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        Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >>  Anna's Second Escape - again
        
(Message started by: Pat on Dec 18^th, 2003, 10:00am)

Title: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 18^th, 2003, 10:00am

OK! From the beginning!

Anna looked round the small room that had been hers since the Maynard family had come out to the Gornetz Platz to live. There was nothing to show that anyone had lived there fro so many years. No pictures on the walls, no ornaments or personal items at all. The bed was stripped, with the pillows and plumeaux neatly arranged at the head of the bed. A trunk stood on the floor, neatly corded and awaiting collection, though Anna hoped that the men would not have too much trouble negotiating the flight of stairs which led to her room alone. IT had been hard enough getting the empty trunk up them. Beside the trunk was a suitcase, and a small overnight bag. Anna found to her surprise that she had mixed feelings about leaving Freudesheim. She had expected to feel nothing but relief, but she also found that she was a rather sad too. Analysing her feelings, she realised that much of the regret was due to the long years she had spent serving the Maynard family so faithfully, and to leaving the long line of children behind. Children! She laughed to herself! Only Phil and Geoff could possible be regarded as children any more, and they were about to take their GCSE examinations. No, the time had more than come, and she was not sorry to have made the decision she had. Her mind wandered back over the last few months as she waited for the van to collect her belongings, and she traced the steps she had taken to reach this point.

She thought back to before the War, when the Chalet School had been in the Austrian Tyrol, and from whence she herself came. Her employer, Jo Maynard had been a pupil at the school, and Anna one of the maids, and Anna had formed a sort of hero-worship feeling for Jo. When the Anschluss had forced the school to move to England, and Jo and some of her friends to flee from the Gestapo, all Anna could think about was getting to England to join her. The escape had been terrible, and she had never been able to talk about it to anyone, least of all Jo, for although she was delighted to see her, and to give her a job, was not in the least interested in Anna as a person, or in her experiences. Once the Triplets had arrived, Anna’s position was secure, as Jo was able to follow her career as an author without feeling that her children were being neglected. As the family grew, so Anna’s role in their upbringing became more vital, and Jo’s dependency more intense. Even on her days off she was expected to take some of the children with her from time to time, and her resentment started to grow.

Many years ago, when the family were living near the Welsh border, she had received an offer of marriage. She had been tempted, if only to escape her situation, but had decided that her feelings for the man in question had not been strong enough. Joey’s boasting that she had stayed out of loyalty and love for the family had annoyed her intensely, but as usual she had said nothing. Her services had become more and more taken for granted, and when the move to the Oberland had been discussed, she had found that her own move had been assumed by the whole family. Now they were mostly grown up, and had left the nest, and Anna had decided long ago that that would be the moment that she would also leave.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 18^th, 2003, 10:01am

She thought back to the momentous day the previous year when a chance meeting had started the rollercoaster moving. She had managed to spend her day off on her own in Interlaken, and after a pleasant morning shopping, had decided to attend a concert in the Kasino. The concert room was quite small, and laid out more like a night club than a concert hall, with tables and chairs grouped around the stage. She had been lucky enough to obtain a seat at a central table, and she looked round her with interest, as she had never been to this venue before. Presently a man of about her own age came and sat at her table, asking quietly if she minded. The hall was filling up, and she shook her head and smiled at him. He was a good-looking man, which she surprised herself by noticing, as it had been a long time since she had looked at any man in that way. A waitress was making her way round the tables offering drinks, and the man beckoned her over to ask for a glass of wine.
“Excuse me Fraulein, but would you like a drink?” Anna looked across the table at him to make sure that he was really asking her, and then nodded.
“I would like a glass of wine,” she said. “Thank you.”

While they waited for their drinks they introduced themselves and chatted quietly, finding that they had many interests in common, though Anna recognised that Michael had had a better education than she had had an opportunity to acquire. The concert was enjoyed by both, and afterwards Michael invited Anna to have Kaffee und Kuchen at the nearby hotel. They talked of themselves, and Anna spoke of her life with the Maynards, and her disillusionment of her regard for Jo, and Michael told her something about his chain of hotels, built up from a single hotel inherited from his father. The differences in their stations they found to be totally irrelevant. When they finally parted, it was with a promise to meet the following week.

Even Jo noticed the change in Anna as the weeks went by, and she spent her free days with Michael. They did not spend all the time in Interlaken, as Michael took her out in his car to visit places she had never had a chance to see before. Anna blossomed with the attention paid to her as a person, not as an employee, and she became conscious of her appearance for the first time in her life. She began to spend her wages on new clothes, and the hairdresser, and two months after meeting Michael she made a transforming decision.

She was due to visit the hairdresser, and decided that instead of just the normal trim to tidy the ends of her long hair, she would have a modern haircut. Normally she wore her hair in a coronet around her head, but since becoming more conscious of her appearance, had noticed that this style had gone out of fashion for all but the older generation. As she certainly did not want to be counted amongst the older people, she consulted with her hairdresser over the style which would suit her best.
“I think, Fraulein, that when your hair is shorter, there will be a natural wave. Many people these days have a perm, but I think for you it would not be necessary. However, we can see what will be best when your hair is cut.”

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 18^th, 2003, 10:01am

Anna agreed, and found to her delight that the hairdresser was right, her hair shad a lovely natural wave that required nothing more than styling to give her a modern look that took years off her apparent age. Meeting Michael for lunch, she basked in his approval.
“I was trying to pluck up the courage to suggest a hair cut to you, my dear,” he said. “I am so glad you took the decision for yourself. Do you like it?”
“Yes, very much. I think it will take a lot of getting used to though,” she smiled. “What Frau Maynard will say I do not know!”
“It is of no concern to Frau Maynard what you do with your appearance. Has she noticed your new clothes, and happiness? I thought not.”

Anna went straight to her room when she returned to Freudesheim and thus the first time Jo saw the new hairstyle was when Anna served the evening meal in the Speisesaal. The shock of her maid’s changed appearance finally penetrated, and she gasped.
“Anna! What have you done to your hair! Never say you have had a perm!”

“Meine Frau. I have simply had my hair cut and styled. However, if it had needed a perm, I should have had one done.” Anna spoke with a dignity and confidence that she had never used with her employer before. Jo noticed, and raised her eyebrows a little. Something had happened to her maid, and she was starting to wonder exactly what that was. For the time being, though, she let the subject drop, and Anna herself was not yet ready to say anything further. For one thing, she herself did not yet know where her friendship might lead, though she was sure of her own feelings. For another, she knew she would have a decision to make in the near future, about her work for Jo, whether or not her friendship with Michael led to anything. Later that evening, after her work was done for the day, Anna stood and looked at herself in the mirror. Her new hairstyle suited her well, and she was already getting used to the difference it made in her appearance. Her new, and more fashionable, clothing gave her confidence in herself. However, she still felt that there might be room for improvement. Her glasses were reasonably up to date – heavy frames were still in vogue – but she had heard that there was an alternative to glasses now. Contact lenses, which sat directly on the eye, were a very new innovation, and she had heard that it took time to become used to them. She decided that she would try them the next time she had an optician’s appointment, and persevere, however long it took.

The optician confirmed that though Anna’s prescription was strong, she came within the parameters for contact lens use, and ordered a trial set. Anna found that the contact lenses were rather more uncomfortable than she had bargained for, but each day became easier, until she could wear them all day with no discomfort. Jo commented briefly on the change, but took very little notice, much to Anna’s relief. Her self-confidence was growing daily, but she was not ready to answer any really searching questions from her employer.

However, things were to come to a head sooner than she had anticipated. After a particularly enjoyable lunch with Michael, the pair set off for a walk through the park area near the Kasino where they had first met. They were comfortable enough in their relationship that they could walk in

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 18^th, 2003, 10:02am

companionable silence without feeling any awkwardness, so they had progressed a fair way across the grass before Michael suddenly turned to her.
“Anna my dear, I have something I must ask you, and I must do it now before I lose the courage.
“I have found in you the companion I have been seeking all my life. At my age I did not think that I should find someone to love as I love you, Anna, and the thought of spending my life without you by my side fills me with horror. Please, will you do me the very great honour of becoming my wife?”
Anna looked at the man who had come to mean so much to her, and smiled. “If you are very sure that the difference in our stations means so little, then….
….yes, of course I’ll marry you.”
Regardless of the people watching, Michael caught her in his arms in a fierce hug, and gave her a resounding kiss.
“My darling, you have made me the happiest man alive. When can we marry? Soon, I hope. And you must give your notice in at Freudesheim. They will want time to find someone else, especially if they rely on you as much as it seems.”
Blushing furiously, Anna looked up at him. “I must give all the notice I can. I have been with them since before the War, and it will be a very great surprise for them. I don’t really know how they will take the news, to be honest. How long will the paperwork take? I am not Swiss, remember.”
“I’ll find out and let you know. You will have to give yourself time to prepare. I don’t want you working till the last minute.”
Feeling like a couple half their age, they wandered along the Hoheweg, looking in the jewellers windows for rings. They found one that both of them loved, though Anna was astounded at the price.
“I can afford it, love. Don’t worry. Try it on, and see what it looks like.”
“OH Michael, it looks lovely. I do want this one so much.”
“Very well, let’s get it now. I want you to be able to flaunt that ring when you go home.”

They were more reluctant to part that day than they had ever been before, but Anna had a train to catch, so they finally made their way to the station.
She sat in the little train as it pulled up the mountain to the Gornetz Platz lost in a world of her own. Gradually, however, the thought of breaking the news to Jo and Jack began to intrude into her happy dreams, and she grew a little paler. She had no idea how Jo in particular, would react. She remembered the proud boasting years ago, that Anna preferred working for her to getting married, and began to worry a little. Then she thought of Michael, and the confidence he gave her, just by being himself, and took hold of her emotions. She would be calm and give the news proudly - which was only right and proper, for she felt pride in her relationship.

She walked from the little station to Freudesheim, once more basking in the warmth of her happiness, though the evening had grown chilly. She slipped upstairs to her room to remove her outdoor clothes and tidy herself, before descending to the kitchen, and from thence to the Saal. She could hear the hum of conversation as she approached, and wondered for a moment if the Maynards had visitors. However, she reasoned that she knew most of the people who would be likely to be visiting in the evening, so knocked lightly on

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 18^th, 2003, 10:03am

the door and entered without waiting for the invitation. The room contained not only Jo and Jack, but Matey, Miss Annersley, Hilary Graves and Biddy Courvoisier. Jo looked round at her entrance.
“Anna! I thought it was your day off! Did you want anything?”
“Ja, meine Frau. I have to tell you that today I have become engaged to be married.” Anna stopped there, waiting with some trepidation for Jo’s reaction.

Jo herself leapt to her feet in surprise. “But you aren’t seeing anyone, are you?” she cried in surprise.
“But yes. I have been meeting Michael for the last few months. Today he asked me to marry him, as soon as the formalities can be dealt with. He is Swiss, you see. I thought to tell you as soon as possible, since you will need to find someone to replace me.”

Jo stood and stared at her, looking like nothing so much as a stranded cod. Her mouth hung open in stupefaction, and the only sounds she could make were small gobbling noises. Apart from these peculiar sounds there was dead silence for a long moment; then Hilda Annersley came to her feet and rushed across to Anna, with a huge smile on her face.
“Congratulations, Anna, I hope you will be very happy. Who is he? Where did you meet? What does he do?”
“He is a hotelier, Fraulein Annersley, and we met at a concert at the Kasino.”

Biddy and Hilary had seen Jo’s face, and found themselves in dire straights trying to stop laughing. Taking firm hold of the inside of her cheeks, Biddy joined Hilda and Anna, managing to speak the right words without collapsing. When she saw the ring Anna was wearing she opened her eyes. Clearly Anna’s fiancé had money to spare, for the ring sported a large diamond flanked by emeralds.

Jo finally managed to control herself by taking several deep breaths, and congratulated her maid in the proper manner. She even sounded sincere, though her chief emotion was disbelief. When Anna finally withdrew to her own quarters, Jo collapsed back into her chair.
“Well, what a turnup for the books!” she exclaimed. “I always thought Anna was too involved with the family to ever marry! What on earth am I going to do without her!”

“Jo Maynard, I’m ashamed of you!” Hilda Annersley’s voice cut into Jo’s self absorption like a knife. “Have you for gotten how much Anna has done for you? Isn’t she entitled to some happiness for herself after all these years running round after you and your family? Without a great deal of appreciation either, may I say.”
Jo looked at her friend in bewilderment. “What do you mean, Hilda? Of course we appreciate what Anna does for us. I couldn’t have managed without her.”
“We all know that, Jo. You don’t show you appreciation very well, that’s all.” Matey had always made Jo her favourite, and her intervention now showed how ready she was to make excuses for her.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 18^th, 2003, 10:03am

“Anna has given you ample warning of her marriage; plenty of time to advertise for someone to take her place.”
“Or find another member of her family,” muttered Hilary, with a wicked gleam in her eyes.
“That will do, Hilary.” Hilda’s quiet words made Hilary subside like a pricked balloon, and left her with a feeling that she hadn’t had since her schooldays.
“Jo, your first thought was for yourself, not for Anna. Don’t you think that congratulating her should have been foremost in your thoughts?”

Jo blushed a bright scarlet, and dropped her head, like a schoolgirl found out in wrong doing. “Of course, you’re right, Hilda, as always. I was just so surprised! Of course I’m happy for Anna!”
“Then go and tell her so! Now, Jo, before she goes up to bed.”
Jo crept from the room, feeling rather like a worm – a feeling that many people had been left with when confronting Hilda Annersley in this mode. Regrettably, Biddy and Hilary grinned at each other. It was rather funny to see a grown woman, mother of a long family, being reduced to school girl status so easily. Hilda turned and caught the grins, which she returned, much to the pair’s surprise.
“It does Jo good to be told a few home truths from time to time. Anna has been with her so long, that she naturally takes her for granted. It will do her good to have to find someone else.”

Jo went directly to the kitchen, hoping to catch Anna before she went upstairs. In this she was successful, much to her relief. Being Jo, she leapt straight in with what she wanted to say.
“Anna, I’m sorry I reacted like I did. I am really pleased for you, and hope you will be very happy. I’m afraid that we have all taken you too much for granted as you have been with us for so long, and the news caught me on the hop.”
“Mein Frau, I do understand! I perhaps should not have told you in front of everyone like that, but I wanted to tell you as soon as I could. You will need to find someone else, and Michael and I wish to marry as soon as the formalities are completed.”

Jo smiled at her, and went back to her guests, feeling better about herself. Anna smiled rather sardonically, and felt obscurely pleased that she had given her news that night. Perhaps it would mean that Jo would be less likely to assume things about other people in the future. She went to bed with a song of happiness in her heart, mentally counting the days left at Freudesheim.

The days passed slowly for Anna, though she received a flood of congratulations cards from the Maynard clan now at university in England. Most had letters in with the cards, saying how much the sender had always appreciated her, and the work she had done for the family, and that they would miss her very much. These brought tears to her eyes, as she felt for the first time that her life had not been in vain.

Jo had advertised for a new maid with some trepidation, as she had realised just how much she had depended to Anna’s hard work and reliability. She was suddenly aware of how very hard it was going to be to replace her, though with most of her children now grown up, she did not need the same level of help. Anna herself read through every application, and helped Jo with the short listing procedure. She knew exactly what sort of person would be needed, and was determined that Jo would get that person if at all possible.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 18^th, 2003, 10:04am

The time passed quicker than Anna had anticipated, and the day of the interviews came round. The group sat in the kitchen drinking coffee, and eating Anna’s lemon biscuits and chatting quietly as they waited their turn in the study. Anna quickly formed her own opinion as to who would best take her place, but said nothing to any of them. She would give her impressions to Jo at the end of the proceedings, and they would compare notes. Anna knew that Jo had always appreciated her contribution to the household, even though it had never been voiced; her horrified reaction to Anna’s news, though essentially selfish, had told Anna that much. In return, Anna had decided that she would take no petty revenge for the years of service that had been so taken for granted. Instead she would ensure that the new maid was everything that Jo required, within the restraints imposed by the candidates themselves. During the subsequent discussion, it was evident that both Jo and Anna had come to the same conclusion on the suitability of the candidates, and they smiled at each other in satisfaction.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 18^th, 2003, 10:49am

Heidi was a single woman in her late twenties. She had studied Housekeeping at a nearby college, and had subsequently worked for a family who had decided to move to Lucerne. Heidi wished to stay in the Interlaken area, and found a situation on the Gornetz Platz to be the ideal location. Anna was happy that Jo would have someone competent to take care of the house while she was busy writing. Heidi would be able to start almost straight away, so Anna felt able to move forward into her new life.
“Mein Frau, I will clear my room and move down to the accommodation that Michael has arranged for me. That will give you the time to redecorate the room ready for Heidi to arrive. I hope that you will all be able to come to the wedding. We shall be sending you a formal invitation when we know the date.”
“I wouldn’t miss your wedding for the world, Anna. I am more grateful than I can say for your help over the years, and in finding someone to take your place.”

So now Anna stood looking round the room that had been hers, with no regrets, and with a heart full of hope and anticipation for a bright new future with the man she loved.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by xanthe on Dec 18^th, 2003, 11:23am

hurrah! thank you Pat ;D

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Chloe on Dec 18^th, 2003, 11:41am

Yay! Thank you Pat!

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 18^th, 2003, 3:19pm

Thanks Pat, you are more than welcome to be a prefect in my place, I'm only so high in the list by default anyway, and I can't really work out how I got on it at all - I suppose I really must have been spending far too much time here.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by LulieCat on Dec 18^th, 2003, 6:32pm

Thank you Pat! I'm so glad that Anna is happy and that Jo finally realises what she is losing. I wonder how Heidi will get on after Anna being with the Maynards for so long?

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Vikki on Dec 18^th, 2003, 9:04pm

Thank you Pat!! So glad Anna's happy! Are you planning on giving us Heidi's first few weeks in her new job? ;)

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 18^th, 2003, 9:49pm

Cheers for Pat!
Hip hip....
Hip hip...
Hip hip...

Are you going to send this to FOCS as well?

I must re take membership at some point. I couldn't afford it last year and let it lapse.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Vikki on Dec 18^th, 2003, 10:20pm

on 12/18/03 at 15:19:09, Esmeralda wrote:

Esmeralda, it may have something to do with a short little story called Tensions... ;)

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 18^th, 2003, 11:18pm

Well Vikki, it was supposed to be a short story......
i've just realised I've been writing it for four months now!!

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Vikki on Dec 18^th, 2003, 11:25pm

*looks up 'short' in the dictionary*
*shows Esmeralda the definition!*
*points out that Tensions doesn't fit the description!* ;)

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by KB on Dec 19^th, 2003, 2:42am

*thinks Esmeralda is well aware of that fact, and that she is just as shocked at the thought of Tensions as a short story as the rest of us*

And Pat, this was lovely! I'm glad Anna has such a happy future to look forward to!

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Lesley on Dec 19^th, 2003, 7:38am

Thank you for this Pat - only sorry it's now complete!

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Rachael on Dec 19^th, 2003, 8:45am

Me, too - I was hoping for a peek at Anna's wedding ...

*looking hopeful*

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 19^th, 2003, 8:50am

No promises. I'll see if i have time, or inspiration strikes! I finish work at lunchtime today for the next 2 weeks - Yay!!! Then we'll be finishing decorating the back bedroom so that daughter can move into it, shifting all her stuff out of the small front bedroom,a nd the stuff out of the back bedroom wardrobe into the front one. Mostly Steve's Lledo models (small antique style vans or cars, and he makes fun of me being on this list!!). Also I want to get down to editing Librarian to a standard that GGB might possibly accept.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Vikki on Dec 19^th, 2003, 5:21pm

Pat, I suggest that you poke Steve hard whenever he makes fun of you!! ;)

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by KB on Dec 19^th, 2003, 8:53pm

*offers a Poking Rod for the purpose*

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Vikki on Dec 20^th, 2003, 12:20am

*suggests KB patents the poking rod, and sells them to make money!!* ;)

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by KB on Dec 20^th, 2003, 7:18am

*thinks other people might object and claim they had the idea first* I'll just be generous and share. ;)

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Susan on Dec 26^th, 2003, 5:19pm

Lovely story Pat - another one I nearly missed due to Rl and TEM. Enjoyed every word of it.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Jennie on Dec 27^th, 2003, 4:03pm

Tthis was great, Pat, but there was just one thing missing. I must have missed the description of the wedding, and waht happened afterwards. Was it the TEM that got that bit?

Looks innocent, or tries to, any way.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Vikki on Dec 27^th, 2003, 8:17pm

*giggle!*
Nice one Jennie! Very subtle!! ;) ;) ;D

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 27^th, 2003, 8:46pm

on 12/27/03 at 20:17:18, Vikki wrote:

*giggle!*
Nice one Jennie! Very subtle!! ;) ;) ;D

Not!!

*claiming the quote as part of my post*

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by KB on Dec 28^th, 2003, 12:08am

*also impressed by Jennie's sneakiness*

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Jennie on Dec 29^th, 2003, 3:13pm

Sneakiness? SNEAKINESS?

Deviousness, please.
Oh all right, I was being sneaky, but you all want more of this as well.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Vikki on Dec 29^th, 2003, 4:29pm

We do indeed! Maybe we should pay Pat a visit? ;)

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Jennie on Dec 29^th, 2003, 8:21pm

Yes, if we all threaten to descend on her in great numbers, she might chain herself to the keyboard and give us some more.

Do you think she heard me saying that?

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Vikki on Dec 29^th, 2003, 8:33pm

Well, if she did, she hasn't taken the hint!!! >:(

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by KB on Dec 29^th, 2003, 10:14pm

on 12/29/03 at 20:21:25, Jennie wrote:

Yes, if we all threaten to descend on her in great numbers, she might chain herself to the keyboard and give us some more.

*thinks she's more likely to chain herself inside a cupboard and yell for help*

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Vikki on Dec 29^th, 2003, 11:21pm

*wonders if KB might have a point!*
*wonders if we're that scary?*

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by KB on Dec 29^th, 2003, 11:24pm

*thinks we might be* :(

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Vikki on Dec 29^th, 2003, 11:47pm

*huggles KB reassuringly*

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by KB on Dec 29^th, 2003, 11:54pm

*appreciates reassuring hugs*

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 30^th, 2003, 3:13pm

Anna looked at herself in the full-length mirror that adorned her bedroom in Michael’s Interlaken hotel. She was dressed in a simple short white silk dress, and wore a becoming white hat adorned with pink roses round the wide brim. She carried a simple bouquet of red roses and ferns that were trembling slightly, though Anna was not sure whether that was from nerves or excitement. A little of both, she supposed. Jack Maynard was waiting for her in the lounge of her suite, for he had demanded the privilege of giving her away. Having made sure that all was in order, Anna walked across the room and opened the door to the lounge. Jack turned at the sound and let out a low whistle.
“Anna, you look wonderful. Michael is a lucky fellow, and I hope he appreciates it.”
Anna just smiled her thanks, and led the way out of the suite. Her clothes were all packed, her suitacse already in the car that would take her away on her honeymoon, and the trunk was waiting to be collected for transport to Michael’s home - hers too after today.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by xanthe on Dec 30^th, 2003, 3:32pm

Yippee! Thank you Pat ;D

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 30^th, 2003, 4:03pm

We are taking ten minute stints at the horrible cement on the ceiling, and I'm doing this in my rest periods. My whole body is now aching, including my thumbs!! Anyway, next bit.

Outside a limousine was waiting to take them both to the little church that Michael attended. As the car pulled up outside the church, Anna could see a small crowd of onlookers gathered round the gate into the church yard, and flushed slightly. Then she pulled herself together and climbed out of the car, with Jack giving her a helping hand, and walked up to the great door. She could hear the organ playing softly inside as jack opened the door. Anna had dispensed with bridesmaids, claiming that she was far too old for such things, so she and Jack started up the aisle together. The organist had been on the lookout, and the music changed to the bridal march. Michael rose to his feet, and turned to look back for her, his whole face lighting into a smile as he saw coming towards him. He held out his hand to her, and they turned together to face the priest.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 30^th, 2003, 4:15pm

Thank you Pat - this is lovely. :)
*Runs hot, steaming, bubble bath for Pat to ease her aching muscles.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Susan on Dec 30^th, 2003, 7:05pm

Thank you Pat. Adds scented candles round the bath to help Pat relax.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Vikki on Dec 30^th, 2003, 7:50pm

Thank you Pat!!!
*sends Pat a virtual masseur!* (who has a very nice bum!!)

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 30^th, 2003, 8:02pm

on 12/30/03 at 19:50:53, Vikki wrote:

Thank you Pat!!!
*sends Pat a virtual masseur!* (who has a very nice bum!!)

Thanks for the masseur! I usually make use of Steve, but he's in no fit state! Nearly ready to fill and paint!!

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Vikki on Dec 30^th, 2003, 8:04pm

You're welcome Pat!! :-*

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by KB on Dec 30^th, 2003, 8:43pm

Good for Anna! What a lovely description of the wedding!

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 30^th, 2003, 9:33pm

The Nuptial Mass was simple - the vows and rings were exchanged and the priest gave a short address on the responsibilities of marriage. Most of the guests were Catholic and came forward to receive the elements, and then Michael and Anna led the way back to the hotel for the wedding breakfast. The celebrations continued for the rest of the day, as the newly weds were not going away until the following day. Jack and Jo had lent them Die Rosen, their holiday home on the Tiern See, for their honeymoon, and it would take them the best part of the day to travel there. Finally the last guest departed, and Anna and Michael walked companionably to the owner’s suite.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by KB on Dec 30^th, 2003, 9:46pm

*happy sigh* Good for them!

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Vikki on Dec 30^th, 2003, 10:08pm

Thank you Pat!! :-*

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 30^th, 2003, 10:16pm

Thanks Pat, pleased that Jo was generous enough to off them their holiday home for a honeymoon.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by xanthe on Dec 30^th, 2003, 11:00pm

Thank you Pat ;D

*chanting softly*

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Dec 31^st, 2003, 12:10am

Xanthe, may I point out that Anna has escaped, got married and is going on honeymoon!! What more do you want from this drabble? I'm supposed to be spending my holiday working on CS Librarian!
*Got the 1st coat of paint onto that ceiling!!*

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 31^st, 2003, 12:12am

Thanks Pat, that was lovely.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Jennie on Dec 31^st, 2003, 5:44pm

That was lovely, thank you Pat, snuffling through tears. I always cry at weddings.

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Susan on Jan 2^nd, 2004, 2:18am

Pat, that was really lovely. Like a happy ending (if that was the end)?

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by KB on Jan 4^th, 2004, 6:30am

*thinks Pat should make use of the words 'the end'*

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Pat on Jan 5^th, 2004, 10:32am

If you say so, KB!!

THE END

Happy now? ;D ;D

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by KB on Jan 6^th, 2004, 12:40am

Only if it's the truth, Pat. Otherwise we'll never believe you again!

Title: Re: Anna's Second Escape - again
Post by Chloe on Jan 6^th, 2004, 1:04pm

Oh Pat i only just caught up with this thank you it was wonderful :)