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Title: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 19th, 2003, 2:07pm I refuse to be intimidated by the TEM!!!! (But I will be saving all your comments by hand just in case! ;D) Archived links are here: part one http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/altrom.html part two http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/altromance2.htm part three http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/altrom3.html part four http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/altrom4.html part five http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/altrom5.htm part six http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/altrom6.htm -- “I’m back!” Kathie Ferrars whirled into the small cottage in Scotland where she and her partner were spending the vacation. “And we’re in luck,” she gave a chuckle, “the village shop is closed for the entire twelve days of Christmas, can you imagine? But Mrs. Donaldson at the farm took pity on me and provided all this for our New Year’s dinner. I think it’ll last for a week!” Kathie cast her scarf and gloves onto the kitchen table with cheerful abandon. “Marvellous,” Nancy straightened up from the fire, “And I’ve got this going at last. Let’s put the kettle on to boil and get cooking - I’m starving!” The journey up to Moray had been a long one. -- “Nancy – sweetheart – may I ask you something?” The two women were curled up on a sofa, waiting for their dinner to cook. “Of course. What is it, Kathie?” The younger woman glanced at her companion, “Well, it’s just…” she hesitated, “…no, I am going to ask this now, I’m sorry if the timing’s bad, but I need to know. What happened last term, Nancy? What made you stop talking to me?” “Oh!” her partner flushed. “It was something the minister said.” Kathie nodded, “I guessed that much, but couldn’t you tell me what it was?” her voice was very gentle. “I don’t ever want to have to go through that again, darling.” Nancy gave a slight sigh, “He said you’d be better off marrying someone.” “And you thought he was right?” her partner’s tones were steady. “I was afraid he was.” “Hmm,” Kathie sat up and regarded her friend. “So who would you have had me marry?” “Oh – a doctor, perhaps?” “Awfully unsociable working hours.” “But respectable.” “So’s a school mistress.” “You can’t tell people you’re seeing a school mistress, though,” wistfully. “Oh, I don’t know,” the younger woman placed her arms around her partner’s neck, “How about Hilary and Phil? And Rosalind? Oh, and Sharlie,” she smiled slightly at Nancy’s look of surprise, “Well, I had to talk to someone in the last half term!” “Hmm!” Nancy reserved judgement. “Well, but a teacher is awfully poor.” “So am I,” the reply was prompt, “At least with a teacher I can’t feel inferior.” “But she can’t provide you with a house.” “What would I do with a house, now?” “And anyway,” Kathie continued after a moment’s tender embrace, “I wouldn’t need a husband to keep me in clover.” Her eyes began to sparkle with mischief, “Mabel’s awfully rich, you know.” “Hrmph!” Nancy emitted a disgruntled noise. “I suppose you saw her over Christmas, then?” “I did indeed,” Kathie returned promptly. She giggled at her partner’s expression, “Oh, don’t be so silly. Mabel’s a dear, but she’s not my type at all.” “Hmmm. And what is your type, please?” Nancy did not seem entirely appeased by this remark. “Oh, you know,” her friend said innocently, “I go for much older women… Argh! Stop it!” she squirmed as her larger companion fell upon her in vengeance. “I was only joking.” Nancy suspended hostilities temporarily. “Promise you won’t leave me for that woman?” she demanded with mock severity. “I promise!” Kathie wriggled herself free. “Honestly, Nancy” she shook her head after a second, “Anyone would think you were jealous!” “Honestly, sweetheart, you don’t have the slightest reason to be,” the younger woman spoke soothingly once they had both recovered their breath. Much as she privately enjoyed being able to raise such a response, she had no intention of allowing a permanent rift to develop between her partner and her college chum. “If you only knew how much Mabel envies you, darling, I think you’d be quite reassured.” “We-ell…” Nancy was mollified by this, “At least she has good taste, I suppose.” “Yes,” Kathie gave a sudden grin. “Mostly. Guess who her latest victim is.” Her companion looked surprised, “How on earth would I know?” Kathie giggled. “It’s a member of staff.” “From school?” Nancy stared at her. “Yup! Someone who went to the same school as Mabel, apparently,” Kathie’s eyes were dancing, “Joan Bertram.” “Joan?” Nancy’s jaw dropped. “Good God! I had no idea.” Her mind whirled. “Did you?” “Oh, just the merest suspicion,” the younger woman had no intention of telling tales. “I doubt that it’ll last – Mabel’s horribly fickle - but I’m sure Joan will have a lovely Christmas.” Kathie gave a contented sigh, too magnanimous even to feel any animosity even towards her erstwhile persecutor. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 19th, 2003, 2:07pm The New Year approached as the couple dined, laughed and talked the evening away. As midnight drew near they stood together at the window, Kathie nestled comfortably in Nancy’s protecting arms, gazing out at the starry heavens. “The year is nearly over, beloved,” Nancy murmured to her friend. “Has it been a good one for you?” the question was soft. “It has,” Kathie shivered pleasurably in her partner’s embrace. “I’d never have imagined, Nancy, just a year ago, that we’d be here together - would you?” “No,” her friend held her closer, “No, I wouldn’t.” Her voice held traces of awe, “How ever did I get this lucky, Kathie?” She could still scarcely believe how blessed she had been. Kathie laughed below her breath, “The same way I did, my love,” she replied gently. The two lovers stood in silence, looking out at the midnight sky. “Do you know what my favourite poem used to be?” The elder woman asked unexpectedly, after some moments. “It was one by Rupert Brooke. ‘Heart from heart is all as far, Fafaia, as star from star,’” tears came unbidden to her eyes, “That’s how I used to feel, before I met you.” “Oh, darling,” Kathie’s arms held onto Nancy’s very tightly. “But it’s not true, is it?” she turned her head to gaze up at her lover. “No,” Nancy cast her a tender look. “I don’t believe it is, not any more,” she returned her view to the scene outside the window, “Isn’t it strange? I even see the stars differently now because of you.” Kathie smiled. “Aren’t they wonderful? And all our small troubles seem so insignificant in comparison.” She leant against her companion, “They’re made for us, tonight, Nancy, just for you and me…” -- The first chime of midnight sounded from the cottage’s grandfather clock. “It’s twelve o’clock! Happy New Year, my love.” “And to you too, sweetheart,” Kathie turned to face her partner. She regarded her affectionately, “I think this is an appropriate moment,” she felt in her pocket for a second, then withdrew a tiny velvet pouch, “I have a gift for you, Nancy.” “Oh!” her companion took the little package with surprise. “But first of all you have to tell me what you’re thinking,” Kathie continued, keeping her hands around the parcel. “I – why - ” Nancy looked at a loss for a moment, then smiled, and replied simply, “I was hoping for many more New Years with you.” She took the pouch as her partner released it, and tipped it up to feel a fine silver chain slipping between her fingers. “Why, it’s lovely, Kathie – oh!” she caught sight of a small coin suspended from the chain, and her face flooded with laughter as she met her partner’s eyes, “It’s a Swiss centime!” |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 19th, 2003, 2:08pm “Hilda! You’re not listening to a word I’m saying!” The Head of St. Mildred’s looked accusingly at her Co-Head across the coffee table in the Chalet School Headmistress’s salon. It was the week before the school year began, and the two friends were sifting through piles of correspondence over breakfast. “Hmm? Oh, sorry,” Hilda Annersley was still preoccupied with other thoughts. Nell Wilson cast aside the letter from her goddaughter, from which she had been reading snippets about Len’s last weeks of vacation before her start at Oxford. “You’ve been miles away all morning. Come on – out with it! What’s up?” she regarded her partner quizzically. “Was there bad news in the post this morning?” Hilda shook herself out of her reverie and concentrated on her friend’s question. “Well, that depends on what you call bad news,” her voice was neutral. Nell gave a sigh of exasperation. Over the years her colleague had perfected a habitually impassive expression that stood her in good stead at work, but could be deeply frustrating to her close friends. “Hilda Annersley, would you please stop being the dispassionate headmistress and tell me what the problem is, before I shake you!” Her companion cast her a brief smile, “Sorry Nell, I didn’t mean to tease. It genuinely is mixed news; good for the people concerned, but bad for the school.” She paused for a second, then sighed. “Nancy’s been offered the post of Headmistress at Kensington Girls’ School. She’ll be leaving us after Christmas.” “No!” her colleague was immediately serious. “That’s a blow - Nancy’s been with us for years.” “Yes,” the response was quiet, “and she’s been one of our best mistresses.” Nell studied her friend carefully. The two rarely discussed what would happen when they retired, but she knew that Hilda must have thought about the matter in private. “You wanted her to be your successor, didn’t you?” she asked softly. “Hmmm,” the headmistress’s reply was non-committal. She rose and walked to the window, staring out at the Swiss mountains for several long minutes. Then she turned back to face her friend directly, “Nancy would have led the school well.” There was a note of defiance in her voice. “She doesn’t have your composure,” the Head of St. Mildred’s observed detachedly. Hilda gave an uncharacteristically impatient gesture, “There’s no reason my successor should share all my characteristics.” She began to pace around the salon, “Nancy proved herself quite capable of doing the job when I was away last year. She would have made the post her own soon enough.” “It was one of the reasons you went away, wasn’t it?” Nell asked bluntly. “Yes,” the headmistress didn’t cease in her pacing, “I wanted to see – no, I wanted her to see that she could fill the post.” She stopped abruptly, and regarded her colleague, “At least she had the chance to run the Chalet School, once.” There was a frown on her friend’s face. “Well, but just because she’s going to Kensington, it doesn’t mean she can’t return when you retire,” Nell said uncertainly. “It’ll be another ten years or so. All right, she’d have been away from this school – but she’d have experience from running another one…” She trailed off at the sight of her friend’s expression. “You said ‘people’, Hilda. She’s not the only one leaving, is she?” she asked quietly. “No.” Hilda sat down with a sigh. “Kathie’s going, too.” “Where?” “I don’t know. Her letter just says that she wants to return to England.” “I presume that means with Nancy.” “I should think so.” Hilda gave her colleague some moments to reflect on this news. Then, as the silence began to grow oppressive, she leaned forward, “Talk to me, Nell,” she said softly. “Did you know about their relationship?” “Oh, I suppose so,” her partner was frowning. “Although they never said anything to me,” she glanced up, “Did they talk to you?” “No,” Hilda was very quiet, “They didn’t.” “Hmm.” “They’ve been good for one another, Nell.” “I’m sure they have,” her partner shot her a sharp look, “No, Hilda, I’m not judging them for that.” She brooded, “But I’ll admit I hadn’t foreseen this departure.” The headmistress suppressed a sigh, “You would have if you’d been at school more. Oh, no,” as Nell’s eyebrows shot through the roof, “I don’t mean that they’ve been demonstrative in public, quite the reverse. Which is why I was expecting this.” “But - sacrificing their careers?” Nell looked unconvinced. “Would that surprise you?” her friend spoke dryly, “Yet many of our best mistresses have. Mary – Gillian – Hilary – Biddy…” “Con.” Nell glanced down to shield her face. After a second she pulled herself together, “All right, Hilda, point taken. But two women?” “They love one another.” Nell looked at her colleague mutely. “Oh, Nell,” Hilda saw her friend’s expression. “Love takes many forms, my dear.” |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 19th, 2003, 2:09pm Go on, TEM - do your worst! :P :P A new part for your consumption! -- ‘This isn’t how I want to leave’, the words burnt in Kathie’s mind as she and Nancy stood in Miss Annersley’s private salon, making polite conversation about their summer vacation in Italy. After five years together the two women had learnt to find a diplomatic balance between their private intimacy and public friendship which did not ordinarily feel like a betrayal of their colleagues or themselves. This occasion, however, was not an ordinary one, for the Headmistress and her Co-Head had invited the two mistresses for dinner to discuss their resignations. To Kathie the pleasantries that the four women were exchanging at the start of this interview seemed quite unbearably stifling. “Venice is charming. It was the first time I’d visited,” she forced a smile, “and the gondolas were delightful.” The words were true, the visit to Italy had been pure pleasure, but her thoughts were many miles away from Venetian canals. She sat down on Hilda’s pretty sofa, sick at heart. The decision to leave the Chalet School had been inevitable, despite the attachment both she and Nancy felt for the school, but leaving with so many things unsaid was suddenly intolerable. She glanced at her partner, then closed her eyes in pain. ‘No more risks, Kathie’. Nell Wilson, somewhat quiet during the initial discussion, sighed inwardly as she observed the women before her; Kathie smiling yet in distress, Nancy continuing a conversation she didn’t want to have, and Hilda putting her own emotions last, as always. Though Nell knew that many people regarded her as blunt, the obligations that such a reputation imposed upon her were not always easy to meet. Then, with a glance at her partner’s reserved face, she resigned herself to her duty. “Oh, do sit down, for goodness’ sake,” her voice was brusque, “We didn’t invite you round for idle chitter-chatter.” She waited until Nancy had joined Kathie on the sofa and Hilda had taken her own armchair, then addressed the two younger women abruptly, “Honestly, do you think Hilda and I haven’t done this a dozen times before?” Nancy dried up mid-sentence. “I -” “Only usually it involves a doctor, a ring, and the end of a beautiful career,” the voice was dry. “I trust you’re not expecting Kathie to stop working, Nancy?” |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Carolyn P on Dec 19th, 2003, 2:14pm Hooray for Bill ;D Will there be more before I go to pick the kids up from school? |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Katarzyna on Dec 19th, 2003, 2:14pm Hurrah - good for Nell (but then she always was one of my favourite characters. :) Please Catherine, are we going to get the rest of this today or am I going to have to wait till Monday? |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 19th, 2003, 2:32pm I'm at work! :o Just be grateful I cycled home to repost this lot!! small voice: ok, really I went home to clean before my guests arrived... but hey... |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Katarzyna on Dec 19th, 2003, 2:39pm *feeling very grateful for Catherine's care and consideration* Wonder if the theory of "well it is Friday afternoon" would sway her to writing whilst at work? |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:01pm *points to the monster-sized pile of work on her desk which has to be got through before Christmas hols start tomorrow!* |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:27pm catherine, you can save the whole thread as it stands like we did in the great archive! Then you wouldn't have to write the comments down. Save the threas somewhere. If necessary space-wise you could then at your leisure(!!) copy and paste into a word doc, complete with comments. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Esmeralda on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:45pm Catharine, I'm really grateful to you for cycling home to post the last part, but I really, really would like to see more in the very near future, please. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Katarzyna on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:49pm on 12/19/03 at 15:01:23, Catherine_B wrote:
Tomorrow! starting tomorrow! What with all those on the board who work in education and seem to finish to day I am pretty sure I'm in the wrong job! some of us don't finish till Christmas Eve!! |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:53pm Hey - I'm eating into my annual leave! :P |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Carolyn P on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:55pm Thank-you for posting what you have Catherine and I amongst others will try to wait in patience until tonight. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Lesley on Dec 19th, 2003, 4:16pm Wonderful Catherine! Thankyou! Thankyou! Thankyou! Love Nell's reaction and comment! More please when you have the time! |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by catherine on Dec 19th, 2003, 4:56pm Thank you Catherine! Will try to wait with patience for you to post the rest! |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Vikki on Dec 19th, 2003, 6:00pm Thank you very much Catherine!! :-* :-* *rummages around trying to find some patience!* ;) |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 8:59pm I'm VERY glad there is more, as this is such a beautiful piece of work! Any chance of seeing Mabel again? ;) |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Emma_N on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:07pm Thanks for all the latest installments and beating the thread monster!! Good old Nell!! :) |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by xanthe on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:49pm Thank you Catherine ;D *glad Catherine remains undefeated by the TEM* |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Rachael on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:11pm Oh wow - what a fantastic post! I totally, totally love Bill! Bits of her are like me and the rest I aspire to be! Can she make the difference? *devastated that Catherine can't post more tonight* I think - trying to remember comments from other thread ... Kat - I finish Xmas Eve too but we get to leave at midday and that whole week is party atmosphere so why waste holiday on it? ;) |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Vikki on Dec 20th, 2003, 12:38am *hopes Catherine posts as soon as she can!* :-* :-* |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Lisa_T on Dec 20th, 2003, 2:17am *makes disgusted noises* Catherine (I've spent all day writing 'Catherine' as 'Catheirne' in that stupid essay. It's still in operating so any daft mistakes..) this is brilliant although i was confused for a minute with the tiem shift from Richenda to after Prefects, but I get it now. More? Soon? ;D |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by KB on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:29am *decides to start chanting anyway, to sate my longing for more* |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Julie on Dec 20th, 2003, 9:53am *follows HG's example and joins in the chanting* |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Chloe on Dec 20th, 2003, 9:58am *joins the chant* Glad the TEM hasn't got the better of you! |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 20th, 2003, 6:29pm Well, seeing as you chanted... Am alone for the evening - no guests, no housemates, no work :) - so will post more later... -- For an instant Nancy was completely floored by this remark. Then, as the compassion and understanding in the two elder women’s faces began to dawn on her, she recovered her self-possession. “I – no, Nell,” she said quietly, “The teaching profession’s loss would be too great, don’t you think?” “I’m looking for a job in London,” Kathie said faintly. “Oh, God!” as her partner’s arm slipped around her shoulders, “Hilda, Nell -” “Something you’d like to tell us, ladies?” the Head of St. Mildred’s spoke wryly. She watched her co-Head out of the corner of her eye as Kathie struggled to put into words that which had been common knowledge for years. “Enough, Nell,” Hilda Annersley spoke softly, knowing that the youngest mistress was on the verge of tears. She addressed the two women, “My dears, your resignation letters didn’t say so, but I presume you’ll be living together in London?” Nancy nodded, sensing that her partner was still unable to answer. “We’ll be in Kensington, close to my school. And Kathie is looking for work nearby.” “Nell and I will write the most glowing references,” the Head kept her eyes on the younger woman’s face. “Thank you,” Kathie’s voice was very unsteady. She met the headmistress’s eyes, “Oh, Hilda, I’m so sorry! We should have told you long ago that – that Nancy and I are lovers.” The words were spoken at last. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Carolyn P on Dec 20th, 2003, 6:33pm Beautiful. Ever so well done Catherine. More please. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Lesley on Dec 20th, 2003, 6:38pm Thank you Catherine - brought tears to my eyes - how sad that they've got to go. :'( Looking forward to more - love that Hilda and Nell are so understanding. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by xanthe on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:13pm *makes funny little choking sound and heads to the tissue box* Thank you Catherine |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Chloe on Dec 20th, 2003, 8:45pm :) wonderful as usual, thansk catherine! :) |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by LauraT on Dec 20th, 2003, 8:53pm Aaah. :) |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Pat on Dec 20th, 2003, 9:26pm I don't want to cry - please find a way for them to stay. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Julie on Dec 20th, 2003, 9:37pm between watching my videoed last ever episode of Dawson's Creek :blush: and this drabble, my emotions are taking a beating tonight LOL but this has been really excellent Catherine :) |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by RachelD on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:08pm Oh dear, I'm sniffling again. This was lovely. Is eveything going to end happily ever after? Please can we have some more. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 20th, 2003, 11:57pm I am going to finish before Christmas *repeats to self over and over* -- There was a long silence as all four women began slowly to react to the implications of this statement. Then, “Thank you,” Hilda’s tones were low. “Thank you for that confidence, Kathie.” Nancy regarded the headmistress, “I think it’s you we should be thanking,” she said soberly. Her arm clasped Kathie very tightly, “You guessed a long time ago, yet you didn’t treat us any the worse for it.” Hilda flinched. “Nancy, I judge my staff on their work.” “I know you do,” Nancy’s voice was steady. “And I appreciate it. Very much.” Nell regarded the pair thoughtfully. “Do I gather that not everyone has been so accepting?” she asked bluntly. Kathie glanced up at her partner. “Nancy’s family disowned her,” she said slowly. She nodded at the look of horror on both women’s faces at this stark statement, “We thought they’d guessed, but apparently we were wrong. When Nancy told them they threw her out of the house, and they’ve refused even to answer her letters since then.” Her face contorted in pain, “That was three years ago.” Nell looked from one woman to the other, “But your parents?” “My father died nearly two years ago,” Nancy’s voice was hard. “He hadn’t spoken to me for over a year, and my family only told me after the funeral.” “Oh!” Both Heads let out involuntary exclamations. “I heard last February,” Nancy continued in controlled tones. “I said I had flu, took a day off school, and came back to work.” ‘And nearly hit a girl for drawing a caricature of Kathie’ she added silently with a spasm of remorse. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Kathy_S on Dec 21st, 2003, 12:37am Too emotional to chant properly. Drums Morse code down modem instead. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Sugarplum on Dec 21st, 2003, 1:27am :'( OOOooohh poor Nancy |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:38am Wow! I hadn't realised time had moved on that quickly! So we're about the end of the series then? *trying to remember what book the caricature is mentioned* |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:15am Oh Poor Nancy!! That's awful!! :'( :'( |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:27am *joins up with Vikki to chant* |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Lesley on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:16am on 12/21/03 at 03:38:53, KB wrote:
KB - these latest bits are set after the series - Nell was reading a letter from Len about her vacation before starting at Oxford. Catherine - this is so wonderful, thank you! |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:22am Ah, apologies. I had forgotten that by the time I read the most recent parts. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by xanthe on Dec 21st, 2003, 11:25am Thanks Catherine for the lastest bit before curling up in a corner to have a little cry because this is so well-written and moving and.................................... :'( |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Chloe on Dec 21st, 2003, 11:53am *sniff sniff* Thanks catherine its so well written :) |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:14pm Just one more post after this one! *promises self* --- Nell Wilson, who in her youth had suffered the sudden loss of her sister and both parents, stared at Nancy almost uncomprehendingly. She could hardly imagine any relationship that would enable her to endure such a renunciation. But as she saw Kathie gripping her partner’s hand in fierce sympathy, she began to realise what her co-Head had already understood: the bond between the two younger women ran deep. They had grown together in strength over the years, and Kathie was now a very present comfort in Nancy’s grief. A lump came to Nell’s throat as she watched the wordless communion between the pair. “Nancy, beloved,” Kathie whispered after a silence, “We’re not giving up hope, do you hear me?” She gazed up at her partner, completely lost in their exchange, “We’ll keep trying with your brothers. And your mother -” The harshness began to fade from Nancy’s eyes. She looked down at the woman who had so many reasons to be bitter towards a family which had rejected her, yet thought only of her partner’s well-being. “We’ll keep trying. But – Kathie -” her voice became very gentle, “where you are, that’s my home. Don’t ever forget that.” “I won’t.” The two women rested their heads against one another. “Won’t you tell us about your plans?” Hilda asked softly, at length. “Of course,” Nancy shook off her thoughts. She smiled slightly at the elder woman, “Actually, it’s largely thanks to you, Hilda, that I’ve been offered this post. It seems you mentioned me to one of your colleagues on that inspection tour you made last autumn.” Nell shot Hilda a considering glance as the headmistress nodded briefly in confirmation. “Well,” Nancy continued, “when she submitted her resignation as head of Kensington Girls’ School this summer, Miss Eliot specifically recommended to the Board of Governors that they invite me to apply. They did – I met them last month – and, well, they offered me the job.” Kathie had recovered her equanimity. “There were ten other candidates,” she observed detachedly. “Oh sorry, darling – didn’t you mean to tell them that?” her expression was innocent. Nell and Hilda laughed at Nancy’s embarrassment and Kathie’s evident satisfaction at her partner’s success. “You’ll make a first-rate Head,” Nell said frankly. “We’re lucky to have kept you so long.” Nancy shot the Head of St. Mildred’s a smile, “The Chalet School has been home, Nell. And I can’t imagine a boarding school that would have been more – um – accommodating,” her mind dwelt upon rooms always conveniently next to one another, duty schedules that miraculously matched them together for excursions and weekends away, and staff who diplomatically described their partnership as ‘great friendship’. “But working at day schools – different day schools -” she added, with a quick glance at her partner, “will give us a little more personal space. ” “It will,” Kathie agreed with feeling. Then she realised she had spoken with rather more emphasis than she had intended, “That is – I mean -” she went crimson as the Heads regarded her with some amusement, “Not that life at the Chalet has been anything but pleasant – we have loved it here – it’s just -” “You’ll enjoy having your own home, I’m sure,” the Abbess took mercy on her. “We will,” Nancy could feel Kathie beginning to shake with suppressed laughter. “We’re expecting an invitation to visit,” Nell added with a smile. Then, just as Hilda was breathing an inward sigh of relief at her co-Head’s benevolence, “And I hope you’ll be inviting Hilary and Phil as well,” Nell’s eyes were twinkling wickedly. “They’ll be missing your company dreadfully otherwise.” The comment was too much for Kathie, whose mirth burst its barriers at last and rang through the Head’s private salon, finding its response in Nancy’s amusement and the laughing sympathy of the two Chalet School headmistresses. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Lesley on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:21pm Oh wonderful - they may not have been told anything officially but Hilda and Nell knew everything! ;D Absolutely love this Catherine - looking forward to final post but with sadness as well as joy as it's the last. Thank you. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 8:01pm *applauds this wonderful story and agrees that it's lovely to see the Heads' presience* |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 8:31pm Awwww! Bless! Thank you Catherine, it's lovely! :-* |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Chloe on Dec 21st, 2003, 9:11pm *joins in the applause* Wonderful catherine thank you! :) |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Carolyn P on Dec 21st, 2003, 9:57pm Can't wait until the last post to say again how wonderful this story is. Tears mingled with happiness. Her family want hanging by their toenails, but to get such a good job over so much opposition, and to have so much support from the school. Waiting now for the final post. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Rachael on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:20pm *Torn between wanting the last bit and not wanting it to end :-/* Love the way you've captured Hilda and Nell but slightly sad for Nell - Hilda seems so at peace with herself and her life but Nell clearly isn't ..... |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Esmeralda on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:29pm Catharine, I've loved every word of this story, and like everyone else I'm torn between looking forward to the next post and not wanting it to end - I'm so glad that everything has worked out for them in the end, especially after all the agonies Nancy put them both through. Three cheers for the Heads too. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by KB on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:49am *hopes last post isn't too far away* |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Katarzyna on Dec 22nd, 2003, 11:09am Catherine this is absolutely brilliant Pitching tent to wait for the final posting - hope that it might arrive later today, please?? |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Angel on Dec 22nd, 2003, 12:09pm Yes, I have loved this story and admire its brilliance... |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Vikki on Dec 22nd, 2003, 4:34pm on 12/22/03 at 11:09:08, Katarzyna wrote:
*pitches tent next to Kate!* ;D |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Lesley on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:00pm *Yells really loudly* Catherine? Please say you'll post today!!! |
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Title: (Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 22nd, 2003, 9:40pm Sorry for the delay! Am at home with family - haven't "come out" to them yet as a CS romance writer yet so was having a very hard time fighting my way onto the computer! *gnashing of teeth!* Aaaaanyway. I just wanted to say a huge thanks for all the encouragement you gave me with this story. I honestly meant to finish it after their first kiss... then at the railway station... oh well. But I absolutely, categorically, hand on heart promise that this is the last installment (though I might be persuaded to write a Mabel-Joan drabblette for Valentine's day ;D) Final comment - one thing I feel slightly bad about is that I didn't write much about gay theology. I read a whole lot, believe me (!!!) but couldn't find a way of working it into the conversation without it sounding like a textbook. For anyone who's interested or needs to know, check out e.g. http://www.lgcm.org.uk/html/mainframe.html Incidentally, my bestest friend in the whole world runs the YLGC group and they're really cool - I'd join if only I were Christian ;D |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 22nd, 2003, 9:41pm Hilda Annersley stood before the lectern, very stately in her M.A. gown and hood. Her blue-grey eyes swept over the rows of girls before her, all of whom were looking up in expectation for the announcement she was about to make. “Girls!” The Abbess’s beautiful voice was calm. “I know that end-of-term speeches usually get left until the last day of term, and I shall indeed be wishing you all a Happy Christmas in a week’s time,” she smiled at her audience. “However, there is one announcement that needs to be made now. Two mistresses are leaving this school at the end of term, and I believe it is fair to tell you in advance, as I am sure you will wish to bid them farewell at somewhat more leisure than in the hectic scrimmage of the final day of term.” A faint chuckle went round the room in response to this description, but it was overshadowed by surprise and some consternation as most of the girls wondered to whom the headmistress was referring. Only the members of VIb and Inter V, who had heard the news earlier in the day, did not look surprised at this announcement, but their faces were very downcast. Miss Annersley knew all about it, of course, and she continued swiftly, “The first is Miss Ferrars.” There were smothered gasps of dismay from around the Hall. Kathie Ferrars was one of the most popular mistresses at the Chalet School. “The other is Miss Wilmot. Girls!” Miss Annersley had no intention of letting the murmurs of consternation get out of hand. “I know you will feel their loss, as indeed we all will. They have both been offered excellent positions at schools in England, however, and it would be unreasonable of us to begrudge them these new opportunities. If you listen, I will tell you all about it.” Her words had the desired effect and with only a hint of reluctance the school quietened down to hear what she had to say. “Miss Ferrars will be taking up the position of head of geography at St. Andrew’s High School in London,” the Abbess flashed a smile at that young woman. “It is a promotion for her – a very well deserved one – and we must offer her our congratulations.” A spontaneous burst of applause rang through the room. Kathie was a great favourite with her pupils. The headmistress held up her hand for silence, “The post will be only her second one, but I know she will take with her a great deal from her time at the Chalet School.” She paused for a moment, and the girls fell quiet, concentrating on her words. “It was Miss Wilson who first interviewed Miss Ferrars for the post as geography mistress here. When I asked her yesterday what her memories of that interview were, she said something rather unusual: that Kathie Ferrars had struck her during their conversation as a particularly courageous woman.” She leant upon the lectern, “I was surprised by Miss Wilson’s comment. Bravery is perhaps not the first quality that springs to mind when thinking of the requisites for a member of staff. However, upon reflection, I believe she was right,” the Head’s gaze settled for an instant on the young mistress, who was sitting up very straight, though her eyes were trained on the floor. “During her time here, Miss Ferrars has shown two types of courage. One is public; she has put others’ safety before her own on several occasions.” A trace of amusement entered the Head’s voice, “Naturally, any good Chalet School mistress is ready to do this. However, I think it is fair to say that Miss Ferrars has been instrumental in more rescues than most - from snowstorms to floods and speedboats, she seems to have experienced it all!” There was general laughter as several girls hid their very pink faces. Miss Annersley let her pupils have their heads this time, only continuing when they were settled again. “But there is another kind of courage, a more personal kind that involves coming to a new profession, a new community and a new post – and making it one’s own. Miss Ferrars has done this, and with such success that it is hard even to remember how we got by without her skills as a producer, her energy on the lacrosse pitch, or the Spot Suppers to which she introduced us.” The headmistress turned to the young woman and, meeting her eyes, spoke simply. “We will miss you, Kathie.” |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 22nd, 2003, 9:41pm The Hall remained very quiet after this tribute, many of the girls realising how personally Miss Annersley was speaking. After a moment to let these words sink in and to collect her own thoughts, however, the Abbess was speaking again. “Now – Miss Wilmot,” she began, and her listeners could hear laughter in the beautiful, deep voice. “I hope it will not embarrass you if I reveal that I knew you initially when you were a schoolgirl!” she looked at the head of mathematics, who made a laughing motion of disclaim. Miss Annersley turned to the girls, her eyes twinkling, “Ladies, the Nancy Wilmot I knew in the Tyrol was in some respects a rather different person. For one thing, when she came to the Chalet School from St. Scholastika’s - the other school at the Tiernsee which joined forces with our own – I recall that she described herself as ‘the world’s worst dud at languages’.” There were several audible gasps from Middles who had suffered recently at Miss Wilmot’s hands for their poor pronunciation or grammar in one of the Chalet School’s three languages. “Not only that,” the headmistress continued relentlessly, “but her closest friend of those days, Hilary Burn – Mrs. Graves to you – informs me that she even referred to maths mistresses as ‘the extreme edge’!” The Hall rocked with laughter as Nancy buried her head in her hands in despair. The Abbess joined in with the amusement before resuming in somewhat more serious tones, “The Nancy Wilmot of those days was not entirely dissimilar from the one we know today. She was unfailingly good-natured, and I can remember no occasion when she ever lost her temper,” she regarded the maths mistress with a smile. “I hope she will not bear me a grudge, however, if I tell you that she did not come across as particularly ambitious back then. She was not Head Girl; in her generation that post went to her good friends Gillian Linton and Hilary Burn, both of whom also became mistresses at this school afterwards. She did not seem to aspire towards leadership, or even towards a serious career.” Nancy gave a slight smile. “You may wonder why I mention this,” the headmistress continued, “since farewell speeches are generally confined to praise and plaudits. Well, I do applaud Miss Wilmot, for despite not being a leading light during her school days, she found her subject and her vocation in the years that followed.” The keen blue-grey eyes swept across the ranks of Seniors, noting a few faces that suddenly looked considerably more hopeful. “Miss Wilmot served her country with distinction as a mathematician during the war, but eventually decided that teaching was her calling. The Chalet School was her second post, and we have been fortunate – extremely fortunate – to keep her for almost ten years.” There were quiet murmurs of agreement from around the room. “As head of mathematics, her work has spoken for itself. Generations of schoolgirls have told me that Miss Wilmot turns a difficult subject into one that is a genuine pleasure to study. And indeed,” Miss Annersley continued with a smile, “this year we have very clear proof, for Miss Wilson has been forced to recruit another member of staff at St. Mildred’s just to cope with the demand for mathematics from former Chalet School pupils!” The school laughed. “But it is not just in the classroom that we have appreciated her contributions to our community. Miss Wilmot has also been a dedicated housemistress at St. Therese’s, the leader of numerous unforgettable expeditions,” her eyes danced at the recollection of some of the more dramatic ones, “and recently the Head of the Chalet School.” The headmistress’s voice grew very warm as she recalled Nancy’s support during the previous year. “I am afraid it was too much to hope that we could keep her forever. She has been appointed Head of Kensington Girls’ School in London, and will be starting there in January. I know she will make an excellent headmistress, and I am sure you will join me in offering our congratulations.” |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 22nd, 2003, 9:42pm A prolonged round of applause followed this speech, and Hilda Annersley allowed it to continue unchecked for some time. Her mind was suddenly with Nell Wilson, to whom she had talked the previous day. ‘You don’t like the way Nancy’s family have behaved?’ her colleague had asked her bluntly. ‘So be brave, Hilda. What are you a headmistress for, if not to shape the way people think?’ At the lectern Hilda gave an inward nod. Then she took a deep breath and raised her hand for silence. “There is just one thing left for me to add. Miss Wilmot and Miss Ferrars have asked me to tell you that they will be living together in London. They assure me that they will be delighted to welcome guests from the Chalet School, staff or pupils, and I am certain you will take them up on their offer if you can,” she smiled at her listeners, “for, knowing them as well as I do, I am sure that their home will be an extremely warm and welcoming one. When you bid them farewell this week, please do remember to wish them well in their new home together. That is all.” But not quite all! An exclamation from the back of the room interrupted the Abbess as she began to turn towards Miss Lawrence at the piano; Jack Lambert, leaping out of her seat, was rising to the occasion. “Three cheers for Miss Wilmot and Miss Ferrars!” she cried, her voice ringing throughout the Hall, “Two of the best mistresses the school has ever known!” And as Nancy and Kathie blushed wildly and regarded one another with suspiciously bright eyes, the school rose as one to its feet and returned the cheers with vim. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Rachael on Dec 22nd, 2003, 10:18pm *joins in the cheering with a will and including Catherine in the applause* OMG, Catherine - that is completely and utterly the most perfect ending you could have come up with ... I've had goosebumps, tears, chuckles - the full specturm Absolutely, bloody brilliant story - I've loved every post so much and I'm totally in awe Potentially explosive subject material and you've handled it with charm, care and sensitivity - thank you!! (I'll tell you now that I've just completed a drabble which I'll probably post Xmas Eve and which probably would'nt have been started without your influence! So thanks for that as well!) Three cheers for Catherine! |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Lesley on Dec 22nd, 2003, 10:32pm Catherine - I echo everything that Rachael has just said - an absolutely beautiful story, your handling of the subject matter was exquisite, you should be very proud. This is a story that, as far as I am concerned can now be counted as a true representation of what happened during the series. Please post it, in its entirety, either on the fiction page or the milk train. Thank you once again - and I'm so glad you didn't stop at the first kss or the railway scene! |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Vikki on Dec 22nd, 2003, 11:04pm Catherine, that was really, really lovely! Thank you so much for all your hard work on it!! :-* :-* :-* |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Sugarplum on Dec 22nd, 2003, 11:21pm OOOooh Wowwwwwww I'm speechless - that was a lovely ending to a lovely drabble Thank you Catherine :) |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Kathy_S on Dec 22nd, 2003, 11:32pm Can’t possibly think up enough adjectives to say how outstanding this story has been! Sensitive, well-drawn, thoughtful, absorbing, magnificent. And a fabulous ending. (Embarrassed to say my reaction the first day was a reflexive grumble of the people-who-think-any-friendship-must-be-sexual, phallic-symbol-under-every-bush type. Obviously that dissipated the minute I started to read..... ) |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Esmeralda on Dec 22nd, 2003, 11:33pm Thank you Catherine, I would just like to say again how much I have loved this story, and how brilliantly written it was. Thank you so much for NOT ending with the scene at the railway station. I would also love to see this posted in it's entirety on the Milk Train site. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by KB on Dec 23rd, 2003, 4:23am Catherine, there are not words enough to describe this excellent masterpiece. Thank you for sharing it with us. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Katarzyna on Dec 23rd, 2003, 9:50am Congratulations Catherine on completing your story, I shall miss coming in to drabbles each day to read it. Enjoy your break from writing and have a peaceful and happy Christmas Kate |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by xanthe on Dec 23rd, 2003, 11:14am Catherine this was... *searches in vain for adjectives to do the story justice...fails miserably* brilliant - beautiful - sensitive... thank you :-* |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Chloe on Dec 23rd, 2003, 12:19pm That was, was lovely (being about the only word that can be said and spelt correctly) thank you catherine :-* |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Julie on Dec 23rd, 2003, 6:57pm Catherine - I've really enjoyed this story from beginning to end. You've written it so well - the theme, the language and just the atmosphere it conveys has been brilliant :) thank you very much xx |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Carolyn P on Dec 23rd, 2003, 8:39pm Catherine, this has been a truely fabulous experience. Tears, giggles, thought provoking, sensitive handling of very tricky issues, altogether wonderful. Please send it in its entirity to Liss for the milk train. Wish I had the words to do justice to how great this is/was. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Susan on Dec 27th, 2003, 2:47am Catherine I have just read the last two archived parts and all 4 pages of this in one go. It is fantastic, absolutley fantastic. You handled it so well. Thank you for finishing it off so sensitively. Sends big bouquet and bottle of Baileys in appreciation. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Polly1 on Dec 27th, 2003, 9:15am Catherine, I have managed, finally, to finish reading this. I started on the archived stuff 2 days ago, and got up early to finish this morning after getting kicked off the PC last night by my Dad! It was wonderful!!!!!! ;D Really sensitively handled! :-* :-* I have colleageus and friends, even now, in teaching who have to keep their sexuality a secret. Kids can be very prejudiced, and some of the staff are even worse!! Even harmless, meaningless flirting between members of the opposite sex (and its in the staffroom away from the kids) is frowned upon by certain people, so you can understand why teachers in same sex relationships have to keep quiet - indeed, one of my male friends is terrified that people will find out! Well done again!!! ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Nicolette on Dec 28th, 2003, 1:24pm Catherine, I've been ill all christmas so couldn't catch up on this drabble, but it was well worth the wait. As far as chalet school scenes go, that last couldn't have been written better by EBD herself. I've loved this drabble, possibly more so than others I've read because I can honestly see this fitting into the CS series. Their 'special friendship' in the books always seemed deeper than EBD dared mention, but you've brought it to the fore with great sensitivity and understanding. Thankyou. Nicci ps. was Nell in love with Con stewart? |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Catherine_B on Dec 28th, 2003, 1:28pm on 12/28/03 at 13:24:31, Nicolette wrote:
Do you want a one word answer to that question? ;D Thanks for the comments :-* I hope you're feeling better now. |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 8:22pm *hopes Nicci is feeling better now!!* *wonders what Catherine will write next!* ;) |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:19pm *thinks Vikki is rather demanding* Give the girl some breathing space, will you?! |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:25pm Well, it's been a week!!! ;) |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:35pm A very busy week! |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:44pm There is that!! ;) |
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Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - part 7c! Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:51pm *thanks Vikki for the agreement* ;) |
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