The Chaletian Bulletin Board


    
      
        The Chaletian Bulletin Board
        (http://www.chaletian.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl)
      

        Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >>  An Alternative Romance
        
(Message started by: Catherine_B on Oct 5^th, 2003, 2:00am)

Title: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 5^th, 2003, 2:00am

[Apologies to Richenda & all those who have other ideas about these characters, but this has been sitting on my computer for a couple of weeks & it wants to be posted! Anyway I don't think it's any worse licence than lots of the fiction on this board :D With which disclaimer...]

---

Nancy Wilmot settled into an armchair with a contented sigh. It was the first week of the summer holidays, and she was having a thoroughly relaxing time for once. As much fun as teaching was, she reflected, it was nice to be rid of responsibilities occasionally. The last term had been particularly hectic, thanks to the School’s Coming-of-Age celebrations, and all the attendant guests.

Still, it had been lovely to see all the Old Girls, especially those from her own schooldays. She smiled slightly as she remembered the rapturous reunion she had had with her own greatest chums, Hilary Burn and Ida Reaveley – or Mrs. Graves and Lady Whitfield as they were now. Despite their myriad offspring they had hardly changed at all. True, Ida had asked curiously at one point, “Don’t you miss being married and having children, Nancy?” but Hilary had nodded with great understanding in her eyes as her friend replied that the Chalet girls were in many ways her children. And as for marriage – well, it had simply never happened. Life at the Chalet School was quite busy enough, and the staff members were all good friends.

The mistress’s eyes softened as she glanced over to the window seat, where her friend Kathie Ferrars was scribbling away at a letter. The younger woman had just finished her first year of teaching, and this holiday in Geneva was by way of being a personal celebration. It hadn’t been an easy year, by any means, but Kathie had done her best and had enjoyed her teaching debut nonetheless. Nancy knew that this letter was destined for the “Uncle” and “Auntie” who had brought up Kathie as their own daughter. The school staff didn’t always discuss their personal affairs with one another, but today the two mistresses had found themselves talking quite openly as they walked along the lakeside, and Kathie had confided in her colleague at length about the elderly couple back in England. The simple words of love for the only parents she had ever known and her evident gratitude to them had moved the elder woman deeply. Nancy looked over at her diminutive colleague and felt a sudden surge of affection.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 5^th, 2003, 2:00am

The newest mistress at the Chalet School signed the end of her letter at last, and stretched her hands above her head. Gazing in admiration at the beautiful mountain scenery outside the window, she gave vent to a low chuckle. The apartment they were hiring was just at the edge of Geneva, and the view was spectacular. Even after a year in Switzerland, she could hardly believe her luck. Landing the job at the Chalet School had fulfilled her wildest dreams. The girls were a pleasure to teach, most of the time, and a more perfect setting for a school could hardly be imagined.

Of course, it helped that the staff had been so welcoming, thought Kathie, as she folded her letter and addressed its envelope. Indeed, the very first mistress she had met, Biddy O’Ryan, had been so startlingly pretty that she had nearly gasped! It had been something of a disappointment to discover that the Irish girl would be leaving to marry a doctor at the San. Still, despite some initial shyness, she had made good friends with a few other mistresses, including Sharlie Andrews, who was nearest to her in age. And for the last few months she had felt increasingly drawn to Nancy Wilmot, even though the maths mistress was a good ten years older than herself.

Walking today through the historic city, Kathie had marveled at her good fortune in having such a traveling companion. It was no wonder that the girls admired her colleague so much, she reflected. Unfailingly good-natured, her gift for communication went well beyond her maths lessons, enjoyed as those were by her pupils. Whether talking about local history (of which she had a seemingly endless knowledge), her elder sister’s family, or her deep-rooted faith she had a simple passion for conveying a subject to her listeners. Just as great an asset, she also knew how to listen. Kathie had been surprised today to find their conversation reaching depths that she had never achieved even with her close university friends. It had been a day of pure pleasure, she thought with satisfaction.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 5^th, 2003, 2:01am

Glancing up, Kathie caught Nancy’s gaze upon her.

“Penny for your thoughts!” she said teasingly, jumping up from her chair and coming over to sit down at her friend’s feet.

Nancy’s heart gave a sudden, irrational leap, but she shook her head.

Kathie smiled up at her. “Nancy old thing, do you realize you could have taught me at school? And yet I don’t feel there’s a scrap of difference between us really. Do you?”

The elder woman gazed down at her. “No more different than Jack and Jo” she said, suddenly.

They froze. For a full minute the two women let the words reverberate around them. Then, hesitantly, they leant towards one another…

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Vikki on Oct 5^th, 2003, 4:13am

Catherine, I hope there's more of this, and that you'll be posting it soon!!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by KB on Oct 5^th, 2003, 4:15am

The only thing was that we did promise we would put warnings about contents of things like this in the title of the stories. Is it possible to either put a warning on any parts that might become graphic or else add a brightly coloured warning to the first page? Thanks.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Lesley on Oct 5^th, 2003, 10:01am

Very intrigued and want this to continue. More please.

Would echo KB's sentiments though - we do have minors reading these pages. Plus there are some adults who may be offended.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 5^th, 2003, 11:14am

Actually that's as much as my baby plot bunny has dictated, at least so far. I certainly wouldn't get graphic - this is the Chalet School <shocked look>!!! I just had the urge to write a beginning for a Nancy & Kathie romance, as it's been bedevilling me for a while.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Lesley on Oct 5^th, 2003, 11:31am

Catherine you cannot possibly leave it there!!! Start feeding up that bunny. ;D

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Esmeralda on Oct 5^th, 2003, 3:55pm

Catharine, I am preparing a hamper of food for your plot bunny - please feed him promptly then we can see more of this drabble.......

I can't see that there is anything really graphic in this, and certainly nothing that couldn't be seen on pre watershed TV.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 5^th, 2003, 6:28pm

Well alright then, my plot bunny has brightened up considerably at the thought of hampers, and seeing as I'm all elated from a fantastic football match (our bottom-of-the-league team drew 1-1 with the top-of-the-league team, in contrast to last season's 11-0 demolition!!!) I will pay attention to her excitable bouncing :)

---

After a delicious moment of silence, Nancy and Kathie pulled back and looked one another in the face.

“Gosh!” said Nancy, unsteadily.

Kathie gave a tremulous laugh. “Nancy -” She broke off as her friend stretched a hand out gently to help her up from the floor. Wordlessly, she squeezed in beside Nancy in the armchair, and rested her head on her friend’s shoulder. The two sat in silence for some time, each getting used to the other’s warm presence.

“Kathie?” enquired the elder woman eventually. Looking down at the smooth brown head that rested on her shoulder, she experienced a tumultuous mixture of contentment, pride, love, and doubt. Her companion was so – young.

Raising her eyes, Kathie smiled at her friend. As though reading her thoughts, she took Nancy’s hand. “Shhh.” She could feel her friend shaking. “Nancy – darling - ” Kathie tightened her handclasp, “there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Nancy shook her head. “Not afraid” she said at last, when she could find words. “But - oh, Kathie - ”

Her partner silenced her with a kiss.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Lesley on Oct 5^th, 2003, 6:34pm

Like it - more please!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Esmeralda on Oct 5^th, 2003, 7:20pm

*Seconds Lesley's post.

*Wonders which team?

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 5^th, 2003, 8:00pm

For an hour the two women sat together, murmuring reassurances and exchanging love-words that neither had known they knew. Then, as dusk grew closer, Kathie stood up. “Come on, Nancy. We’re going for a walk.” She chuckled at her friend’s look of surprise at this abrupt announcement. “Honestly, you don’t think we can miss a romantic sunset like tonight’s, do you?” she indicated towards the window. “Let’s take a promenade into the old town.” Nancy sighed in mock discontent at her companion’s energy. “Oh, very well, if we must” were her words, but her eyes belied her tone, and the friends left the apartment arm in arm.

Strolling through the cobbled streets of Vieux Geneve, Nancy and Kathie spoke little, both instinctively feeling that words were unnecessary. They admired the medieval houses quietly, savouring the way that the evening sun illuminated the ancient grey stonework. Each woman stored her impressions tenderly in her heart, knowing she would cherish their memory for years to come. Finally, as the two finished their walk at the Place de la Taconnerie, they stepped quietly inside the Cathedrale St-Pierre. As the sun’s last rays shone through the stained-glass windows, casting a warm glow on the cathedral’s austere interior, the friends knelt in silent prayer. Both were giving thanks.

Title: ,,Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Esmeralda on Oct 5^th, 2003, 9:05pm

Interesting - would like to see where they go from here....

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Vikki on Oct 5^th, 2003, 9:58pm

:o :o :o :o
*wonders what's going to happen next*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Chloe on Oct 5^th, 2003, 10:07pm

*looking forward to more*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Emma_N on Oct 5^th, 2003, 10:59pm

This is really good Catherine. Do your plot bunnies require any more food because I'm preparing a luxury hamper for them right now!!!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Julie on Oct 7^th, 2003, 10:04pm

I'm enjoying this Catherine :)

about time this story was written - hope the bunnies are well nourished lol

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Domino on Oct 8^th, 2003, 10:58am

sniff sniff this is just beautiful!!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Lesley on Oct 9^th, 2003, 4:30am

Echoes cries for more, and is prepared to start chanting soon!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Vikki on Oct 9^th, 2003, 1:09pm

*joins in with Lesley's chant*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 10^th, 2003, 1:10am

Just 6 a.m.! Nancy closed her eyes, but knew she wouldn’t get back to sleep - the previous day’s events were too fresh in her mind. She yawned, stretched and slipped out of bed to pull on her dressing gown and slippers. It was too early to wake her companion. She went quietly to make a cup of tea instead in the apartment’s little kitchen, then took her steaming drink to the window alcove.

Although she had witnessed many sunrises in the Swiss Alps, Nancy felt that her mind and body had never been as alert as on this morning. An unaccustomed thrill went through her. Could it be possible that she, Nancy Wilmot, was really starting an intimate relationship? Hopes from her girlhood, for years suppressed, came unbidden to her mind. Teaching wasn’t all she had dreamt of then. Intimacy, closeness, trust – for these she had also yearned. And had continued to yearn ever since, she realised, for despite the camaraderie of the Chalet School staffroom, relationships there rarely went much beyond the professional or the social. She smiled suddenly, thinking of Kathie. Except for some, she added mentally.

“Nancy?”
She started at the sound of her friend’s voice. “Oh, sorry Kathie – did I wake you?”
“Not you – the tea!” Kathie smiled at her. “How did you sleep, sweetheart?” she added, stooping to kiss her lightly on the cheek.
“Fine, thanks” said Nancy, blushing slightly.
Kathie gave her an impish glance. “Mayn’t I call you that?” she enquired innocently.
The crimson spread up Nancy’s face. “I -”
“Or would you prefer Miss Wilmot?” her companion continued to tease.
“Kathie!”
The younger woman gave a wicked grin as her friend spluttered indignantly.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Vikki on Oct 10^th, 2003, 1:35am

*curious for more*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Lesley on Oct 10^th, 2003, 6:28am

*Very curious!* More please!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Rachael P on Oct 10^th, 2003, 10:08am

Beautifully crafted and tastefully written, Catherine, I would defy anyone not to be moved by this

I'm not sure I agree that a warning is necessary - this story does not appear to be surpassing any boundaries set in previous drabbles. Same-sex relationships are a fact of life and anyone experiencing doubts/fears about their own sexuality could take some comfort in this story. It may also help others see that their prejudices are perhaps unfounded.

Catherine, I like the way you have emphasised the deep faith of both women and that they offer thanks in silent prayer. I wonder how you will develop this story - what narrow-mindedness they may face (will the CS really be able to practise what it preaches regarding tolerance?) or whether one or both has a crisis of faith with relation to the church's attitude and/or others' perceptions of the church's attitude?

Very, very interesting ....

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Lesley on Oct 10^th, 2003, 10:23am

I also don't think now that any warning is neccessary and just want this to continue!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Emma_N on Oct 10^th, 2003, 9:40pm

:) :) This is really really good Catherine!! Please can you write some more soon? :) :)

*I also don't think that there is any warning necessary*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 13^th, 2003, 9:32pm

“Oh, all right, Nancy will do for now” said Kathie, relenting at last. “But I warn you, you’ll have to get used to more affectionate terms of address!”
Her friend looked at her curiously.
“Kathie - ” She stopped.
“Mmm?” The younger woman stopped teasing as she saw her companion was in earnest. “What is it, Nance?”
“I – that is - ” Nancy hesitated. “It’s just – you seem so confident, Kathie!” she blurted out suddenly.
Kathie eyed her thoughtfully for a moment. Then she shifted up in the window seat until she was sitting next to her friend, and put an arm around her shoulders
.
“That’s because,” she said carefully, “I know how I feel.” She paused, choosing her words deliberately. “Nancy – I know this isn’t exactly conventional. But I care for you – and I trust you. So how could I not be confident?”
Her companion leant her head tentatively onto the proffered shoulder.
“Nancy, darling. Many women are married with children by my age. Don’t you think I’m old enough to decide for myself what I want?”
“Yes.” The answer was barely audible.
“So…?”
“It’s just - ”
“Yes?”
“I can’t – quite – believe it!” Nancy gave a little gulp.

Kathie gave her friend a gentle squeeze. “Darling?” She saw a tear trickle down the older woman’s cheek, and reached to wipe it away. “Oh, sweetheart,” she murmured, as Nancy buried her face in Kathie’s shoulder with a sob. “Don’t you worry. Cry all you like. I’m staying right here.” She held her friend close.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 13^th, 2003, 9:38pm

(Thanks for the positive feedback, Rachael & co! I certainly wouldn't have written this far without your encouragement - I just meant to see the two women together, and now here they are taking on lives of their own ;) Albeit rather slowly...)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by catherine on Oct 13^th, 2003, 10:18pm

It's lovely and so tastefully done!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Emma_N on Oct 13^th, 2003, 11:04pm

:) :) This is excellent Catherine. :) :)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 13^th, 2003, 11:14pm

Nancy wept for some time, releasing the grief of years of solitude.
Eventually her sobs quieted, and she began to regain a little composure.
“Oh God,” she began “Kathie, I’m so sorry -”
“Hush,” her friend soothed her. “You needed that.”
“Well - ” Nancy gave a hiccup. “I did. Oh, Kathie. I’ve been waiting so long – and I didn’t even know.”
Kathie relaxed her hold slightly, and fished in her pocket. “Here – blow!” she commanded.
Nancy did as she was told. “How unromantic!” she said, with a quavering laugh.

“How are you feeling?” Kathie asked some time later, when Nancy had been to wash her face.
“Better. Thanks.” Nancy paused. “Kathie, I’m quite a lot older than you. It’s been years since I felt like anywhere was home. And suddenly here you are, and you feel like family - and it’s just – overwhelming.”
Her friend nodded comprehendingly. “I can understand a bit, I think. This first year away at work has mostly been great, but sometimes it’s been horribly lonely.” She stopped for a moment. “But Nancy – my love – even though it feels like a long time, you’re not old, you know.”
Nancy looked at her pensively. “No. I suppose I’m not…”

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Lesley on Oct 13^th, 2003, 11:22pm

Love this - feel so sorry for how Nancy must have felt all this time - only now realising what she was missing.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Rachael P on Oct 14^th, 2003, 11:23am

Love that they're taking on lives of their own, Catherine - always a good sign!!
And I like the fact that Kathie is emerging as the stronger, more confident one in this situation .... normally I picture Nancy as the tough, capable one so this is an interesting departure form the norm.

I'm with Lesley, feeling sorry for Nancy ...

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 18^th, 2003, 12:43pm

An hour later, the lovers sat opposite each other at the breakfast table.
“Nothing like a quiet start to the day!” joked Nancy, her usual good humour restored.
Her diminutive colleague pulled her face into a comic grimace.
“Good thing you dried up eventually – I was just about to ask Matey to supply a calming drink!”
The two smiled at each other, knowing that their banter covered a deep tenderness. Then Nancy dissolved into giggles. “Can you imagine her face? ‘What’s going on here, girls?’” She imitated Matron’s severe tones to perfection.
Kathie grinned wickedly. “Oh, she’d lecture us on ‘soppy sentimentality’”. She laughed outright. “Honestly, why are girls’ schools so afraid of love between women?”
“Well, you wouldn’t want schoolgirls to be filling their heads with foolish romantic fancies” her friend replied practically.
“No-o” said Kathie with some doubt. “Although, let’s face it Nancy, everyone Middle has a favourite Senior. There’s nothing wrong with admiring someone older than yourself.”
“Glad to hear it,” Nancy grinned at her junior.
“Oh – you!” Kathie swiped at her friend with a piece of toast. “You know what I mean.”
“Well, yes.” Nancy mused. “But if schools didn’t disapprove of that admiration turning sentimental, you could have girls – um – getting too involved with one another.”
“As if that would be such a terrible thing!”
“Wouldn’t it? You wouldn’t want girls in their early teens getting involved with boys, surely? That’s one reason why parents send their daughters to single-sex schools, after all. And lesbian affairs between the girls would be just as distracting – maybe more so.”

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Lesley on Oct 18^th, 2003, 12:53pm

Glad this is back Catherine - more please!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by KB on Oct 18^th, 2003, 12:57pm

Absolutely! I think this is lovely, in spite of the fact that I suggested a warning might be needed for the first part, and apparently haven't been forgiven for that. More as soon as you can please Catherine.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 18^th, 2003, 1:16pm

“Wahey!” Kathie ignored the last part of her friend’s statement. “I wasn’t sure you even knew the L-word, Nancy.”
Nancy flushed. “Well, I do – although I can’t say it’s a word I like very much.”
“We might have to work on that” grinned her lover with just a hint of flirtatiousness. “Oh, all right, I know what you mean. It doesn’t have the best connotations -”
“- emotionally unstable, unfulfilled, in denial” her friend commented dryly.
“Quite -”
“With a Well of Loneliness ending -” continued Nancy relentlessly.
“Nancy! You’ve read Radclyffe Hall?”
“Yes! A long time ago. And being like Stephen Gordon didn’t appeal at all.”
“Of course not. But not all lesbians are like that.”
“How do you know?”
“Well, I did study at St Hilda’s, my dear,” replied Kathie demurely, although her eyes twinkled.
“Kathleen Ferrars! I thought people went to university to learn.”
“Indeed! And they learn about life, as well as their subjects.” She saw her friend looking slightly taken aback. “Not” she added gently “that I did anything which could cause me regrets, now that I’ve found you. But there were women at college who did find partners. And – despite calling themselves lesbians - they were quite normal people, I can assure you.”
“Hmm,” Nancy still looked unsure.
“At any rate, my love, to return to our previous topic – I can’t see why anyone should object to two mistresses doing what they like. It’s not as though we’re going to seduce the girls, after all.”
“Hardly!”
“And we are adults.”
“Yes.”

There was a brief silence.
“It may have to be out-of-school though, Kathie”.
“It may.”

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Esmeralda on Oct 18^th, 2003, 1:42pm

Thank you Catharine, nice to see more of this story.
I think there could be big trouble for the school if they don't keep their affair to out of school hours - how would the parents/guardians react if they found out?
I can imagine there would be some people who would demand the teachers heads on a platter even today.

Understands why KB would want to warn people with that point of view about the content of this thread

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 18^th, 2003, 2:12pm

Quote:

I think this is lovely, in spite of the fact that I suggested a warning might be needed for the first part, and apparently haven't been forgiven for that

Thanks for the flowers KB & I hope you don't think it's ME who's being unforgiving ;) I had a sneaky suspicion when I started this thread that some people might have objections but I hope I've dispelled any fears of crudeness, at least!

Quote:

I think there could be big trouble for the school if they don't keep their affair to out of school hours...
I can imagine there would be some people who would demand the teachers heads on a platter even today

Yes. But I think I shall try to write how they deal with that realisation, because even if it's inevitable, it still wouldn't be easy.

You're right, Esmeralda, that even today teachers can be forced to resign because of their sexual orientation. For those not familiar with UK law, http://www.guardian.co.uk/gayrights/story/0,12592,980985,00.html gives the story of Shirley Pearce, who was bullied out of her job because of her sexuality. She took the school to court but in June the House of Lords dismissed her case (which she brought under the Sex Discrimination Act) because a gay male teacher would have been treated the same. In other words, (as far as I understand) it is still OK for someone to be harrased in the workplace because of their sexuality. As of December this will be changing as the government introduces the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003, based on an EU Directive. However it looks like faith-based schools will still be able to sack teachers if they are openly gay.

I will refrain from getting into a long discussion on the topic and hope that my drabble speaks for itself!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Esmeralda on Oct 18^th, 2003, 2:46pm

Quote:

. In other words, (as far as I understand) it is still OK for someone to be harrased in the workplace because of their sexuality.

You are quite right - it's something I came across when I was doing voluntary work for the CAB, glad to see that that is going to change.
It isn't only workers that are affected though - when I was at college one of the lecturers claimed that he would have no right to stop an openly gay 17 yr old in one of his other groups from being bullied because of his sexuality. I believe this was only hypothetical bullying, but I still thought it was fairly risible, bullying is bullying whatever the reason and should be dealt with.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by KB on Oct 19^th, 2003, 12:37am

on 10/18/03 at 14:12:42, Catherine_B wrote:

No, Catherine, it wasn't you. There were just some comments about the warning not needing to be necessary, and I wasn't sure whether they referred to me or not. *perhaps feeling slightly paranoid when I posted*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Esmeralda on Oct 19^th, 2003, 12:43am

Ummm, I think I did one of those but I wasn't getting at you - just expressing my own opinion, sorry if you thought it was aimed at you.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 19^th, 2003, 12:56am

(crossing fingers that no one is feeling paranoid or offended or anything else uncomfortable on my thread any more, i shall continue! ;))

---

Nancy gave herself a little shake. “I know we’ll have to talk about this eventually. But Kathie, we’ve only just found one another. Let’s not worry about the future yet,” she shot a pleading look at her companion.
Her friend nodded in understanding. Then she laughed. “Only just?”
“Sorry?” Nancy looked bemused.
“Well, we have known each other for a year,” smiled Kathie. “We weren’t exactly strangers before yesterday.”
“No-o”. Nancy paused. “But I never would have guessed that – this – would happen.”
Kathie didn’t answer directly, but she leant over the table to take Nancy’s hand, and the tenderness in her handclasp said more than words could ever have done.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by KB on Oct 19^th, 2003, 6:21am

No worries, Esmerelda. Like I said, I think I was having an overly sensitive day. ;)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Annie on Oct 19^th, 2003, 10:12am

Brilliant! :D

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Esmeralda on Oct 19^th, 2003, 6:25pm

I have days like that too, KB,

More please Catharine.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 19^th, 2003, 7:25pm

“So, shall we walk to Cologny today as planned?” asked Nancy, turning the subject.
“Definitely!” said Kathie with enthusiasm. “It looks like a jolly hike, and the Bodmeriana Library should be open to the public today, shouldn’t it?”
“Yes, I called to confirm last week. Nell Wilson told me to be sure and call in advance – it isn’t open every day, you know, but it’s definitely worth visiting when it is – the library houses one of the largest private collections in the world.”
“And it has a copy of the Gutenburg Bible, hasn’t it?”
“It has” Nancy smiled at her eager colleague. “I’ve never seen this copy before, but the British Library has one and it’s spectacular. We shall have a treat today if it’s on display.”
“Marvellous!” Kathie resorted to her pupils’ favourite expression in her enthusiasm. “Well, what are we waiting for?” She drained her coffee and stood up energetically. “Let’s go!”

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Lesley on Oct 19^th, 2003, 7:34pm

And more please!

*Nagging mode engaged!*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by KB on Oct 19^th, 2003, 10:59pm

*adds pleas for more, but only when Catherine has time*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 19^th, 2003, 11:24pm

Such thoughtfullness, KB - how could I refuse? :)
---

Five minutes later the friends had put on their walking books and gathered their rucksacks for the hike up to Cologny. Leaving their rented apartment, they set off at a steady pace down the street. Their destination lay ten miles to the northeast of the city, but Kathie was fit from playing tennis and cricket, while Nancy, though far from slim, had plenty of stamina. Both had plenty of mountain-walking experience from the Gornetz Platz and occasional school expeditions elsewhere in Switzerland, and without pupils to worry about they felt and looked quite light-hearted. Indeed, the local residents that they passed on the street regarded the two Englishwomen with distinct approval, seeing the evident pleasure they took in their surroundings.

Toward midday, the mistresses entered Cologny. Despite its proximity to Geneva, the small town had a quite different atmosphere to the internationally renowned city. Both women were delighted by the peaceful woodlands and open fields, and Nancy observed that her younger colleague, though voicing her admiration of the town’s exclusive mansions, showed no signs of coveting them. “And that’s just as well,” she thought with some relief, “for I certainly couldn’t provide her with one!”

The friends made a light lunch at a local auberge, before setting off with eager anticipation towards the Bibliotecha Bodmeriana.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by KB on Oct 19^th, 2003, 11:31pm

Very sweet, Catherine. I find it interesting that Nancy was the 'weak' character before when she was crying, but now seems to have subconsciously taken on the role of the male provider.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 19^th, 2003, 11:40pm

I think it's probably just because she's older...
(Weird that I only think that, rather than knowing! Surely I should have control of what's going on here ;))

And now it's time to start preparing for tomorrow's classes - at nearly midnight - agh!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by KB on Oct 19^th, 2003, 11:53pm

Not at all. It's nice that you think you should actually have some control over your own story, Catherine, but I'm afraid that the real truth is that you have no say whatsoever!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Lesley on Oct 20^th, 2003, 5:07am

Would agree with that! - Have had some serious fights - no she's too polite for that - disagreements with Hilda over ways she would act in my book - trouble is she keeps winning them!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by KB on Oct 20^th, 2003, 5:19am

You dared to argue with Hilda? *stares open-mouthed*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Rachael P on Oct 20^th, 2003, 10:27am

Quote:

:-[ KB - sorry! I was also expressing an opinion and not intending to point fingers or appear unforgiving. I can also see that early on in the thread it was reasonable to have concerns that it could develop in an inappropriately gratuitous way. I was lucky enough to read more of it before posting my comments so had the advantage of knowing that it was being handled tastefully .... Friends? :)

Catherine - storming job - I like the way they're beginning to discuss the impact of their relationship etc and that you're exploring how their relationship may be viewed by others and whether it's something they will feel comfortable in sharing with anyoen else ...

As for employment law - it's slowly but surely getting there. Any employer worth their salt already has an Equal Opps policy similar to the following:
"It is the policy of the Company that decisions concerning employment and all personnel actions will be made without regard to race, colour, religion, age, national origin, political opinion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or any legally protected status."
The problem with the House of Lords as one of the final bastions of appeal is that it's peopled, predominantly, by a bunch of elderly, conservative (with a small "c") old farts (not that I'm at all discriminatory ;)) It is too easy for employers to hide behind the "Well, I'm abusive towards everyone so I wasn't discriminating" approach ... the test in employment tribunals is what action "a reasonable employer" might take and in the instance above - the school was clearly not acting reasonably and I am quite surprised by the outcome of that appeal.

*open-mouthed with KB at Lesley's audacity!*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by KB on Oct 20^th, 2003, 2:00pm

on 10/20/03 at 10:27:52, Rachael P wrote:

Happy to be! *hug*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Rachael P on Oct 20^th, 2003, 2:25pm

*returns hug*

*vows to think before posting - not wishing to be likened to Carola Johnstone ;))

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Lesley on Oct 20^th, 2003, 6:55pm

on 10/20/03 at 05:19:48, KB wrote:

You dared to argue with Hilda? *stares open-mouthed*

Yes, well, I am the one doing the work! - But it makes no difference cos she wins anyway!

Catherine - this is wonderful more please!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 20^th, 2003, 10:45pm

“Gosh!” exclaimed Kathie in awe as they drew near the great library. “Is this really just one man’s collection, Nance?” she asked, as they walked up the marbled steps.
“It is,” her friend nodded in confirmation. “Martin Bodmer has dedicated his life to collecting manuscripts and works of art – and making them available to the public.”
“An excellent cause” commented Kathie happily. “I say, I’m sure his name rings a bell. Hasn’t he been in the newspapers recently?”
“Quite possibly. He’s high up in the International Red Cross, you know. I’ve always liked him since I read he created libraries for prisoners during the war.”

The friends fell quiet upon entering the grand hallway.
“Welcome to the Bibliotheca Bodmeriana,” they were greeted by a young man at the door. “Is this your first visit to the collection?”
“It is.”
“In that case, a doubly warm welcome.” He smiled. “Please take this guide to the exhibition. Not all of the collection is on display, of course, but I think you will find quite enough to enjoy. May I suggest that you start in this room on the right? It houses our precious Gutenberg Bible, and our second century edition of the Gospel According to St. John.”
Nancy and Kathie needed no further encouragement and, thanking the curator for his help, headed towards the ancient manuscripts.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Carolyn P on Oct 20^th, 2003, 11:50pm

Is this based on a real libarary?

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Today at 8:39am

It is! The internet is a wondeful thing:
http://www.ville-ge.ch/geneve/culture/offre_culturelle/musees/musees_ca/bodmer/bodmer.html
I must say, I'm now quite eager to go there myself :)

My mother lives in Geneva & I was telling her yesterday that I'd been reading about local tourist attractions on the internet - then had to backtract hastily in order not to reveal that I was spending hours researching Swiss history for the sake of a CS story. I couldn't face having my mother tell me to get a life!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by KB on Today at 10:20am

Don't worry, you get used to it eventually. Mine's been telling me that for ages! ;D

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Catherine_B on Today at 11:10am

Well actually it's been happening to me for years, in a perverse parent-daughter role reversal my mother was always trying to persuade me to go out to parties as a teenager. But I think she might be even more concerned about my seemingly absent social life if she knew how much I'm on the CBB - not that I don't consider this social interaction, I hasten to add :D

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by crashbb on Today at 5:17pm

on 10/21/03 at 11:10:24, Catherine_B wrote:

I thought I was the only one like that! I was the only person I knew how lied about going out - but said that I had gone to some party/bar when instead I had been at the library or at home.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance
Post by Lesley on Today at 7:33pm

on 10/21/03 at 08:39:22, Catherine_B wrote:

I couldn't face having my mother tell me to get a life!

Catherine
At a family do recently I let slip about the Real Chalet School and Headmistress - now everytime I get a call from family it's ''oh how's the school story then?" followed by pitying laughter!