherine looked up in irritation.
"The solution seems obvious! What he needs is a housekeeper and I can't see how we can help him with that. We all know he won't accept money from us to hire one. We can have Helen here, but she'll fall ill again as soon as she goes back to her family."
"But we wouldn't want to entrust the children to a stranger anyways," Ruth objected. She paused a minute, looking slightly embaressed.
"But I'd be willing to go to Canada to keep house for Edward. He couldn't object to that, esecially if he we arrange it so that his objections won't arrive in time."
The other two looket at her in astonishment.
"Go to Canada!?"
"I've always wanted to go, and I'd love to see Edward and his children" She protested. "It wouldn't be for always. Besides, Katherine will be leaving to go to her newjob soon, so it's not as if she'll be lonely, and you've got Jane, Allan."

#82: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 12:08 am

I like the idea of 'his objections won't arrive in time' clever, that!
*wonders if Katherine going to become a mistress at the CS?*

Will you give us some descriptions of Canada, Shander? I'd love to hear Katherine's reactions to the life out there.

#83: Author: Polly, Location: Essex

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 12:12 am

*Echoes PatMac's sentiments*
Two posts this evening - have been catching up!! Thanx Shander!

#84: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 12:38 am

What time period is this Shander? And where in Canada are they?

#85: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 12:53 am

loving this so far.

*heads down to the echo auberge with the others to ask for more about canada

#86: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 2:07 am

The time period is the 1930's Chelsea, and I think I've decided that they are living in Toronto. I thought about rural Ontario, but I don't know much about it.

#87: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 2:09 am

So "That Scatterbrain Booky" Toronto?

*anxious to read more.

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

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 2:33 am

Shander, you've really got my curiosity going with this one!!!

#89: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:21 am

Looking forward to reading about Toronto!! I loved it when I was there a few years ago. (How can anyone work in that new government building? What an eyesore next to the old one!). No CN Tower back then of course - walked on the glass floor, and looked down but not at the same time!!

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

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 7:13 pm

This really is great Shander more soon i hope! Very Happy

#91: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 3:24 am

Pat wrote:

What new government building? Do you mean the new City Hall? The two kinda arc-like buildings? The buildings aren't nearly as nice as the old building, but Nathan Phillip's square (in front of city hall) is great fun for festivals and skating in the winter.

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

Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 7:49 am

Thank you for the last post Shander - looking forward to more!

#93: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 12:20 pm

Chelsea wrote:

Pat wrote:

Yes that's the building I meant! We were told that the only windows are on the inside curve!! Agree about the Square - that's lovely. I remember Toronto as being a lovely clean city, with a nice mix of older buildings. The view from the CN Tower is stupendous!! Unfortunately we had less than a day there - late afternoon till late morning the next day!!

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

Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 7:48 pm

What? No more story? Crying or Very sad

#95: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 9:31 pm

This is really good, Shander. Please post some more.

#96: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 2:34 am

Thank you Shander for all those lovely posts.

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

Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 12:30 pm

still no more story!

#98: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 9:40 pm

Here's more drabble. Hope you enjoy.

Katherine, Ruth and Allan debated their course of action until well into the night. Katherine and Allan were not disposed to let their sister travel across the coeans to live with a brother noneof them had seen for fifteen years, and Ruth was stubborn, and not about to give up easily. Finally, they rose, and went wearily off to bed.
Some timee later, a letter arrived at the James' house in Toronto. Edward looked at the letter in surprise and conternation. He hadn't expected to hear back from his family, but he knew of no one else in England that would be writing him. He waited until all of the children were in bed, and then settled down to read.
"Dear Brother,
How delighted we were to recieve your letter, although we are sorry that the occasion is such a troubling one. We do not wish to add to your burden but we feel that we should inform you that our mother and father are dead. They passed away a number of years ago, after short illnesses. Mother was always sorry about the breach. "
He bowed his head a moment, sorrowful. Although he had been very angry at this parent, he could not be entirely indifferent to their passing.
He paused a moment to collect his self control, and then continued to read.
"Now, on to your request. We would be delighted to have Helen with us, but we feel that we have a better solution for you. Our sister Ruth is determined to go to Canada, to act as your housekeeper. She will arrive in Toronto ten days before Christmas, and would be greatful if someone would meet her at the train station.
In terms of Helen, we have a propsition to make you. Katherine will be going to teach at a school in Tyrol, Austria, and we would like to send Helen to be educated there. Although Katherine is teaching at St. Scholastika's we propse to send Helen to the Chalet School. This school provides a good education, and pays particular attention to the health of its student. Before you object, let me say that our grandparents left us some money to be used solely for the education of the family's children, and the money would come from that fund. I know that Nanee and Gramps would be delighted to see it used to educate your daughter. Ruth will bring the prospectus with her when she travels, and we ask you to think it over seriously. It would be a good break for Helen.
Let me say again, how happy we were to hear from you. The breach has greived us all.
Sincerley Yours
Allan James

#99: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 9:48 pm

Well, what a series of surprises for the family. We need more, now, don't we.

#100: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 10:47 pm

Indeed we do, Jennie! More please, Shander!

#101: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 10:54 pm

Just read all of this, and is desparately wanting more!
Hope more is posted soon!

#102: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 10:56 pm

What a nice note from Allan to his brother - though he could have made the signature part a little more brotherly.

I'm glad that his family has been so accepting.

#103: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 11:19 pm

Thanks Shander - I wonder what Miss Browne would say if she knew one f her teachers was sending a pupil to the only other school in the area?
Please may we have more

#104: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 11:40 pm

Fraternising with the enemy should we say. Razz

#105: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 11:56 pm

More, more its wonderful, can't wait to read his reaction.

More please post more, sends magic carrots for Plot Bunnies, and if that fails looks up PB Cookies on recipe thread ?

#106: Author: Polly, Location: Essex

Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 12:14 am

Thanx Shander. Can we have more please? Very Happy

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

Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 3:53 am

*pleads with Shander for more story!*

#108: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 3:58 am

I never thought of St Scholastika's! How clever. I'm particularly looking forward to Ruth's arrival and learning more about Canada.

#109: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 1:16 am

Thank you Shander, more soon please Exclamation

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

Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 6:58 am

Very interesting - especially as that time at the chalet school will include all the originals - Jo etc.

Looking forward to more!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 5:48 pm

May we have some more please!

#112: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 11:07 pm

James stared at the letter in shock, which quickly turned to irritation, and then amusement.
"Some things never change," he thought.
He was touched by their obvious concern and their delight at recieving his letter. He tucked the letter away, and went to bed.

ruth sat in the hard benh seat on the train. It was drafty, and poorly heated by a potbellied stove, but she hadn't felt disposed to wait for a more comfortable train at the time, and so had decided to continue on with the ships passengers on the immigrant train. Now, after a full day and night spent on the train, she was starting to regret that decision.
She began to think of her journey, to get her mind off her surroundings.
The harbour in Halifax had been massive, and what she had seen of the city lovely. Houses made of clapboard, or brick, rising up the steep hill towards a fort at the top. One of the men on the ship had told her the it was known as citadel hill, and was where the original fort for the city was.
as the train pulled out of Halifax, she became engrossed by the number of forests they passed, sometimes seeing nothing but trees for hours on end. There was a good deal of snow on the ground, and even though the sun was shining, she could tell it was bitterly cold.
Now, as they were approaching Quebec city, there were farms and villages dotting the landscape.

That's all for now, but I though you might be interested in a quick modern description. The trees etc for hours is still somewhat accurate. When I drive to the ottawa valley, we spend at least an hour driving through forest, dotted by the very occasional house. Also, if you take the train west toward manitoba, you will also pass endless stretches of trees and lakes.
Not that we don't have cities too. You'll get the descriptions of Toronto next time.
also, it takes approximately three days, on a modern train, to get from toronto to vancouver B.C.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 11:09 pm

Yay thanks Shander this is wonderful!

#114: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 11:17 pm

Great, Shander. It makes me realise how small the UK is.

#115: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 11:18 pm

I remember feeling like I could have been in Europe when I took the train from Halifax to Quebec. The fields are smaller, the coastline quite craggy, and there's lots of woodland.

Looking forward to more of this. It's wonderful.

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

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 12:54 am

*looking forward to more please Shander!!!*

#117: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:19 am

Ruth stood in Toronto's Union Station, gazing about her in awe. The marble floors, high, vaulted ceilings and large windows were somewhat awe inspiring. Everything was new and sparkling. Ruth also noticed that there did not appear to be anyone there to meet her.
"Wonderful" she thought. "I'm nervous enough without this. But, I have the address, the only thing to do is find it myself. "
As she was thinking this, a young voice was heard behind her.
"Excuse me, are you Ruth Edwards?'"
Ruth turned around to find a young girl facing her. The girl's most noticable feature were the dark circles under her eyes, but she also possed wavey brown hair, tied back in a braid, and brown eyes.
"Yes," Ruth said. "And you are?"
"I'm your niece, Helen. My father is at work today, but he asked me to come and meet you. If you'll show me where your bags are, we can be on our way."
Ruth looked at the girl, a little bemused by the manner in which she simply took charge of the situation.
" My bags are right here." Ruth said, gesturing to a small pile beside her"
Helen looked at the bags considering for a moment.
"Would you mind taking the streetcar? Papa gave me the money for a taxi, but carrying this ourselves wouldn't be hard, and the streetcar costs so much less?"
"Not at all"
Inwardly, Ruth was quickly becoming puzzled by her young niece and the things she was revealing. What kind of financinal situation was her brother in? Why was he working on a Saturday? Helen certianly appeared to be overly careworn. How long had she been looking after the house? At this point Helen was addressing her again, and she turned her attention away from her troubled thoughts.

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

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:53 am

Yay!! thank you Shander!!!

#119: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:07 am

Woohoo!

Thanks Shander. Loving this.

#120: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:19 am

Shander, I read the first post of this and then got left behind and I've only just cuaght up. It's great. Hey, can you guess what I might say next...?

#121: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:26 am

Chanting!!!!

#122: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 12:08 pm

Shander, we'd love some more of this very soon.

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

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 8:42 pm

*chants at Shander!*

#124: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 10:33 pm

*lines up to join the chant*

#125: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 2:36 am

Thanks Shander - Ruth's arrival should make things a little easier for Helen. Does she know about the plans hat have been made to send her to school yet?

#126: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 4:16 pm

Shander, please don't keep us waiting for too long. I think Helen really needs a break.

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

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:25 pm

*hopes Helen hasn't worked herself into an illness.....*

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

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 9:44 pm

*Joins the chanting*

I just caught up this is great Shander

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

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:04 am

Just caught up on this again, more please Shander - feel very sorry for Helen having to take charge.

#130: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 4:09 pm

Looking forward to the reunion between brother and sister.
(which is a way if asking for more)

#131: Author: Polly, Location: Essex

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 11:29 pm

Yay! Thanx Shander! Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 3:34 pm

Will we get anymore soon please Shander?

#133: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 3:43 pm

*continues to chant*

#134: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 4:14 pm

Why are we waiting?
Why are we waiting?
Why are we waiting?
For more story.

*tunefully sung.

#135: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 4:43 pm

Perhaps if I sing at the top of my voice, Shander will give in and write and post some more.

Singing very loudly and very untunefully.

#136: Author: Polly, Location: Essex

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:56 am

Hands round the headphones- isn't soundproofing wonderful?!!!!

#137: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 4:10 am

Thanks for your patience everyone. I had to be at school for 13 hours today, so I didn't get much written. With a little luck you'll get more tomorrow.

#138: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 8:39 am

thanks for letting us know, Shander. You must be really tired. Sends hugs, hot chocolate and a jar of hunny for Pooh.

#139: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 4:09 am

Thanks for your patience, everyone. I'm on reading week now, and my brain has had a few days to recover, so here's a little more drabble.

Helen and Ruth arrived at the James' small home 20 minutes later.
"Welcome" Helen said. "If you wil follow me, I'll show you to your room. I'm afraid you'll have to share with me. I suggested that I take the couch, but my father wouldn't hear of it. He said I needed a proper room." Helen smiled apolegetically.
"That's all right. I don't mind sharing. I'm looking forward to getting to know you. Where are your brothers?"
"They're playing with friends. I didn't want to leave them home alone, and it's easier for me to help you get settled and get dinner on the table if they're not here. They should be back in a couple of hours. In the mean time, would you like some tea? I'm happy to put the kettle on while you unpack your case."
By this time they had reached the room that Ruth and Helen were to share. I was a good sized room, not overly large but big enough to fit two people comfortably. It contained a single wooden bedstead, and one wall, and a cot along the other. It was cheerfully papered, although the paper was obviously old, and it had a good sized window that looked onto the street. There was a wooden dresser and a door in the wall that proved to open reveal a small closet. Helen pointed to some drawers and said
"Those are for you, as is the empty half of the closet. The bedstead is also yours. If you'd like to come down to the Kitchen when you are done, I'll have tea ready."
With smile, Helen left.

[From the Author: I noticed in Chalet books that a cot seems to refer to what we in North America call a crib. In the chalet I think they refer to what I'm refering to as a camp bed. Basically a small folding bed.]

#140: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 4:13 am

Woohoo, it's back.

I agree, usually in the CS books 'cot' seems to be 'crib'; whereas 'camp bed' is 'cot'. I remember that they put a camp bed in Bill's room for the prefects in United.

#141: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 4:59 pm

I think I'd better start singing again so Shander will post some more.

#142: Author: Polly, Location: Essex

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 6:03 pm

*joins in with singing*

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

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:50 pm

Thank you Shander!!!
More please!!

#144: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:53 pm

Starts singing O Canada. In English, French, and the Bi-lingual version. Adds the additional verses to the English version.

#145: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:21 am

Thank you Shander another lovely installment.

#146: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:26 am

thank you Shander. Helen seems very competent. Looking forward to more when you can.

#147: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 4:16 pm

It seems a long time since we had some of this.

#148: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 4:57 pm

It does. doesn't it Jennie.

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

Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 10:05 pm

*sends out search parties to find Shander*

#150: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 12:45 am

*informs Vikki that it is whiteout conditions here right now and suggests that search parties are postponed.

#151: Author: Dot, Location: Ireland

Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 12:47 am

Shander, I'm not quite sure about this but if you go to your first post, you can change the name Some mod want to confirm this or am I dreaming? Smile

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

Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 12:51 am

Just read all of this at once - can we pleeeeeeeeeease have some more? I'm willing to sit tight and wait despite the pain. Very Happy

#153: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 12:54 am

More please, Shander!

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

Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 7:27 pm

Dot wrote:

Shander, I'm not quite sure about this but if you go to your first post, you can change the name Some mod want to confirm this or am I dreaming? Smile

Yep! That's right!

#155: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 12:56 am

Hoping for more soon, Shander!

#156: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 4:22 pm

Still no more drabble? Oh, the agony of waiting.

#157: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 9:38 pm

Thanks for your patience everyone. My plotbunnies are alive and well, but I have so much school work, I don't have the energy to harness them. hopefully soon though.

#158: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 11:01 pm

Another one succumbs to RL! Poor Shander

#159: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 2:45 am

Sending Huggles to Shander

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

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 1:47 pm

Looking forward to more when RL allows!

#161: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 1:58 pm

*agrees with Lesley*

#162: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 2:56 pm

This outbreak of RL is definitely bad for us!

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

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:41 am

It is very nasty indeed!

#164: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 5:33 pm

It's a long time since we had any of this, so I'm sending it to the top to remind Shander to post some more.

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

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 12:24 pm

Shander, please may we have some more Smile

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

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 10:07 pm

*echoes the pleas*

#167: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 2:21 am

Here's some new drabble. Thanks all for your patience. If a moderator could change the title to Helen of the Chalet School, I'd appreciate that.

Down in the kitchen, Helen had put the kettle on for tea. She got out some biscuites, made a small plate of them and set them down on the table, and began to prepare dinner. Because it was her aunts first evening with them, she wanted the meal to be special. She had put the roast in the oven before she left for the train station, and she opened the oven door to find that it was cooking nicely. She then turned to the cupboards, took out the potatoes and began to peel them. The kettle boiled, she put the tea in to steep, and shortly after, her aunt came down.
"I hope you find the room pleasant." Helen said.
"Very much, thank you."
Helen gestured to the table and said,
"Please sit and start your tea, we should be eating supper in an hour and a half, but I though you might like a few buscuits while you are waiting. I'll join you as soon as the potatoes are ready to boil."
Ruth felt that if she didn't start helping her niece right away, Helen would be reluctant to let her help in the future. It felt obvious that Helen took her duties very seriously, and Ruth had the feeling she would have to prove her competence, and her willingness to help."
"Why don't I help you with the potatoes and then we can enjoy our tea that much sooner."
Helen accepted this suggestion readily and handed the vegetable peeler over to her aunt, taking out a knife to use. Soon, the potatoes were boiling in a pot of water, and Helen and Ruth were sitting at the table enjoying their tea.

#168: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 3:05 am

Thank you for thata Shander, nice to see them getting on so well. Looking forward to more.

#169: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 3:07 am

Thank you Shander.

Ruth looks like she will be great for Helen.

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

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:49 pm

Awww! Thank you Shan der!!!!

#171: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:50 pm

Thank you Shander, is there any more to come son?

#172: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:56 pm

Thanks Shander Very Happy

That scene was really nice and homey!

#173: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:07 pm

Yes, but I'd like Helen to get to the Chalet School, so we can see how she gets on there.

#174: Author: Polly, Location: Essex

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 12:39 am

Yay!! Thanks Shander!

*settles down to wait for more!*

#175: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 12:58 am

Just caught up on this, I don't know why I hadn't read it before! It's great Very Happy

Glad to see that Helen seems to get on with Ruth, it'd be hard if she didn't!

#176: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 1:04 am

Thanks for the new bit Shander, really enjoyed it

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

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 1:23 am

Thank you Shander!

#178: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 2:13 am

yet anohter new bit. I should be starting on an essay, but oh well.

Later that evening, after Helen and her brothers were in bed, Ruth and Edward sat down together.
"It's awfully good to see you Ruth."
"And you Edward. Have you thought about sending Helen to school."
"I have. And I have to admit I think it might be a good idea. If it hadn't been for Nane and Gramps's money I couldn't have considered it, but with that money it might be the best thing. She needs to be somewhere where her health would be looked after, and the summers are so hot and humid that they pull her down enormously."
"Are you really so poor Edward?"
He looked startled for a moment and thought about his answer.
"Yes and no. The majority of my savings went into caring for my wife when she was ill. I have a good job now, that allows us to live comfortably, but that could change at any time. Jobs are scarce these days, and even if you have one, there's no guarantee that you will keep it. Companies go bankrupt very often. I don't own this house, I rent it, so I'm trying to build up enough savings that we'll have enough to live on if something goes wrong. But I really would like Helen to be away from this worry. She spends a good deal of time trying to save money. It's no life for a girl of her age."
"you're right. Why don't we discuss it with her in a few days. After she has had time to settle in and get to know me. In the mean time, I would suggest that you write to the head and request a spot for her."
"I'll do that. And now, I think we should both go to sleep."
With that they rose, and went to their respective rooms.

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

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 4:26 am

Yay!! thanks Shander!!

#180: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:09 am

Thank you Shander. Can't help wondering what Helen is going to say when they start discussing it with her.

#181: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:18 am

Thanks for that Shander, can't wait to see Helen's reaction!

#182: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 5:45 pm

Thank you, Shander. Is there any more in the offing?

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

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 4:54 pm

This is great Shander, looking forward to more.

#184: Author: Polly, Location: Essex

Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 7:04 pm

Just been catching up.....must be six weeks since I was last on here! Can we have more please Shander! Very Happy

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