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Title: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 13th, 2004, 2:20pm This is a story that I am developing out of one of the advent drabbles. The PB's have been biting my ankles about it since Christmas, so here it starts. I'm afraid it is SCS and will be a weepy. In fact I'm almost afraid to write the story that the PB's told me. I'm posting the advent drabble start first (my part only), and then the story will continue from there. The Maynard family had gathered once more. This time it was to celebrate, there had been a funeral in the past year, and a marriage, but this was different. Those present knew they should be celebrating, but it felt different. They would be saying goodbye to one of their own, not knowing when or if they would see her again. Jack and Joey held each other closely, having vowed to greet their once wayward daughter with a smile and support her in her vocation, but the loss of her sister only a month before was keenly felt at this time. “Why couldn’t you wait a year or so?” Con demanded of her remaining triplet. “Mamma is heartbroken, it’s like loosing both of you in a single year, and at Christmas too!” Margot looked gravely at her sister, “Con I can’t leave it any longer, my novitiate is over, I take final vows or leave. This is for life, if I had made my vows a month before Len’s death then you wouldn’t dream of asking me to renege on them and return home. Mother Peter set this day as the day of our final vows a long time ago, there are other novices to consider too. I love mamma, but this is something more, something greater.” Con knew her sister would not change her mind, had never expected her to do so, but had still felt that she had to ask. Len’s death, days after their twenty-eighth birthday had hit their mother especially hard. “No parent should out-live their children’” she had been heard to say bitterly, and in spite of Jack tenderly speaking of other times when the children had been near death, or of other parents they knew who had seen their children die, Joey had remained adamant that it should not have happened to Len. Con had spent the past month as her mother’s companion. Margot away in the convent preparing for her final vows, Jack shutting out the trouble by burying himself in his work and the other children busy with their own lives. ‘As I should be’ thought Con, her mind flying to her husband of less than a year and the news that she had yet to break to him of the new life she had felt moving within her only that morning. Margot grinned and embraced her sister as Con suddenly took her arm and whispered the delightful news in her ear. Then the two left the dressing room and went to join the rest of the family in the sitting room of the convent. Jack looked at Margot proudly. Tears welled up as he surveyed her in the simple white dress she had chosen, and he passed her the veil that Joey had worn on her wedding day, and had then been worn by Con the previous spring. Margot took it gratefully and turned to Joey with a mute appeal. Joey rose from the chair and helped her to put it on, forcing back the tears at the thought of loosing another daughter so quickly. All too soon for the family the time came for the mass to begin. A short while later the Maynard family gathered to bid Margot farewell and to leave her to her new life, one that would only include them by letter and the occasional visit. As they left the convent grounds, the first snow beginning to fall, Margot watched them leave with a slight unease, ‘What would they say if they knew Mother Peter had offered to let me wait another six months so that I could spend this Christmas with them?’ Joey gripped Con tightly in the back of the car on the way home. “You are the last of my triplets, my Connie. I’m so glad you are still here.” Con started at the use of her baby name, she hadn’t heard that in so many years. Looking forward she could see her father glance back through the mirror and he shook his head slightly in warning. Con said nothing she just tucked the rug around her mother and the two cuddled up as Jack sped them homewards through the snow. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot Post by Carolyn P on Jan 13th, 2004, 2:21pm Now the new bit begins. Sorry about the German, it is direct from Babelfish. Christmas that year was like no other. Still in deep mourning for Len, and including Margot in this Joey moved through Freudesheim like a ghost. Christmas Eve and Day were spent in their usual festivities, for the sake of the younger children, Claire the youngest ward was still being only 12, but all could feel the lack of enthusiasm from Joey, the person who was normally the driving force behind all they did. “I’ll be glad to go back to school tomorrow,” confided Felicity in her sister one evening. “Will you be returning to St Cecile as well?” Con looked worried, she longed for her own home; the cosy chalet she and Ian had planned, decorated and furnished themselves, but was worried about her mother. “I might wait a few days, give mother a hand getting the boys off, you know what a mess Geoff and Felix make of packing, And no doubt their belongings have managed to migrate all over the platz this holiday.” The two girls giggled, remembering the previous Easter when Felix’s fishing gear had been found spread across several friends chalet’s, despite the fact he hadn’t used it those holiday’s. This was not unusual, and Con knew that her mother would not be up to the usual hunt across the platz for her son’s belongings. The following day Felicity, Cecil, Phil and Claire returned to school, and Mike and Charles returned to their homes in England, leaving Steve to escort Felix and Geoff back to school a few days later. Con and Steve frogmarched the two younger boys upstairs after waving to the girls and started the long job of packing their trunks for the next term. Before long Con and Geoff were traipsing across the Shepherd’s home to look for Geoff’s galoshes, whilst Steve and Felix were heading for Biddy’s to try and trace Felix’s missing swimming trunks. Joey had bid the girls, Mike and Charles farewell and shut herself in her study. She sat in her easy chair, and stared at a photograph on the wall. It had been taken many years ago and showed Joey holding a Moses basket, surrounded by three little redheaded girls, all wearing dainty summer dresses and smiling happily. She remembered the day it had been taken, the summer that they had met Phoebe, and Reg. A tear trickled unchecked down her cheek. Followed by another one, a slow steady stream as Joey sat, unmoving staring at the photograph. Hours passed as Con and Steve did their level best to organise the two youngest boys. They had grabbed sandwiches from Anna in the kitchen for their lunch, finding Geoff’s geometry textbook in the pan cupboard as they did so. By mid afternoon they were looking for the last few items, and feeling that they may be ready to actually pack the trunks the following day. All four were about to leave and go to the Peter’s Chalet to try and discover the last few missing items; namely a right gym shoe, a pillowslip, a tin of pen nibs and a cricket bat; when Anna entered the room with a distracted air. “What is wrong Anna?” asked Con. “Es ist Ihre Mutter, hat sie nicht gegessen, da Frühstück und ich gesorgt werden. Wille kommen Sie und sehen” “Of course I will, Steve, you can go to the Peter’s with these two can’t you? I’ll see to mother. Don’t worry Anna, I’m sure she will be OK.” Anna went back to the kitchen, relieved that Con was around, and whilst Steve and the other boys left for the Peter’s, Con went to seek her mother. What she found dismayed her. Joey was still in her study, in the chair, wracked with cold, shivering and barely noticed when Con took her hands. She was muttering, “my girls, my babies” under her breath and it was a while before Con got her to look up. “Mama,” she said, purposely using the old name they had used in childhood, “Do you think you could walk to you bedroom?” Joey rose, holding tightly onto Con and the two made their way slowly down the landing to Joey’s bedroom. Con helped Joey onto the bed and pulled the covers over her. She left and returned a few minutes later with a tray of tea, bread and butter. “Anna will bring some soup soon mama, but do you think you could eat this in the meantime.” It was with relief that Con saw Joey sip some of the tea, and the colour slowly return to her cheeks. Her mother reached out and took her hand. “I’m glad I have one of my babies left. I’m sorry if I scared you, I miss Len so much, it was a relief to cry and I’m afraid I let the grief get the better of me for once. Occasionally being a spineless jellyfish is all I can do.” She grinned at the worried looking triplet, “Don’t tell Matey I said that.” Con relaxed a little. Maybe this would be the start of her mother’s recovery. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot Post by Rachel on Jan 13th, 2004, 2:28pm Looking good so far Carolyn - and now the chanting begins! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! More! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Chloe on Jan 13th, 2004, 3:47pm *joins Rachel in the chant* This is wonderful Carolyn :) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Jennie on Jan 13th, 2004, 4:00pm This is great, Carolyn, I'm glad your plot bunnies have been pestering you. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by PatMac on Jan 13th, 2004, 4:13pm Hooray! A new drabble. that is really good Carolyn. Looking forwrd to more when the bunnies bite. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by LauraT on Jan 13th, 2004, 6:54pm Woohoo! Wow this is exciting! More new drabble please! ;D |
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Title: e it@Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by catherine on Jan 13th, 2004, 7:59pm More please, Carolyn! Hope it's not too sad! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 13th, 2004, 8:15pm Here is a short, quiet interlude. Felicity glanced around the room with satisfaction. She heaved a deep breath and for the first time in two months felt herself relaxing. She let her head flop against the back of the armchair and nodded to her friend. “It’s good to be back Lucy.” Lucy smiled sympathetically, “You’ve not had an easy time Flick, have you?” Felicity regarded her friend, thankful for her support, “No, and I’m not sure that it’s going to get any better, but for now, what new girls do we have this term, and did anything happen at the end of last term that I ought to know about. Lucy took the change of subject as a hint, although she stored up the odd comment and for the rest of the day the Head girl and second prefect were busy with their respective jobs. Felicity had missed the last few weeks of term following Len’s death, but was now back into the full flow of school life again and very glad to be able to fill her mind with mundane events. ‘Not that our middles have ever been called mundane’ she giggled to herself as she spent half an hour that evening trying to explain to Mary Rosomon of the third form just why it was not a good idea to try and send signals to her younger brother by flashing a torch from the attic window. Cecil and Phillipa had also returned to the school with varying degrees of jot. Both were glad to be away from the confines of home, but with a months lessons to catch up Phil especially was slightly concerned about what the term would bring. “I don’t see why I had to be at home all the time,” she complained to her own special friend, Marie, “ I wanted to go at first, but after that first week and the funeral we would have been better off coming back. It’s not as if mama needed us, she spent most of the time with Con, and then they went to Margot’s confession and couldn’t take us. Mama and Papa had to get special permission for Con to go, normally only two relatives are allowed, and they didn’t think they could ask for us as well. I might as well have been here with you.” “You didn’t miss a lot. We spent a lot of time on the play, and then on revising. At least you missed the end of term exams,” Marie tried to soothe her friend. “Oh, well, that’s all right then,” Phil slipped her arm through her friend’s and gave her a shy smile as they went to seek the rest of their form and catch up on all the news. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Sugarplum on Jan 13th, 2004, 9:00pm Ohhhhh a new Drabble Thanks Carolyn More please..... I wonder if Con will end up living with Jo for longer than she anticipated. It looks that way |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Kathy_S on Jan 13th, 2004, 9:57pm Thanks, Carolyn. I'm so glad you've given in to the plot bunnies. (At least so far.) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 13th, 2004, 10:05pm I really like the way this is developing. But am I right in thinking that there are boys at the CS now? |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Susan on Jan 14th, 2004, 12:54am Thank you Caroln, this is looking so good. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 2:17am Ooooooooooooh!! Thank you Carolyn!!! May we have some more soon please? |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 14th, 2004, 9:22am on 01/13/04 at 22:05:22, KB wrote:
I didn't intend to give that impression, what did I inadvertantly say? In short the answer is no. Geoff and Felix are getting ready to go back to England escorted by Steve, I'm sure I said that. *Goes off to re-read* ETA:- was it because Mike and Charles left at the same time the girls went back to school. Don't forget that they are older than Felicity who is HG, and will therefore have left school. They are returning to England ahead of the other boys. Hope that clears things up, sorry for any confusion. More later as I write it, inbetween observations and detailed activity plans!!!!!!! ETA again. Just realised. My sloppy writing, it must have beed Mary Rosoman trying to signal to her younger brother. In this story the Rosoman's are living on the Platz, and Mary could see home from the attic and was trying to signal her younger brother, who is at home, not being old enough to be sent away to a prep school in England yet. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 10:49am Ah, I see. I just had the idea that the school might have developed in that way. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 14th, 2004, 11:06am A very small bit. Get the feeling there may be lots of these today. Con and Ian sat in their bedroom that night prior to retiring. Con straightened the bedding as she spoke, “Ian, I’m sorry that we have been here so long, but I think mother may be on the mend now,” and she went on to tell her husband what had transpired that day. Ian’s face clouded as he listened, and his doctor’s instincts shouted at him, but not wishing to worry Con he merely said, “Lets hope for the best then shall we. How about we stay till weekend, after the boys have gone back to school and then return home on Saturday, I have a few days leave due then.” Con climbed into bed and snuggled down, “That would be lovely,” she said, “I’m so tired at the moment, but don’t want to let on, I want this to be just us for now.” Ian stroked her stomach, a smile crossing his face, “I bet you told Margot though didn’t you?” he teased. Con giggled, “You know full well I did. She would have guessed anyway, the three of us always knew when something was happening to one of the other two.” A shadow fell as she said this and Ian hurried to chase it away with a little more teasing, “So Mrs Hamilton, are you going to let me into the bed as well, you don’t need space for two yet, even if you have already started eating for two. I saw the amount you put away at supper time.” Con reached over and tickled him, “I did not,” she protested, “Take that, and that, and then go and get me a glass of milk.” “Yes, oh mistress,” said Ian bowing low as he left the room to avoid the flying pillow, but happy to see a smile on Con’s face. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 11:21am Oh, now I know what made me think it. This bit: Quote:
I just thought maybe the boys were in a different building, but at the school. And good on Ian! He sounds like he could compete with Jack in the niceness stakes! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 14th, 2004, 2:14pm A tiny glimpse Margot knelt in the chapel and composed herself to prayer. Her mind began to wander as she recited the now familiar words and she sternly brought herself back to her devotions a few times before she remembered the advice of Mother Peter. She allowed her thoughts free reign for a moment, using the time to see what it was that was distracting her. Her mind was full of the letters she had received from her sisters over the last week, letters that underneath their gaiety all spoke of a quiet sadness, which was to be expected, but also of a change in their mother and Margot realised that this was what was worrying her. She shifted her knees slightly and began to pray again, this time with a specific intent. Mother Peter’s advice had said that sometimes, distracting thoughts were not meant to distract but to guide prayer, and Margot had the conviction that her family needed this, the only support that she was able to give them at the moment. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Pat on Jan 14th, 2004, 2:23pm Lovely Carolyn. Keep going with this, even if it is small bits! Loved Margot. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 2:50pm Carolyn, please carry on with this!! Looking forward to more soon! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Susan on Jan 14th, 2004, 4:00pm Poor Margot! At the start of her new life and being distracted by her old one and not being able to go and help. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 14th, 2004, 4:14pm The following weekend saw Con and Ian settling back into their chalet at St Cecile. It was small, but as far as the young couple were concerned that didn’t matter. There was a compact kitchen at the back of the property, with a scullery/laundry room off to one side. A big table was situated in the centre of the room, and one wall was taken up with cupboards. Then there was a living room that had to double as a dining room. Con had set her typewriter up on a small table next to the window and two comfortable chairs were placed either side of the fireplace, a homemade rug, a wedding present from Anna lay neatly in-between them. There was a small coffee table, and the dining table stood against the back wall. Upstairs the main bedroom stood underneath the eaves on one side and had dark stained wooden floors, A brass bed covered with a white linen bedspread and blue cushions on top almost filled the room. A washstand stood to one side, with a swing mirror on top and a blue earthenware jug and bowl stood in front of the mirror. There was just room at the foot of the bed for a chest of drawers, and a wardrobe stood behind the door. Two tiny bedside tables finished the room off. A blanket box stood on the landing beneath a circular window at the apex of the roof. On the other side, the space under the eaves was divided into two rooms, one a miniature bathroom, with just enough space for the necessary furnishings, and the other a second bedroom, that Con and Ian had planned for their nursery. They passed a quiet weekend, savouring each other’s presence after so long in the company of the rest of the family. Con was glad to have a few long evenings in front of the fire, reading, talking and making plans for the future. They spoke about their hopes for the child, and wondered what the future would bring for their eldest born. Con had been reading some science fiction and they spent a few silly hours wondering if their son or daughter would see some of the inventions they dreamed up. On Monday morning Ian went off to the San, and Con after doing a spot of housework, making the beds, dusting and planning dinner for that evening sat down in front of her typewriter. She was currently doing some freelance work for different ladies magazines and was busy writing a description of an alpine winter when the telephone cut across her thoughts. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by LauraT on Jan 14th, 2004, 5:45pm Oh I'm glad Ian is so lovely. So sucks to you Len! (Reg...) ::) More please! ;D |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 5:46pm Uh-oh!!! I can't help feeling that that telephone bell is rather ominous....... |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Chloe on Jan 14th, 2004, 5:54pm Thanks Carolyn this is wonderful i can't wait to find out who's on the other end of the phone :) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by PatMac on Jan 14th, 2004, 6:04pm Poor Con and good for Margot. Concerned that Joey is going to cause problems for Con and Ian. Looking forward to more. Thanks |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Lisa on Jan 14th, 2004, 7:42pm Oh thank you , Carolyn, this is shaping up beautifully! I remember this as an advent drabble and was intrigued by it then. Your description of Con & Ian's place is so vivid, I can picture it perfectly! You have described their relationship so well - I've never really warmed to Con before she's always mooning (in the EBD meaning that is! ;D ) but she seems very real and likeable in this! Looking forward to more when you can! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by catherine on Jan 14th, 2004, 8:05pm Thank you, Carolyn! Please post some more soon! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by PatMac on Jan 14th, 2004, 8:15pm on 01/14/04 at 19:42:53, Lisa wrote:
I always thought Con would have done better as an only child (perhaps because I was) and that her position in the middle of the triplets with 'responsible' Len and 'naughty' Margot, left her no place to make her mark. Strange how we interpret the characters differently, though we read the same books! Also looking forward to more! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 8:38pm *sends a rising and falling chant in Carolyn's direction.....* |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Jay on Jan 14th, 2004, 8:43pm Love that Con is paired with Ian Hamilton instead of Roger Richardson. Roger & Con came as a total surprise to me as I'd seen more indications of Roger & Len, rather than Con. And I love the fantastic atmosphere that you're creating with all the details. More please! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 14th, 2004, 9:24pm Thanks everyone, and especially Jay as a new poster. I think I will really need your encouragement with this one, for various reasons that will become clearer later. Hilda had been sat at her desk reviewing the terms curriculum plans when she heard the telephone ring in the office. She hoped that Rosalie could deal with it. This close to the beginning of term there was always a lot to do and this term was no exception. The new girls seemed to be fitting in well, mainly fourth formers and two for the fifth. The languages were going to be a problem, especially as they were still short of a language teacher. The application forms were the next job for her to tackle. There were 20 sat on her desk, whittled down from a larger number, and she needed to get it down to about half a dozen for interview at half term. Until then they would have to manage. She could vaguely hear Rosalie still talking to someone on the telephone and rubbed her temples as she tried to concentrate. Then came a knock and Rosalie put her head round the door, “Sorry, but Joey insists on speaking to you now.” “OK, I know what she can be like, put her through.” Joey’s voice sounded shrill in Hilda’s ear, and she held the phone tentatively while using her most commanding vice said, “Joey, clam down and tell me, briefly, what you want.” “The new girls of course.” “There has hardly been time to think of that. Term is less than a week old.” “Nonsense, I’ll have them on Wednesday afternoon, they will be allowed to miss prep for once won’t they.” “No, Joey, you may have on Saturday, but not before. I will send them over at 15:00, there are two fifth formers and three fourth formers, and so with their guests there will be 10 in the party. I’ll send Felicity with them as well.” “Felicity, why?” “I thought you may need her,” replied Hilda in some confusion. “Oh, by all means if you think so,” Joey sounded slightly disconcerted, “But I would have thought one of the older girls, the triplets would have been more help.” Hilda murmured her good-byes, put the phone down and gave a worried look in the direction of Freudesheim before picking up the telephone once more. Con reached out a hand and picked up the telephone as it rang. It was situated on the table next to her typewriter, so convenient. She held it to her ear and continued to type with one hand as she greeted her caller, but she soon gave Miss Annersley her full attention as she heard the account of that ladies conversation with her mother. “I am sorry to burden you with this, but it is impossible to reach your father at the san.” “That’s all right Auntie Hilda. Father is very busy at the moment. I will have a chat with Ian about this tonight and see what he advises. I don’t think there is much to worry about though; she seemed much improved when we left on Friday. The house will be empty now, like it always is during term time and I thought the peace would be good for her, much more relaxing than having us all around. She is used to us all being away and when we were there over the holiday’s it just served to point out how Len and Margot were missing.” “You may be right, but it may also make it easier for her to pretend that none of it happened and that Len and Margot will walk through the garden gate again.” Con hung up the phone and moved away from the table her thoughts in turmoil. She knew that she would not be able to write, so stoked up the fire and tried to darn Ian’s socks. Mending never brought much relief though, and whilst it was fun mending Ian’s socks whilst talking to him in the evening, it was not a chore she could settle to while her mind was so turbulent. She finally gave up, threw the socks into her work basket and wandered into the kitchen where she finally took relief in baking some bread, finding the kneading of the dough somewhat therapeutic and by the time she had baked and eaten some of it for her lunch she was able to compose herself to writing for the rest of the afternoon. All the same she was glad when Ian returned that evening. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 9:45pm Uh -oh!! Joey doesn't seem to be dealing with it very well!!! :( By the way, do we know how Len died? |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 14th, 2004, 9:46pm on 01/14/04 at 21:45:07, Vikki wrote:
Well I do. :'( |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 10:00pm May we assume that you'll enlighten us in due course, Carolyn? ;) :'( |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 14th, 2004, 10:05pm on 01/14/04 at 22:00:49, Vikki wrote:
I think it may be a serious possibility at some point in the future my dear. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 10:26pm Oh, dear, this is going to be difficult for everyone! It wouldn't surprise me if Joey had a breakdown. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 10:29pm I'm glad to hear it!! *hoping that Carolyn won't wait too long to do so!!* ETA just to clear up any misunderstandings, the 'glad to hear it' was in response to Carolyn's post, NOT KB's!! :o :o |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 10:32pm *lol* I had to wonder... |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 10:53pm *grin* Well, your post wasn't there when I started mine!! ;) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 10:54pm Then you're posting too much! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 11:08pm If you say so, Pot dear!! ::) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 11:15pm I do indeed, Kettle! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 11:35pm So, how are things in the pan cupboard? ;) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 14th, 2004, 11:37pm Slightly more spacious since the geom book has been taken away! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 11:42pm Better when you're on the stovetop, hun! ;) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 11:51pm on 01/14/04 at 23:37:24, Carolyn P wrote:
*is very confused by this comment!!* |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 11:57pm Personally, I just ignored it... |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Sarah_K on Jan 15th, 2004, 12:05am I'm so glad you came back to this drabble. It's got a very quiet and sad tone to it (ever so slightly unusual around here :-)) I'm very afraid for Joey but almost more so for Con if she's going to have the burden of an unstable Joey and a first pregnancy all at once. :'( |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 15th, 2004, 12:07am It is rather unusual, Sarah - you're right. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Kathy_S on Jan 15th, 2004, 3:07am Do I gather that the folks in the pan cupboard were too busy yibbling to notice when Geoff's geometry book was found? Thank you for the nice descriptive post, Carolyn. (But starting to worry how much tragedy may be in store.) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 15th, 2004, 3:34am Yes, I think we probably were! :-[ |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Rachel on Jan 15th, 2004, 9:06am Carolyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyn! Please hurry up and post some more of this! Ignore the other drabble until you've written more of this one pleeeeeeeeeeeease? |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Lisa on Jan 15th, 2004, 9:12am Thank you for that last part, Con seems so nice and capable. She even makes her own bread (which I bet Joey has forgotten how to do) I like the way Joey's character lends itself to this sort of reaction (I think) Am also interested that title is Con and Margot - wondering when Margot will appear again :D |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 15th, 2004, 10:19am on 01/15/04 at 09:06:46, Rachel wrote:
*suggests Rachel take a course in living in a glass house* |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Rachel on Jan 15th, 2004, 10:50am But why would I need to do that? I already know how to ignore a thread in spite of the pathetic demands for more! ;) ETA: I was using the word "pathetic" in it's true meaning of "full of pathos" - not implying you lot are all pathetic as in feeble! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 15th, 2004, 10:57am *considers reminding Rachel of the irony of begging for more from other people when she should be providing more of her own stories, but instead settles for patting her on the head and saying 'yes, dear'* |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 15th, 2004, 4:59pm Hmm, not sure how realistic this part is. Now I need to do some research on a certain country. Margot was silently scrubbing potatoes for the evening meal when one of the sisters came over and beckoned to her. The convent was not a closed order and silence was not the rule, but for some it was a preference that the other nuns accepted. When she saw she was being pointed in the direction of Mother Peter’s office Margot shot a grimace at her fellow sister, expecting to be on the carpet again for whistling in the kitchen, and tapped on the door. “Enter” “Did you wish to see me mother?” “Yes, take a seat please.” Margot sat and looked at the older nun who was carefully regarding Margot over the top of her glasses. Mother Peter took out a letter and passed it to Margot who read the brief contents before passing it back. “I see. When am I to leave?” “This has come sooner than we expected my child, it is only weeks since you made your final profession. I will be sorry to loose you, but the need is great and your qualifications are so right for this posting, I believe you studied at the London School of Hygiene and tropical medicine after finishing at Edinburgh.” “Yes, I did a one year course in tropical medicine and International health.” “That is of course why the order is asking you to take this posting, your training will be put to full use. The villages around our convent in Peru are poor and lacking in many of the amenities we take for granted, the convent has been under strength for some years and as the director has been in Europe on furlough it would make sense for you to return with her. It does mean however that we cannot allow you to make the visit to your family that would normally be allowed before going overseas. You must realise that you leave at weekend and will be there for seven years.” Margot nodded and thought for a moment before replying, “That is the nature of the vows I made Mother Peter. I have trained to do this work and I look forward to the opportunity to serve God, my sisters and the community in this way.” “That is well said Sister Mary Margaret, and I would expect the same reply from any of my nuns, but we do understand the difficulty of separating from your family, especially in circumstances such as your own.” Mother Peter looked closely at Margot as she said this. “It was hard loosing Len, but being here or in Peru the loss will be the same. I need time, the place doesn’t matter.” “And your family?” “I think my mother is still taking it hard, but whether I am here or on the other side of the world will make no difference to here. My father will be glad to know I am working with the sick, it has been the ruling passion of his life.” Mother Peter smiled, “The work your father has done at the Gornetz Platz Sanatorium is well known and we will pray that your news will bring him some comfort. Now, you leave on Saturday, is your passport in order and are all your inoculations up to date?” The rest of the meeting was taken up with practical matters and it was a rather dazed Margot that left the office excused all but her spiritual duties for the rest of the day in order to give her time to write to her family. Once Margot had left the office Mother Peter pursed her lips in thought and then lifted the telephone receiver and placed a call to the order’s motherhouse. The person she needed to speak to was not available and it was the day after before she got a reply. The reply caused her to make another few telephone calls and eventually she felt that she had done all she could, whether it would have the desired effect would remain to be seen. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Chloe on Jan 15th, 2004, 5:18pm thanks for a lovely long post Carolyn :) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Rachel on Jan 15th, 2004, 5:37pm Thoroughly enjoying this Carolyn! BTW, if you wish to include anything from my ending, feel free ;) Now, are you going to look up Peru or is there another country currently under investigation?? |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by PatMac on Jan 15th, 2004, 5:40pm Thank you Carolyn. I wonder how Joey will take this? Or does the phone call mean she'll get a chance to go home first? *Sighs* I suppose we'll have to wait and see. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Jan 15th, 2004, 7:01pm Thank you Carolyn!! More soon please poppet!! :-* *still waiting to discover how Len died!* |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by LauraT on Jan 15th, 2004, 7:13pm *twiddles thumbs hopefully* Wow, we're getting so demanding! Oh well... More please! ;D *smiles angelically* |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Lesley on Jan 15th, 2004, 10:35pm Carolyn, only just managed to read through this - I've been away for a couple of days. Very glad that you decided to expand the advent drabble and feel that all the situation you have detailed is very in character - Joey is blessed/cursed with an artistic temperament and feels things too deeply - it is quite possible that the death of her eldest would precipitate a breakdown. Where's Jack in all of this - he must be hurting too? Looking forward to more - even though I think there will be more tragedy. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 15th, 2004, 10:40pm Thank-you for your encouragement Lesley. I'm finding this very hard to write, but it's been biting for a while and I had to work it through. I'm gald you feel I've kept Joey in charcter, I was worried about that. Jack will be revealed very soon. Len's death will be explained, eventually. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 16th, 2004, 3:14am Carolyn, this is excellent! I like Mother Peter, and I can't wait to see what will come about as a result of the phone call! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Tassie_Ellen on Jan 16th, 2004, 3:41am Carolyn, this is beautiful! I've just read it all the way through (been away for a few days) and I've really enjoyed it. I'm so glad to be seeing more of Con as an individual rather than "the middle triplet" - she's lovely! Can't wait to find out how Len died... *begins chanting very quietly, so as not to disturb the mood* |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 16th, 2004, 3:44am *joins in Ellen's chanting* |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 16th, 2004, 11:20am Jack put down the telephone and then lifted it again and dialled a familiar number. After a brief conversation with the voice at the other end he placed the receiver down and picked up his pen. He dashed a signature onto the letters his secretary had left before she departed for the day and then left to wander round the wards. He had found himself staying later and later at the San of recent weeks. He could not bear to see Joey’s pain. At first he had tried to talk to her, to express some of his own grief and to share the burden of hers, but she had blanked everything he had said. He had given her time, and comfort, holding her long into the night in those first few weeks, but she had been unmoving, unyielding and eventually he found that he was feeling an icy twist in his stomach whenever he saw her pain and grief. This was becoming harder and harder for Jack to bear and as a result he was working harder and longer hours. After his ward rounds he trailed back to his office and read through some professional journals, marking the articles he wanted the staff to read and placing them on his secretary’s desk for her to copy and distribute the following morning. That done he realised that there was nothing more for him to do that day and he left, driving slowly home. Jack let himself into the side door and going into the kitchen found that Anna had left the coffee perk on for him and a plate of sandwiches and salad in the fridge along with a slice of cake. He took these and ate at the kitchen table, placing the crockery into the sink when he had finished. Then with a sigh he went to look for Joey. Finding the salon empty and the fire damped down he presumed she had gone to bed, and on going upstairs found that he was correct. He walked round and sat on the side of the bed. “Joey dearest,” he murmured tenderly, stroking her cheek with his hand. There was no response from the figure in the bed. The dark eyelashes made half moons on the pale cheeks, and Jack noted how even the faint touches of colour had gone from her face. She shivered slightly, but gave no sign of rousing, although Jack could tell that she was awake. He pulled the bedclothes tight around her and bending gave her a kiss on the forehead before disappearing to the bathroom and his dressing room. On his return he saw that Joey was in the same position and suppressing a sob knelt slowly at the prei-dieu that stood in the corner of the room. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Lisa on Jan 16th, 2004, 11:54am Oh, very moving and powerfully written! I'm also interested to see how Margot will cope with the physical separation - I know she has her faith, but she has also been through the loss, and I should think she'd have some feelings of guilt. Psychologically, Peru is much further away too! (& geographically of course) But I suppose she'll be kept busy. I think I'm trying to put myself into her position! Looking forward to more - this is coming over so well! :) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Pat on Jan 16th, 2004, 12:02pm Oh Carolyn! Poor, poor Jack. I feel so sorry for him. It must bedreadful not knowing what to do. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by PatMac on Jan 16th, 2004, 12:28pm Oh, Carolyn. that was so true to life and believable. Poor Jack. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Lesley on Jan 16th, 2004, 3:47pm Thank you Carolyn - that was totally believable - it must have been difficult to write. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Rachel on Jan 16th, 2004, 4:01pm Carolyn, it's time for more story! And of course, you know there will be no more Prim until there is more of this, so you really need to hurry up and write more :D |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 16th, 2004, 4:38pm I've done some of this today, but I havn't seen any more Primula... *Looks meaningfully at Rachel* I'm afraid the short bits are because it's not the easiest of stories to write. And I'm struggling with the next few scenes. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by PatMac on Jan 16th, 2004, 5:07pm Carolyn, I'm sure we'll wait while you get it to your satisfaction. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Chloe on Jan 16th, 2004, 5:43pm Thank you Carolyn that was lovely :) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 16th, 2004, 10:17pm I'm still not happy with this totally, but needed it to move the story on without precipitating a crisis. Joey woke on the Saturday with a glint of determination in her eye. It was the day of her new girls tea party and she knew that she was responsible for making the girls feel that they had a friendly adult they could rely on, outside of the formal school structure, but close enough to help. She knew what girls liked and planned accordingly. Anna found that before breakfast had finished she had been given three different menus for tea. This did not ruffle the maid, she would bake the cakes and make the sandwiches she always did, knowing from long experience that by the afternoon Joey would have no idea what she had asked for. Jack sighed heavily as he ran his fingers through his hair, the grey streaks beginning to show more than ever now. He had tried to talk Joey into postponing this part, but she had become distressed and then seemed to forget that he had ever mentioned it and continued to plan, and fearing what he could precipitate he had not pushed the issue. He had mentioned the phone call from Mother Peter but she had looked blank and simply said, “My Robin is a nun and I haven’t seen her since the twins were little.” He left immediately breakfast was finished, saying, “I will be late tonight, I have to go to Berne as we discussed, do you remember Joey?” “Yes, yes, now I must get on, I want to find the photo of Corney and her Sax, the girls always love seeing that one, and I must prepare some paper games.” Jack left with a heavy heart, hoping that Con would be able to curtail some of Joey’s excesses, and feeling guilty for leaving, but knowing that his current journey was just as important. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 16th, 2004, 10:18pm Con strolled over to Freudesheim around 14:00, being under orders from Ian to have a rest after her lunch and not go any earlier. She was pleased to find that Joey was calm and ready to receive her guests. She had a stack of games for the girls to choose from, a pile of photo albums from the school’s early days stood on a coffee table and a delicious smell was wafting in from the kitchen. Con could feel the tension leaving her shoulders. “So, who is coming today Mama, I haven’t had chance to find out about any of the girls yet this term.” “There are two girls from Phil’s class coming with her and Marie. I believe they are called Aimee and Mary. Then there is one from Upper Fourth who is bringing Lois with her. The other two are with Cecil, Rose and another flower name. Daffy is coming with them as well.” “That’s quite a nice size crowd, is it all the new girls?” “Yes, there are no Juniors this term. Hilda is trying to encourage them to start in September whenever possible.” Con stood up and wondered over to the coffee table, “I remember spending hours over these albums, we used to love looking at them. Do you still show them to all the new girls?” “Of course. I was the first Chalet Girl and love to show the pictures from our first terms.” They made further conversation about the photo’s and about the games Joey had planned and then heard the noise of eleven pairs of feet walking up the path. Joey jumped up and became more animated than Con had seen in months, she was at the door, flinging it wide open before Con had risen from the couch and Con heard her mother’s greeting to the amazed new girls and grinning old girls and giggled as she heard, “Welcome to Freudesheim, our happy home. We hope you will feel it is a happy home for you as well.” Her mother could be so predictable. Joey rushed round the girls, and ushering them inside could be heard saying, “Get your coats off quickly, I don’t want Matey on my back if you all catch colds from standing around in cold coats.” The girls came in and took their wraps off, the new ones looking somewhat overwhelmed at the enthusiastic welcome and Con decided to take a hand. “Mama, why don’t you go and see if Anna has Bruno tied up securely, you don’t want him flying in like a hurricane do you? And maybe she could find some drinks.” Joey agreed and trotted off towards the kitchen. Con meanwhile went to join the girls in the salon where Phil, Cecil and Felicity had already taken their guests. Before long the girls had settled down to various paper games, jigsaws and other puzzles the family had accumulated over the years. Joey entered the room bearing a tray of Lemonade and glasses and smiled at the sight. ‘I knew I could count on my triplets’ she murmured to herself. Catching sight of Con she winked and together they handed round the drinks. Everything was progressing well, they had eaten and some of the girls had helped Anna clear the table whilst others had tided away the games. Then Joey sat in a low chair by the table with the photos and told the girls how her sister had started the school and showed them a photo of the original chalet, one of a trip up a mountain where they ended up spending the night in a hut. Joey flicked through the albums, showing different photos and regaling the girls with different tales, many of which featured their hostess in some way or other, including a photo of a dripping teenage Joey who had been hauled out of the lake. It was approaching time for the girls to leave when Joey suddenly dropped into silence, staring into the box of photos. Con, knowing this to be a box containing photos from Tyrol had not expected any problems and she stood, moving to her mother’s side to see what had caused the silence. Noticing an envelope in the bottom of the box, and knowing what it contained she quickly signalled Felicity and said in a chiding tone, “Mama, it is so late, why didn’t any of us notice, Come on girls, you’ll be late for prayers if you don’t get a move on.” She managed to get her sisters alone as they left the room, dragging them into Jack’s study as they pulled on their coats. “Don’t worry, she’s just come across something in that box that belonged to us, me, Margot and Len I mean, I don’t know how, but I’ll stay until papa comes home.” Felicity looked concerned, “Are you sure, I’ll see if the Abess will let me slip back if you like?” “No, it’s OK, you get back to school. She will be fine, I’m sure of it.” The girls left and Con entered the room to find her mother sat with the envelope in her hands. Con gently took it off her and slipped it into her pocket. “Mama, can you help me tidy these away?” she asked, hoping that the activity would stir her again and revive her once more. Joey nodded and the two women picked up the photos Con desperately trying to make some light conversation about the girls they had met and eventually was rewarded by seeing Joey begin to thaw and converse once more. She purposely kept the conversation light and once they tided up suggested a radio programme, they looked at the listings and found a reading of Dickens on the world service that they were able to listen to. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Pat on Jan 16th, 2004, 10:25pm Please let Joey get better. Don't let her breakdown completely. I know she pretty far gone, but she can still come back. It's dreadful, especially after the way she's been shown in other threads - this is such a different side to her. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Chloe on Jan 16th, 2004, 10:37pm Thank you Carolyn that was lovely :) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Lesley on Jan 16th, 2004, 10:44pm Feeling desperately sorry for Joey - terrible that she cannot talk to Jack - and rather chilling that every so often it appears that she has forgotten that Len is dead. Thank you Carolyn - more please when you feel able to tackle it. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by catherine on Jan 16th, 2004, 11:05pm I hope things are going to get better for Joey soon. Please keep going, Carolyn. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Rachel on Jan 17th, 2004, 12:09am Really enjoying this carolyn. Can't wait to find out how Len |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 17th, 2004, 12:11am Rachel, shush, don't give anything away. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Rachel on Jan 17th, 2004, 12:13am Sorry Carolyn. At least I managed to keep my mouth shut about the sextuplets she produced out of wedlock three months before her marriage eh? |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Susan on Jan 17th, 2004, 2:19am Very sad but lovely story Carolyn. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 17th, 2004, 3:28am I can't help wondering whether Jo is just having a breakdown, or if perhaps she's developing dementia. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Kathy_S on Jan 17th, 2004, 5:02am Hoping the reaction to whatever was in the Tyrol box means it's more curable than dementia. Losing Len is bad enough. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 17th, 2004, 6:05am Yes, that's true. *retracts suggestion* |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by PatMac on Jan 17th, 2004, 7:57am Poor Joey and Jack! Beautifully written and all the more moving because it is so restrained. It's clever that we see what everyone is thinking except Joey and I'm feeling very tense about her. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Jennie on Jan 17th, 2004, 1:28pm Wonderfully written, Carolyn. Please may we have some more. Beginning to chant 'What happened to Len?' |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Alison on Jan 17th, 2004, 6:16pm Well, this is the first drabble I've ever read and it is so moving - thank you Carolyn, for keeping the characters so true. Glad to hear more about Con - she always seemed to get lost behind Len and margot but she is coming across as a great character. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Janet on Jan 17th, 2004, 6:40pm This is so sad and so moving. Please post more. (My first post!) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Nicolette on Jan 17th, 2004, 6:44pm Congratulations Janet! Long may it continue... ;) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Lesley on Jan 17th, 2004, 6:52pm Welcome to the CBB Alison and Janet! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Sarah_L on Jan 17th, 2004, 7:09pm Hello Alison and Janet. I'm sure you'll have fun here! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 17th, 2004, 7:13pm Margot stood in the Bahnhof at Berne waiting for the director of the clinic she was going to serve at. She had one small case with her, and clutched a black shoulder bag containing her tickets, passport, purse, Bible, prayer book, and some medical texts that she wanted to refresh her memory on. She waited by the clock as she had been directed, expecting to be easily spotted by her habit. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned a nervous greeting on her lips that was quickly replaced by, “Papa, how wonderful, but how…?” “Shh,” replied Jack, hugging his daughter, “Mother Peter rang me to see if it would be possible to come and see you here as you passed through. She was determined that you would see at least one of us. There is something about elderly nuns that makes everyone give way to them.” Margot grinned; she had a lot of experience of elderly nuns and knew what her father meant. “There is time for us to have a coffee,” said Jack, “Mother Peter said she would ensure that you had at least an hour here before the director arrives, let’s make the most of it.” The two walked hand in hand to the station coffee shop, Margot barely restraining herself from skipping. This was so unexpected, and Mother Peter’s kindness in arranging it brought a tear to her eye. The hour passed quickly. The two doctors spoke of the work that Margot would be doing among the poor villages along the Amazon, and about the health education she hoped to bring to the people. Jack’s eyes shone with pride as Margot spoke about the work she would be doing. It was towards the end of their time together that Margot asked, “How is mama? Was she too ill to come with you today?” Jack’s face clouded as he thought hurriedly how to reply. He did not want Margot to go away thinking that Joey had put tea with schoolgirls over seeing her daughter, neither did he want Margot to be worrying about her mother’s health or state of mind. “She is taking a long time to recover from Len’s death, and I think she needs to have a very settled period for a while. Her health is holding up, but the pain of loosing Len like that, and then saying goodbye to you has been very hard for her. I did not want to force her into another farewell so soon. Trust God and pray to Our Lady for her, she will be safe their care.” Margot sat opposite her father, looked up at him, a look of shame crossing her face that he was familiar with, but had not seen since her teenage years. “Papa, I have a confession to make to you. Mother Peter offered to let me delay making my vows for six months so that I could spend some time at home with the family following Len’s death. I refused.” Jack took her hands, “I know all about it my dear. Mother Peter told me because she was concerned for you. I’m glad you told me though because it will relieve your mind to go with a clear conscience. As I believe you told Con, if Len had died a little later there have been no question of you coming home. If you had put off your vows then this opportunity would not have opened up for you, or not with the same ease, have no regrets Margot, go with our love and blessing.” “Sister Mary Margaret?” queried a new voice. Margot and Jack looked up and saw a wiry looking nun in a blue habit similar to Margot’s, with twinkling blue eyes, a weathered skin and a broad smile. “Yes sister. Are you Sister Director?” “That’s me,” replied the lady, “but plain sister, or Sister Joan will suffice. Is this your father, I was told he may be here.” “Yes sorry, Sister Joan, this is my father, Dr Maynard, of the Gornetz Platz san. Father, this is Sister Joan, the director of the clinic I will be joining.” Sister Joan turned and looked at Jack, giving him a surprisingly firm handshake, “I wish we had time to stay and talk. I’ve heard about the work you are doing with TB, especially with some of the poor children from the cities. I am glad to have met you Dr Maynard, maybe next time I am in the country I will be able to spend some time at the Platz, it would be an interesting comparison to our work. Now however, we must catch our train to the airport. I will join you in a moment by the gate Sister Mary Margaret.” With this she left, giving the pair a brief moment to make their goodbyes. Jack gave Margot a tight hug, and then watched her walk away, across the concourse to join her companion, a tear in his eye, but ever so proud of the tall young woman in the blue habit. (more later tonight I hope) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Alison on Jan 17th, 2004, 8:14pm Oh, sniff, sniff *digging wildly for a clean tissue* |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Lesley on Jan 17th, 2004, 8:55pm Thank you Carolyn, :'( |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Ally on Jan 17th, 2004, 9:04pm Thank you Carolyn, another wonderful drabble, It's interesting to know about Margot as a nun, and I want to know how Len died!! More please soon |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 17th, 2004, 9:33pm It was late when he arrived home. He had expected that Joey would have been in bed and Con long gone. He was surprised to find her still there. She put a finger to her lips as he entered the salon. Joey was asleep on the sofa, next to Con. “She was a bit upset this afternoon, at the end of the party so I stayed. We listened to Dickens on the radio and she fell asleep,” was Con’s succinct reply to Jack’s questioning look. “Can you help me?” he queried, picking Joey up. Con dashed round and opened the door, following as he carried Joey upstairs and to the bedroom opening the doors for him as he went. Once there he changed her into her nightwear whist Con filled the hot water bottle and brought it back to tuck down next to Joey. It was during the drive home that Con told Jack the details of the tea party. How her mother had referred to ‘you triplets’ as if they were all there and how she had then found the envelope at the bottom of the Tyrol box. “I think the trips thing could have been a slip of the tongue, I’m not sure. She had been all right, if a little more over the top than usual. It was finding this that upset her, stunned her into silence. I recognised the envelope at once, although I had forgotten about it until now. It was our 18th birthday, do you remember?” “Yes, you all wrote down your hopes for the future, what you wanted to achieve, your dreams, your thoughts ‘on the edge of life’ I think one of you said. Then you sealed the envelope and gave it to your mother to return when you reached 40.” Jack realised why this had shaken Joey, “How did she react?” “She sat like stone, but when I asked her to help me tidy she did, and I talked and talked about the silliest of things, anything to get her moving and responding, then I stayed and suggested the radio. It was all I could think of.” “That was fine pet. You did brilliantly. I’m sorry you were left with that situation.” “You had to see Margot, and Mother couldn’t be left by herself to deal with all those schoolgirls. I do think she is recovering, slowly. She was able to tidy up, and speak a little, which is better than she was that day I found her in the study. How do you think she is doing Papa, as a doctor?” Jack pulled the car up in front of Con and Ian’s chalet. “It’s a good job Ian is working tonight or he would be pacing around out here looking for you,” he said as he turned the car round. Then hearing Con sigh he said, “I’m not ignoring your question, just gathering my thoughts. Tell me, have I ever failed to answer a serious question from any of you?” “No Papa, but I know we are all finding this hard and did wonder if maybe you would try and protect me from knowing how bad things are.” “There is that, but you are here and can see, it would be pointless. Joey is still finding it hard to come to terms with our loss, and I think sometimes is trying to pretend that it never happened. The times you have seen her upset are times when that painful truth is making itself felt and she freezes, literally sometimes, in the effort to push it away. All we can do is give her time and support. Now go inside before we freeze, I must get back.” “Goodnight papa,” Con leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek before dashing up the short path to her front door. It took Con a long time to go to sleep that night. She had struggled herself to support her mother, knowing that if she had discovered that envelope alone she too would probably have ended up in tears. Loosing Len had been like loosing part of herself. She had spent the week up the funeral with her sisters, all crying in each other’s arms, but by the day of the funeral they had began to talk, to reconcile themselves to Len’s death and seeing the earth land on the coffin had been, to Con at least, a turning point, a time when she said, ‘This is the beginning of Len’s biggest adventure, and Margot and I have own adventures to begin.’ The memories still hurt, were still raw at the edges, but Con was realising that she had the support of her sisters through all the grief, Joey had tried to shut the world out, shut the pain out and had not taken the steps that her girls had. Con saw this plainly when she thought of Joey’s attitude and her father’s comments, but was at a loss to know how she could help her mother take the same steps. It was late when she slept, and she did not rouse when Ian returned in the early hours. He having been primed by Jack about the occurrences of the previous day crept in besides her and lay watching till he too fell asleep. (maybe more tonight, not sure.) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Ally on Jan 17th, 2004, 9:37pm What a sad thing to find, your descriptions of grief are very powerful. You are right, I do need a tissue :'( |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Jan 17th, 2004, 9:42pm Carolyn, this is beautiful, but such a tearjerker!! We've gone through 16 boxes of tissues since you started this!! And how did Len die?? |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 17th, 2004, 9:52pm Goodness, poor Margot and Con! Margot for her feelings of guilt and Con for her suffering. I can see Con staying at home with her mother for some time to come! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Alison on Jan 17th, 2004, 9:54pm This is so lovely, Carolyn. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by PatMac on Jan 17th, 2004, 10:13pm So sensitive. You write as if you have been through this or watched someone go through it. If not, I don't know how you could get under the skins of the characters. This is very powerful writing. Thank you. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Jan 17th, 2004, 10:21pm :-[ Thank you everyone. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Jan 17th, 2004, 11:05pm *gives Carolyn a huggle* |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Jan 17th, 2004, 11:07pm It's deserved, Carolyn. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Pat on Jan 17th, 2004, 11:29pm Carolyn this is wonderful writing. It must be tearing you apart to write it. Please take any breaks you need with this - I think we'll all understand. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Nina on Today at 12:04am Carolyn this is so moving, it was lovely as a little drabble but so glad you decided to expand it. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Lesley on Today at 12:12am Thank you Carolyn - glad there seems a little bit of hope there for Joey. My mum once told me that there is no other grief worse than that of a mother or father seeing their child die. As she said, it's not natural to outlive your children. Joey is fighting against having to face that - understandably. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Today at 12:31am It was noon when they finally both woke within moments of each other. Con stretched and then exclaimed in pain, “My leg, argh,” she gasped. “Cramps,” Ian laughed, taking hold of the offending leg and massaging it with a firm touch. “Oh, yes. Sometimes I wish I could have this baby without being pregnant. First the sickness, then the tiredness, now cramps and more still to come.” “You poor darling,” grinned her husband. “Huh, no sympathy, how about a coffee then?” “Your wish is my command. Wait there.” Con lay in the bed, the sun shining through the window and dancing over the bedspread. She let her mind drift, her hands laying on her stomach feeling the baby kick. Ian walked in with a tray laden with toast, honey and fresh coffee. “We are going to have to tell people soon, this little one is getting active, look at that kick, you could see that one.” Ian grinned and reached out, feeling the movement of the baby and looking tenderly at his wife. “That’s your call. Whenever you feel ready we will do so.” “I can’t hide it much longer. I’ve only got away with it so long because dresses at the moment are so full; it doesn’t show much when I’m dressed, but just look. Oh, there was another kick.” “I saw that one.” Ian and Con grinned at each other, holding hands as they sat, one hand each on Con’s stomach waiting for the next movement. “There it is,” they exclaimed simultaneously, and then giggled. “Have some toast while it’s still warm, don’t want to waste that effort,” Con urged her husband. “I’m quite comfortable as I am,” Ian teased. “Well I want my coffee, so shift. I’ll spill if I drink laid down.” “Anything to oblige,” Ian sat up and held the tray while Con sat up. As she helped herself to toast he asked, “So, who do you want to tell, and when.” “Mother and Father of course, and then Flick and the girls. I think the girls will be over the moon. I hope it will be all right to tell mother, I want it to give her something to look forward to, but, I don’t know.” “Neither do I love, but as you say we will have to tell them soon, and it will be better to tell than have them guess. Maybe we could tell Jack first and see what he thinks.” “Hmm, not today though. Lets be by ourselves for the rest of the day. You’re working again tonight aren’t you?” “Yes, but then I’m at home until Tuesday morning, emergencies aside. You finish breakfast while I go and light the fire and then we’ll lay some plans.” |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Today at 12:46am Thank you Carolyn! I hope Con gets a good response to her announcement!! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Rachel on Today at 12:52am Vikki, want to play tag team chanting on this thread? ;) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Today at 12:56am Could be fun! Who starts? ;) ;D |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Carolyn P on Today at 12:58am Well Rachel has sent me four PM guesses as to what happened to Len in the last few minutes. No more tonight. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Today at 1:00am Were any of them remotely close? Or are they vintage Rachel? ;) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Rachel on Today at 1:01am Oh go on Carolyn - we're your greatest fans! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Today at 1:08am Yes, please go on Carolyn!!! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Rachel on Today at 1:09am Psssssssssst Vikki! Is it too early to bring out the seldge hammer and do the Kathy Bates impression?? |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Today at 1:14am I think it might be honey! ;) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Sarah_K on Today at 1:32am *sniff* This is so beautiful. I love Con and Ian and I hope Joey is able to react to their news well. Both Con and Margot are coping very well, as is Jack and it must be hard for them all. *huggles all of them* *hugs Carolyn extra tight* |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by KB on Today at 1:40am That was very sweet, Carolyn! I'm glad Con has some happiness to look forward to! *confiscates Rachel's sledgehammer, and the other one she keeps for emergencies* |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Vikki on Today at 1:49am Phew!! Thank goodness you did that KB!! ;) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Susan on Today at 3:12am Thank you Carolyn for more fantastic story. You write so well. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Lesley on Today at 9:23am Loved the little intertude with Con and Ian - hope their news helps Joey. Looking forward to more, Carolyn! |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by PatMac on Today at 9:28am that was lovely, Carolyn. I liked that interlude and pleased to see Con and Ian so in accord. Just hope Joey is lifted out of her depression. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Pat on Today at 9:39am Please may we have more, Carolyn? I'm sure you have nothing else to do at the moment! ;D |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Chloe on Today at 12:58pm :'( Caroyln ita all so powerfully written please may we have some more :) |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Janet on Today at 2:40pm Should like to add to the praise and say i'd love to read more please. |
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Title: Re: Con and Margot SCS Post by Sarah_G-G on Today at 8:49pm This is amazing- so emotive. I'd love to read more as soon as you are able to write it. |
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