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        Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >>  A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
        
(Message started by: Lisa on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:37pm)
Title: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:37pm
OK, don't know how we're doing this, so I thought I'd post all the story from the point at which it was last archived. I have only done a little bit more - thanks for all being so nice to me when I had my funny turn!



‘I wish you could have seen it, Mamma, you would have laughed til you cried, but some of it was really beautiful, too.’ said her eldest daughter in her letter. ‘It was all Amelia’s idea and she organised it. It’s best if I describe it as a member of the audience then you can understand exactly what it was like. Lucy painted a really gorgeous poster for the staffroom and a smaller version as a special invite for Miss Ferrars and Miss Wilmot. Oh, I must tell you this, and you must swear not to tell anyone! The whole reason behind this show was to butter up those two in particular, so they would take out those of us who have to stay at school over half term. But please don’t let on!’

Joey looked up at Jack. “Whatever will those Middles do next?” she asked in tones of amazement. Jack grinned and raised his eyebrows. “And don’t look at me like that. We were never that bad! Or at least we weren’t calculated!” she added honestly, as she resumed the letter.

‘The art work had an ivy design running around the borders and the letters were of a beautiful calligraphy – Lucy really is talented. We had decided to ask Miss Annersley if we could have the main hall for last Saturday evening, and she said we could as long as we allowed the rest of the school to attend as an audience. The juniors were given special permission to stay up late. We spent the whole of Saturday afternoon in preparation for the show; we stuck to Lucy’s ivy theme and made huge paper garlands of it, which we wound round some posts that were loaned to us by Herr Schumann. We pushed bricks together to make a dais and dyed one of Matey’s old sheets (which had been turned outside to middle once too often) with boiled holly leaves. It did raise a stench, and we got into trouble for ruining one of Karen’s saucepans. We all need to contribute to a new one. Some of the staff muttered ‘like mother like daughter’. Whatever did they mean, Mamma? Anyway, we tacked the sheet to the wall to form a backdrop.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:38pm
I forgot to tell you, Lucy also painted a giant sized programme which we displayed at the front of the hall. She used four sheets of foolscap and glued them together and it looked very professional. Well, we got everyone seated by eighteen o’clock and then the first act opened with Sophie. She played Handel’s Gigue from Keyboard Suite No 6 and it was amazing Mamma, to hear something played so well by a schoolgirl. I wonder if that’s how you felt when you first heard Margia Stevens play? So, the audience was really impressed, and we followed it up with a song from Nan Wentworth. I never knew she had such a lovely sweet voice. It’s not very powerful, but sounded angelic. It was slightly marred by the dyed sheet falling down on her head midway through the song, but she stoically carried on.

Then, to quote Amelia, we had some light relief. Tessa and Frankie performed a skit based on the old music hall shows, and it went down a storm, especially when Frankie produced a washboard!  Then, Isabel told a story, written by none other than our Con! But she’s told you more about that in her letter. It was done in such a funny way, including names of the staff – she retold a fairy story in a modern setting, but I must let her tell you about it! Then we had a folk dance piece from Ali, Charlotte, Amelia and Tessa which was very lively.

And Mamma, you’d love the final piece before the interval. Several of the girls put on the play within a play from Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Oh you should have seen Frankie as Bottom! Even Nan played the lion, and she was ever so good! The audience laughed til they cried, and the first act was declared a huge success! Of course, the audience relaxed and enjoyed the interval, but it was more work for us! I had been in charge of refreshments, along with Nan and Sophie and we rushed about offering them to all and sundry. They were much appreciated although the staff didn’t seem too keen on sampling the lemon and honey cakes, so we had lots of those left over. They were lovely and we feasted on the remnants afterwards, although one or two girls had to see Matey for a dose this morning.

We opened the second act with another piano piece – I played Schubert’s First Waltz. Do tell Pappa, he’d be really proud that I got that second section right! Everyone clapped and I felt quite pleased. Then Connie recited THE WHOLE of the Ancient Mariner! A number of us gave some background by enacting the scenes in silence.  We thought it was excellent, but some very rude juniors started to yawn and fidget. Connie said that the staff also seemed restless during the “Water, water, everywhere” speech, but I think that could have been down to Margot’s miming of a water sprite, but we thought she wriggled across the floor very effectively. It was just unfortunate that her wriggling brought down the sheet again, but as Amelia said, anyone would think that was meant to happen, because it looked for all the world like a giant wave sweeping over the ancient mariner’s boat.  Next we had another humorous interlude, with Tessa’s impressions of a matron who had discovered a midnight feast. Our Matey laughed the most, and Con swears she saw her wiping away tears. Following that, Maria Malfonti entertained us on the violin.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:39pm
But last of all, oh Mamma! Amelia gave us a dance that she had choreographed herself. It was a modern ballet. She set it to Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and it was so unusual. Miss Annersley has said that she might be able to perform again at our Christmas show! Oh please write her a part!

“What does the rest say?” asked Jack, after Joey had lapsed into silence for some minutes.

“Oh, just details about school.”

“But are they to get their half term treat?” asked Jack, interested. “Did they win over the staff?”

“Len says yes,” commented Joey, “but I’m pretty sure they didn’t win over anyone. The arrangements would have had to be made ages in advance. Hilda wouldn’t – “ she stopped.

Jack was sensitive to her feelings. “You and Hilda will patch this up,” he said. “I had a little chat with her on the telephone before we left – “

”Jack, you didn’t!” cried Joey in horror.

“Calm down! It’s fine. I had to tell her our arrangements for the triplets while we were away, and leave addresses in case of emergencies. I think you both had a valid point you know. When the time is right, you’ll both be able to see eye to eye. Now,” he added hastily as he observed the mutinous set of his wife’s chin, “let’s go for a walk to Il Duomo this morning.”

He called the waiter over and paid for the coffees, adding “grazie” and beaming proudly at Joey for his use of Italian. She responded by chatting fluently and prettily to the waiter in his mother tongue before leaving the table giggling and following her exasperated husband.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:39pm
Back at the school, the Middles were recovering from their grand entertainment, and looking forward to the half term. The day after the show, they had been summoned to a short meeting in the hall, where to their delight, Miss Annersley had announced that Miss Ferrars and Miss Wilmot had agreed to give up their free time at half term to take those still at the school on a local excursion. An audible cheer went up from the girls, then silence followed at a sign from Miss Annersley, leaving Lucy’s words of ‘I told you we’d win ‘em over!’ dropping loudly into the quiet. A muffled cough from Miss Ferrars prompted Miss Wilmot to quickly come to the front and take over the meeting.
     
“We thought we would take a trip down into Interlaken,” she said. “I know it is somewhere many of you are familiar with from having travelled through, but few of you have really explored it. We have quite a programme lined up for you. I do not need to remind you that as always we will expect your very best behaviour from you; all the more so seeing as there will only be two of us in charge of fifteen of you. The Chalet School is well respected in Interlaken, and we want only to enhance that image.”

There was a silence as each girl inwardly vowed to be a perfect angel. Frankie’s voice suddenly broke out: “Three cheers for Miss Wilmot and Miss Ferrars!” she cried, and the girls responded with their ‘hurrahs!” until, Miss Annersley laughingly dismissed them.

“Do you think we should have told them so soon?” the latter asked the two mistresses on the platform with her. “I hope we don’t see a dropping off in their behaviour now.”

“Oh, Hilda,“ reassured Kathie, “I promise you, I couldn’t have coped with another day of pretending.”

“And I,” said Nancy, “couldn’t have coped with another day of their well-meaning help!” and the three mistresses left the hall laughing.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:40pm
As she walked to Prayers, Amelia was still buoyed up by her success in the show for the whole of the following week. She really had shown a talent for putting the event together, and her artistic temperament had thrived in the theatrical atmosphere, no matter how amateur. Whenever she thought back to the rapturous applause she had received for her dancing, her resolve was increased and she was able to ignore the nagging pain in her leg. It wasn’t really so bad, she thought, not if she gave it a good massage every now and then. It was probably down to growing pains, because she was getting so fit and strong. At that point, Amelia was seized by an absolutely huge yawn, and she looked around anxiously to see that no-one had noticed. Woefully for her, none other than Miss Wilson was making her way along the corridor, and she benefited from the full effect of the yawn. Horrified, she ran to Amelia and placed her hands on the girl’s shoulders.

“Look at me!” she commanded, feeling Amelia’s glands gently. “Show me your tongue!”

Amelia was mightily confused by this, and did not feel comfortable putting her tongue out at a mistress, but she obeyed nevertheless.

“Hmm, looks all right,” muttered the mistress. “But I’m still unhappy about the yawn. You get plenty of sleep. I think I should accompany you to Matron,” and she dragged the protesting girl towards the sick room. Amelia remonstrated with her teacher to no avail, and she soon found herself before Matron’s beady eyes.

“Now, Amelia, have you been over-exciting yourself?” she enquired kindly, carrying out similar checks to those of Miss Wilson, but with more expertise. She observed that the girl was looking very wan and had shadows under her eyes. “I think you have taken on too much with the show. Is there anything you should tell me?”

Amelia felt uncomfortable. She knew the cause of her tiredness was due to rising at a quarter to five each morning, and then exercising for an hour and a half. It was true that the show had taxed her, but it, and the rehearsals for her dance had given her an adrenaline-filled boost, and it was only just now that weariness was catching up with her. She shrugged to avoid lying to the school’s domestic tyrant, and simply shook her head.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:40pm
“Well, I think a dose and a night in the sick room will help,” advised Matron.

“Oh no, Matron,” begged Amelia. “I don’t need to spend the night here, honest!”

“Very well, you may return to your dormitory, but I’m warning you Amelia, if you don’t show signs of recovery soon, you may need to forgo the Interlaken trip, and I know you wouldn’t want that.”

Horrified, Amelia shook her head. She was looking forward to the trip as much as anyone, more really, as she knew very little of the area. Besides, she had done so much towards the campaign. Inwardly she resolved to try and get a full night’s sleep tonight, even if it meant missing her beloved ballet practice for once. She got up to follow Matron to her dormy, but as she did so, a sudden cramp contracted her muscle in her leg and she let out an involuntary yelp. Matron immediately saw her limp, and dropped to her knees to massage the leg, reassuring Amelia as she did.

“Just a cramp, I suspect, Amelia. A good rub will warm the muscle; in fact I’ve some mustard powder here and that will help. This hasn’t happened before has it?” Mercifully for Amelia, matron did not wait for an answer to her rhetorical question, but proceeded with her diagnosis. “You’ve done too much lately – goodness me, child! This leg is rock solid!”

“It’s my ballet dancer’s muscles, Matron,” ventured Amelia.

“Nonsense!” replied Matron briskly, “the other leg is much less affected. Now I prescribe you some rest for this leg. Now that the show is over you have no need to dance. Why, don’t look so anguished! You don’t have many opportunities to dance so you won’t miss it too much. I should think that after half-term you will be quite back to normal.”

“After half-term?” breathed Amelia. It seemed an age away. Certainly far too long to go without dancing. She allowed herself to be put to bed, and even took the bitter-tasting dose submissively, but in her mind she was raging. After she was left alone, she sat up again and examined her leg. ‘OK, so it’s a bit over strained,’ she admitted to herself, ‘but if I sleep in tomorrow, that will put it right. What’s the worst that could happen anyway? I’ll be better in the long run if I don’t lose out on practice time.’ The dose was beginning to take effect, so she laid down again still turning over thoughts of her dancing in her head.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:41pm
The dose certainly worked, but not for Amelia a sleep that was restful and deep. She suffered nightmares, and at one point awoke Isabel with her crying out. At four forty five the secluded alarm clock rang and slowly Amelia emerged from her drugged sleep to switch it off with an action born of habit. Once awake, she lay there with a headache, cursing herself for forgetting to turn off her alarm. After a while, Amelia decided that if she wasn’t going to be able to go to sleep, she may as well get up and practice after all. She dragged herself out of bed, her muscles screaming a protest, and blindly crept to the bathroom.

Isabel woke suddenly and lay in the dark wondering what had disturbed her. She could tell by the light that it was still at least an hour before she needed to get up, so she snuggled gratefully back down into her bed. She recalled waking earlier, due to Amelia’s bad dream, and decided that it was probably that which had made her sleep lighter since. After a little while, much to her annoyance, she found that she needed to leave her cosy bed and get a drink of water. She rose and put on her dressing gown and slippers, before slipping silently out of her cubicle. As she passed Amelia’s cubicle, she listened out for her, but could hear nothing, so she continued on to the bathroom.

Amelia always practised in the bathroom furthest from the dormitories, and it was this decision that helped her avoid detection as Isabel felt her way into the nearest bathroom. At the sound of footsteps, the dancer froze and listened intently, and after a few moments she was rewarded by the sound of someone clicking off the light and walking away back to the dormy. Amelia scarcely noticed that she was shivering, she was so on edge as she stood and pondered her next move. Suddenly, Amelia was overwhelmed by the thought of how many times she had broken the rules, and Matron’s warning about the trip to Interlaken being cancelled for her reverberated in her ears. With one accord, she fled the bathroom and rushed back to the dormitory.

Isabel heard Amelia return to bed, in the cubicle adjacent to hers and frowned in the darkness. ‘So that’s why there was no sound from her cubicle earlier,’ thought Isabel, burrowing back into sleep, ‘she was in the bathroom.’ The prefect was on the verge of dropping off when a sudden realisation jerked her back to wakefulness. ‘I was in the bathroom! Well, the one nearest. Why did she go to a different one?’ She moved over to the curtain that separated the two spaces. “Millie?” she hissed. “Are you OK?” but this time the sound of a heavy regular breathing sounded and thwarted in her investigation for now, Isabel could only wait for the rising bell.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:41pm
The rising bell brought the usual activity into the dormitory, and the room was full of noise and bustle as the girls hurried to adhere to the strict morning timetable. Isabel jumped out of bed and fled for bathroom two as she was first on the rota, her thoughts temporarily diverted from the morning’s mysteries. As she entered the room, she made an indignant noise to see the disarray it had been left in. ‘Now who has done this?’ she demanded under her breath, rearranging furniture and stooping to pick up towels from a heap in which they had been left. She was thoroughly fed up and by the time she had finished tidying, and before she had had her bath, Sophie was banging on the door.

In the dormitory, Frankie’s voice rose above the general hubbub, proclaiming that would whoever who was next get a move on and use the bathroom. Connie ran to check the lists. “It’s Millie,” she said, and moved to the cubicle to rouse that tardy pupil. “Wake up!” she cried. “I say, Frank, Millie’s dead to the world. Help me wake her!” With difficulty the two girls managed to rouse the slumbering girl, and she stumbled out of bed. Just as she was sitting up, bleary eyed, Isabel re entered the dormy in a righteous rage.

“Just who has been in the second bathroom?” she began loudly, and then her eyes alighted on Amelia and she stopped short. “Well, hurry everyone,” she finished lamely and then went to sit next to the latter, ignoring the rule about sitting on beds. “What is the matter, Millie?” she asked kindly. “I know you were out of your bed in the night. And I’ve just seen the state of the bathroom. Whatever happened to you?”

Amelia chewed her lip nervously. Could she tell Issy? It would be such a relief to confide in somebody. But then, Issy was a prefect – and a good one at that, and Amelia knew she would feel duty-bound to report her. The only solution seemed to be to lie. Her face a dull red, eyes refusing to meet her questioner’s she mumbled that Matey’s dose hadn’t agreed with her and she’d been unwell. “I must have pulled the towels off as I got up,” she muttered.

“But why didn’t you use the nearest bathroom?”

“I didn’t want to disturb anyone,” answered Amelia, that part was truthful at least.
“But you could have told someone?” Isabel persisted. “You can always wake me if you’re ill. Let’s get you to Matey now - ”

Amelia startled her by leaping to her feet and crying: “No! Please, Isabel, I’m fine now. Honest Injun! If I went to Matey again, I won’t be allowed to go to Interlaken! She said so!”

With an eye to the time, Isabel felt under pressure to make a decision. “Very well,” she agreed dubiously after some rapid thought. “But you must tell me the instant you feel bad again.”

Amelia made a noise that could be interpreted as an affirmative, and rushed to get ready.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:41pm
Meryl Bartram-Jones was feeling much better. Following more of Dr Grant’s advice she had been visiting a doctor in Marazion who specialised in psychology, and she had to admit she was feeling as if she had been released of some of her burden of guilt. This morning was to be her last appointment, and she had mixed feelings about it.

She knocked on the varnished wooden door that featured the highly polished brass plate and entered at the command of a pretty young secretary.

“Dr Rymer won’t be long, Mrs Bartram-Jones, may I pour you a cup of tea?”

Meryl gratefully accepted the proffered cup and sat down nervously to wait. In just a minute, the inner door opened and Dr Rymer came out, hand outstretched. “Good afternoon, Meryl. I trust I find you well?”

Meryl shook his hand, juggling with her cup, and smiled back. “Oh yes, tolerably thank you Doctor.”

“I’ve told you to call me Peter,” he admonished, “it makes things much more comfortable!” and he led her into his smartly-furnished office, whereupon she sat on her accustomed perch; the edge of a well-worn red leather settle.

“So, how are you feeling today?” he asked, once both were seated.

“Rather nervous. I do feel ready to talk about – that day, but I am afraid of how I will react,” she stammered quietly.

“Remember, that I will not judge what you say, or how you behave. I am unshockable and my only concern is that you face your demons, and learn to put the past behind you. Only then can you have a full recovery. Now, in your own time, tell me about that day.”

Meryl drew a deep trembling breath, and unconsciously clasped and unclasped her hands. “As you know,” she began, “We had not been communicating particularly well for some months, due to the money troubles that we had been experiencing. As soon as the business started showing signs of trouble I told Freddy that we must make changes, beginning with taking Amelia out of that ridiculously costly school with all the expenses it entailed. Well, we’ve been through all that. I told you last time how for some time I thought the situation was improving, because that is what Freddy encouraged me to believe. But things had become very strained between us; I could tell that he was keeping things from me and about the same time I noticed that his health and temperament was changing for the worse. He was only ever himself around Amelia, in fact he seemed to seek refuge in her company not mine.” She stopped talking and after a while the doctor prompted her:
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:42pm
“And you harboured resentment towards him for that?”
“Yes!” blurted out Meryl, “and- to be honest Doct – Peter, I harboured resentment towards my daughter too. They – they had always had a special relationship between them, for some reason I always felt the odd one out in the family.”

“But how do you feel now?”

“About Amelia? Mixed emotions. Of course I love her, I always have and I’d do anything for her but I feel so much anger towards her and her ballet. If it wasn’t for that …”

“We agreed that we wouldn’t discuss the ‘what if’s,” admonished the Doctor gently. “It only leads you round in circles.”

Meryl nodded. “You’re right. And yet that’s what’s at the heart of the matter here. It was a series of events that led to it …” she took a deep breath and then poured out the rest of the story in a sudden rush, “one day Freddy came home and told me that a disaster had happened; the shop had caught fire. I really was beside myself, I felt that this was the last straw, but Freddy seemed strangely – well, I suppose agitated is the best word, but he also seemed to have a strange light in his eyes, like a fervour of some sort. He seemed full of life and hope again, and he spent more and more time with Amelia. I know now it was his way of saying goodbye.” She trembled on the last word, but then drew a deep breath and continued. “Police investigations were continuing into the cause of the fire, and Freddy was forever filling out reports and being called for interviews. He became very jumpy, and would behave soberly and pessimistically one minute, and then wildly the next. I did – suspect at one point, but I didn’t even want to articulate the thought that he perhaps had been involved with the fire, after all, an insurance pay out would have enabled us to get the business back on its feet. But how can one think such a thing of one’s husband?

‘Then one night he accompanied Amelia to one of her concerts. He was – planning it, even then!” at this she began to weep as she retrieved the little creased up note from Amelia’s treasure box from her handbag. Peter poured her a glass of water, but she ignored it, brandishing the paper at him instead: “Listen! Hearts may be wrung, yours included, but always fasten on to the truth that you have a special gift for dancing, and I have had a special gift in having you as a daughter. It was a warning – he was trying to prepare her. And it says ‘I have had’, past tense!

‘Two weeks later he had gone. He just did not come home from work. No message. In fact he had not gone to work; I later found out that the police were awaiting him there for they now had the evidence with which to charge him. They came to interview me that evening; thankfully Amelia was at a friend’s house, and I was able to keep it from her. They were satisfied that I knew nothing, and we all drew the conclusion that Frederick had become a fugitive.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:43pm
‘I won’t go into the next few weeks. Suffice to say, they were among the worst in my life, only to be beaten by the ones to come.” She stopped abruptly, picked up the glass of water and took a long draught. This seemed to steady her nerves and she resumed the story, bringing it to its conclusion. “So, one morning there was a knock at the door and I beheld two gentleman of the law, but not dressed in their uniform. They bade me go into the study with them and told me that Freddy’s car had been recovered at Beachy Head, and that there was a note left folded on the dashboard. And here it is,” she said simply, handing the envelope to the doctor.

“May I?” he asked indicating the letter with a movement of his head. Meryl nodded mutely, and he opened the envelope and read. For a few moments there was silence in the plush office. Meryl noted the ticking of the clock and thought, not for the first time, that this might all be some sort of horrible dream. Surely this couldn’t be her, sitting here, saying these things to a near stranger?

Peter was refolding the letter. “So, he says he did it because you would better off without him?”

Meryl gave a short bitter laugh. “He believed he was no good to us anymore because of the terrible crime and deceit he had been caught up in. And he thought that if he died, his property and bonds would automatically become mine. But of course, the insurance companies and the government don’t pay out if it’s a suicide. He didn’t realise that. He always did tend to jump into ideas without really considering the consequences. Amelia takes after him in that way.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:44pm
I hope it was OK to do that! Mods?!  :)

Well here is the new bit of the story:




‘So. Left with nothing – except bankruptcy of course. No one would associate themselves with me, who would want to be associated with the widow of a man who had been involved in financial scandal and arson? The church let me down, too.” She said this last reflectively, appeared to be about to say more, and then changed her mind. “But perhaps I have been wrong in keeping this from Amelia. It would be dreadful if she found out through gossip or the scandalous newspapers. I have made a decision. I’m going to write to Miss Annersley and ask her to break the full news to Amelia about Frederick’s death!”





There was a palpable excitement in the air on Friday morning. The usual rules about it being German day had been abandoned for the multilingual babble that always accompanied the beginning of a holiday. Amelia was swept up on the excitement as much as the rest, but not really feeling herself due to the early morning exercises she had been punishing herself with. She had done her very best to fool both staff and peers, even resorting to using rouge from the make up box (as she had got this idea from the school legends) which was successful; Amelia was skilled in applying make up thanks to her experience on the stage. After Fruhstuck, Miss Annersley rang the bell and the din hushed instantly as she rose to say Grace. She followed it with a few words of her own.

“Many of you are leaving us shortly for a few days’ visiting your homes or going away with your people. Those of you staying here will of course be going on the Interlaken trip. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you all that your very best behaviour is expected at all times; even those of you going home need to show your parents how a true Chalet School girl behaves. Thank you. Now, those of you that need to finish packing, go to your dormitories. Those of you staying, Miss Ferrars and Miss Wilmot will be meeting you in the Speisesaal at eleven o’clock.”

The girls fled to their various places, each silently resolving to live up to Miss Annersley’s words. As Amelia took her cup and dish to the hatch, she was summoned by the Head for a few words.

“How are you, child?” asked Miss Annersley, concern apparent in her beautiful voice. Her keen eyes assessed the girl’s wan face and shadows under the eyes with the rather unnatural spots of colour on her cheeks. She looked almost feverish.

“Very well, thank you Miss Annersley,” replied Amelia properly, but her voice was rather flat.

Hilda regarded the girl before her thoughtfully. “Matron mentioned that you had not been sleeping well. I trust this is resolved?”

Amelia felt too weary to lie, and was on the verge of confessing all when a commotion from the doorway drew both of their attention. Startled, Miss O’Ryan flew over to retrieve some broken dishes from a heap of two girls who had collided in their eagerness to reach the dormies first.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Chloe on Dec 18th, 2003, 7:23pm
*dances with another step to the board coming back*

Yay thanks Lisa!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Kathy_S on Dec 18th, 2003, 7:58pm
So glad this one survived!
Thank you, Lisa.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by catherine on Dec 18th, 2003, 8:32pm
Like the new bit, Lisa!  Looking forward to more when you can manage it!   :)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 18th, 2003, 9:23pm
Thank you Lisa!! *huggles* :-*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Rachael on Dec 18th, 2003, 9:46pm
Shades of Joey with the rouge ... just as well Matey didn't see her (or maybe she should have!) cos she'd have clocked it!!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 18th, 2003, 10:05pm
I'm suprised that Miss A didn't realise!

Hope for some more of this soon.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Abi on Dec 18th, 2003, 11:27pm
Oh goody good, I love this story. Thankyou Lisa, please don't kkep us waiting too long.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 2:48am
*thinks Amelia is very lucky not to have been discovered thus far*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lesley on Dec 19th, 2003, 7:36am
Thank you Lisa - looking forward to more - think Miss A would have discovered Amelia was wearing rouge etc if they had not had two girls colliding with plates!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 19th, 2003, 2:36pm
Thanks for re-posting and adding to this Lisa,  it was a bit unfortunate for Amelia that those two girls collided at that exact moment.
Would love to see more as soon as you are able.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 19th, 2003, 4:16pm
Miss Annersley was immediately summoned to deal with the twisted wrist of one girl and embarrassed sobs of the other. Not knowing whether the Head’s question was in the nature of a friendly enquiry or the precursor to a more important interview, Amelia stood around for some moments, self-consciously rubbing her foot against the back of her calf. Miss O’Ryan, rather flustered, called over to her demanding to know if she was going to stand there all day, or go and get ready for the visit into Interlaken. Needing no more encouragement, Amelia fled to her dormitory, and put aside the thoughts of the Head’s question.

The latter, having attended to the two miscreants and given them short shrift looked up to see the girl leaving the Speisesaal with her characteristic light-footed grace. She sighed to herself, unconsciously patting the pocket in which lay the letter received that morning from Meryl Bartram-Jones, bidding the Head mistress to acquaint her daughter with the full facts surrounding Frederick’s death. ‘Perhaps it’s just as well,’ ruminated Miss Annersley as she noted Amelia had vanished. ‘She needs to be fitter in herself before hearing news as devastating as this.’ She felt relieved, albeit guiltily, that she could put off the time of the unpleasant interview with her charge, especially as she had not yet decided how to break the news.

Up in the dormitory, the Middles were talking as hard as they could.

“I knew we’d be successful!” exclaimed Lucy victoriously. “All that being good and helpful really paid off, and now our reward is here!”

“So you’ve said about – ooh, a dozen times!” commented Tessa wryly, secretly resenting the fact that Lucy kept taking all the credit for their venture. “Anyway, I think a lot of our success lay in the show – and that’s thanks mainly to Millie!”

Just at this point, the afore mentioned girl walked in, and was startled to hear a rousing cheer at her entrance. “Pipe down!” she hissed urgently, “or you’ll have Matey up here, half-term or no!”

Isabel took over the conversation. “Do you think we need to take our extra macs?” she asked, practically.

“Without doubt!” responded a muffled voice from Nan, as she struggled to pull hers down over her head already. She emerged looking purple in the face and grinned round at the incredulous faces of her friends. “You know I have to be extra careful!” she reminded them. “Besides, I loathe carrying anything additional.”

Amelia could agree with this sentiment wholeheartedly. She enjoyed exercise and walking out if doors, but got hot when exerting herself. ‘I won’t need my extra mac’ she told herself. ‘I’ll boil alive, and I’d only end up carrying it all day.’ She omitted this item from her bag, unbeknown to the others who, if they had realised would have instantly prevailed upon her to pack it. Amelia did not know what the Swiss winters could be like, and neither was she aware of the very real risk of getting a damp chill that could result in worse, so the heedless girl fastened her bag and called out gaily that she was ready.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lesley on Dec 19th, 2003, 4:24pm
Oh dear, silly girl! If this goes on she's never going to be fit enough for Miss A to give her that news!

Thanks Lisa - hope you are well - more please when able! ;D
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by catherine on Dec 19th, 2003, 4:51pm
*echoes Lesley's sentiments*

I hope Amelia will be made to see sense before too long!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 19th, 2003, 6:02pm
*feels great concern for Amelia's welfare!*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Abi on Dec 19th, 2003, 7:39pm
Oh dear, Amelia seems to be walking on very thin ice at the moment.

*waiting with baited breath for the moment when the ice will break*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:04pm
*obligingly makes a sharp cracking sound to startle Abi*

Very nice and tense, thank you, Lisa! Any chance of another part soon?
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Rachael on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:55pm
Bless her! She does seem to need a short sharp shock!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:02pm
*thinks it won't be long in coming*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:14pm
Silly silly girl.

I wonder wether any staff member will think to check?

Probably not.

I think she is going to have a very hard lesson. :'(
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:24pm
Just hope she won't be permanently damaged.  
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 20th, 2003, 12:41am
*hopes Lisa can get more written soon!* ;)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 20th, 2003, 2:02am
Plagued by insomnia (yet again, this isn't funny anymore  >:( )
Have been looking over my story and noting lots of potential errors - it's hard to spot when you'rs doing it piecemeal like this without a complete draft! EG I've made it snow far too early in the term, haven't I?! Ach, well! Will try and write some now! Don't know much about Interlaken - have just been 'researching' on web, but got carried away and ended up planning train routes all over Europe for a fictional holiday. Whoops! That was an hour ago!  :o
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Kathy_S on Dec 20th, 2003, 2:19am
Since I’m never too certain when terms begin, exactly – late Sept., is it? – I can’t say for sure, but have run into unexpected snow in October when camping in the Appalachians, with altitudes less than Alps.  Even if it is a bit early, it would be no worse than the average EBDism.

Sorry about the insomnia.  It is awful, isn’t it.  I usually have no problem falling asleep given half an hour of escapist literature, but too often wake up a few hours later and thrash around the rest of the night.  At least you are accomplishing something worthwhile!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 20th, 2003, 2:37am
Thanks Kathy! (Both for the encouragement about the snow and the insomnia!) I had never had insomnia before until September, I've usually been so shattered I've always fallen asleep quickly, but I've found it's very hard to crack the pattern that your body gets into (ie waking and not sleeping!)

I didn't realise it was so awful - like permanent jet lag (I imagine, as I don't fly, so have never had it!) Anyway, have managed to write a bit more! (Stil avoiding Interlaken!)



Josephine Maynard was feeling like a new person. She had enjoyed spending time with her old friend, and she and Veta had just passed a very pleasant afternoon giggling like schoolgirls, and not behaving in the least as proud Mammas should. Despite the cold they were sitting in a Piazza dei Fiori in Florence sharing a pizza and drinking iced lemon drinks.

“Only a week until I return,” sighed Joey with uncharacteristic melancholy. Elisaveta immediately looked at her intently.

“Now, you can tell me to mind my own business,” she said gently, ”but whenever you mention returning home you seem distracted. What is it? Are you finding the children difficult?”

“Oh, no!” replied Jo vehemently, “they are little angels most of the time – Cecil is so sweet! Besides, Anna helps me out a lot, you know. I miss them so much. In fact, I can’t wait to get back to them. Jack said we could stay on another fortnight, but I just had to return to my brats!”

Eliaveta laughed; she knew Joey of old, but could still never quite get used to the various terms of endearment she used for her children. “Then, what?” she persisted.

Joey thought for a moment before deciding to tell her old friend the story of the row with Hilda. Now that she had had time to calm down, her anger sounded unjustified even in her own ears, and she reflected uneasily on the words passed between them. Veta heard her out without interrupting, and when Jo finally finished her spiel and cast her eyes down at the napkin she was toying with she drew a breath and looked her friend in the eye.

“Now look here, Jo. You’re not to flare up at me. You know I speak out of love for you, and I know you of old so please just listen to what I’ve got to say for a moment. Your very best quality – I feel – is your wholehearted passion for helping other people, regardless of the consequences. I should know – look at how you came to my rescue when Cosimo kidnapped me!” she shuddered at the memory, and Jo reached for her hand in a comforting gesture. “But, and don’t bristle! That is also your – your biggest drawback. You still don’t think of consequences and in this case, potential damage has been caused.” Veta eyed Jo warily, wondering how her words would be received. But that lady had had time to ruminate on her own character and did not respond hotly to Veta.

“You’re right, of course,” she said miserably. “Even Jack thinks it, although he’s been a – a solid lump of comfort over this Hilda business. I suppose I feel awkward about returning and trying to put things right with Hilda. I feel that there has opened a gulf between us.”

“Nonsense!” retorted Veta briskly. "Gulfs can easily be bridged! Yes, it can take some hard work and be uncomfortable, but you will find that it will probably strengthen the foundations of your friendship. Judging by what you told me, I would say that Hilda is probably feeling every bit as bad as you are about the argument.” She raised her eyebrows at Jo’s unladylike snort. “Now I have a suggestion to make. Are you prepared to follow my advice?”

“Yes, Veta,” Jo responded meekly, feeling every bit the subject of her royal friend!

“It’s just this – write Hilda a letter to prepare the way for your return. Apologise at the beginning, then fill it with your usual lively chat about what we’ve been doing and so on. Say that you wish to invite her to Kaffee und kuchen when you get back – or perhaps you can go to a gasthaus so that you’re in ‘neutral territory’.”

Despite herself, Joey could not suppress a smile at her friend’s political language. Veta saw the smile and correctly surmised its origin. “But I’m still a schoolgirl at heart!” she laughed suddenly, and both were relieved that the conversation had painlessly reverted back to an easy one. “Now come on!” commanded the former Crown Princess. “I have to make some important decisions about employees this afternoon. I need to hire a cook, tailor and extra maidservant to add to my retinue! I could do with YOUR advice!” and with that the two ladies tipped the waiter generously and began their stroll back to the stazione.


Will try to get some sleep again now. Dr suggested doing the ironing as that doesn't stimulate the brain!
Nighty night! :D
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Kathy_S on Dec 20th, 2003, 6:53am
Lovely scene!  Just the right tone, with strong and realistic dialog.  Also happy to finish the evening with a non-cliff-hanger. Good night!  

(Finished grading those exams.  Yippee!)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lesley on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:03am
Thanks for that Lisa - so sorry to hear about your insomnia - hope you can break the cycle soon.

Re making it snow too early - there have been times in the CS books when it snowed in the half term before Xmas - admitedly the one that springs to mind is Jo Returns and therefore Austria but I don't think it unreasonable to have snow in Switzerland then too!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:42am
Excellent scene! Good on Veta! I'm glad Joey had her to turn to!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Chloe on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:34am
Yay thanks Lisa!  :)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Abi on Dec 20th, 2003, 11:45am
Hurrah, good for Joey! ANother lovely scene Lisa.

*still wondering what is happeining to Amelia though*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by catherine on Dec 20th, 2003, 1:14pm
Thank you, Lisa!   Please let us know what Amelia is getting up to soon!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 20th, 2003, 3:03pm
Thanks Lisa, glad Joey has realised she is in the wrong.

Hope you manage to get out of the cycle of not sleeping soon.  
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:53pm

on 12/20/03 at 15:03:01, Esmeralda wrote:
Hope you manage to get out of the cycle of not sleeping soon.  

Hmm. Not too likely as I have just woken up from a nap (much needed) but that probably means I will have trouble sleeping again tonight!

Am going away tomorrow for 10 days so posting will be erratic - I willl be using laptop & mobile phone technology (so my husband thinks - really I willl be using him!) to post. However, lots of journeys should give me chance to write lots (as long as I'm not travelsick!) so hopefully postings will be worth waiting for!) :-/
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Chloe on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:55pm
Thats great news we'll still get more story even though you're away, but i hope you don't get travel sick it's nasty my best friend suffers from it really badly  :-[
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 20th, 2003, 8:38pm
So does my son.
Kwells help, as do frequent stops for short walks.

Hope you don't suffer.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:22am
*sends a mischievous teddy bear with a big bag of sleep dust down the modem to Lisa!!* :-*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:48am
*hopes the teddy isn't too mischievious, or Lisa will never be able to sleep*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:28am
Believe me, this sleep dust is powerful!!!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:31am
*suggests that Vikki might use it on herself occasionally then*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:41am
Oh believe me, my teddy clobbers me with it on a regular basis! He got me last night and I slept for about ten hours!!! :-[
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:42am
*wonders why Vikki is embarrassed* That sounds wonderful!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:54am
Which? Ten hours sleep, or the sleepdust wielding teddy? ;)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:55am
Both, of course!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:59am
Well, my teddy says thank you! His name is Honeycomb, and he's often found playing with Mabel! (I'm not sure which is the bigger trouble-maker!!!)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:00am
*suggests they're probably both bad for each other* ;)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:07am
*feels KB may be right!* :-/
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:18am
Hey, I have proof of the fact! *adjust camera*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:30am
*wonders how KB has managed to obtain this proof?* ;)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:33am
*refuses to reveal locations of cameras I had Hilde install when she came to visit*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:45am
*despatches Mabel and Honeycomb to scour bedroom for any possible camera locations!*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:00am
*assures Vikki that Mabel and Honeycomb are already in league with Hilde and me*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:04am
*wonders whether to tell KB that they're double agents!* ;)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:06am
*is well aware they are, having had Theodore find any number of cameras that Mabel installed during her last sojourn*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:11am
*wonders whether to tell KB that Theodore missed a few?*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:21am
Ah, but Peter found those Theodore missed! Trust me, I know this as I have watched you trying to watch me, so I know I've got them all!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 7:53pm
That's what you think my love!! ;)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 8:13pm
Oh, I know it, my dear!

Now, enough of this yibbling! How about more story?
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 8:50pm
*trots off to find Lisa and ask for more story!*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:46am
*wonders whether Vikki has had any luck finding Lisa*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 22nd, 2003, 11:07am
Sadly not! I think she's hiding! :(
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Chloe on Dec 22nd, 2003, 1:09pm
Please come out of hiding Lisa, we would like more story if thats possible  :)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Jennie on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:38pm
Lisa, I'm ready and waiting for more story.

Hello, Lisa, can you hear me?

May we good little Chalet girls have some more story, please?
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by catherine on Dec 22nd, 2003, 7:45pm
I was getting all excited thinking there must be lots more story but there's not, just pages of yibbling!!

Please post some more, Lisa!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Toria on Dec 22nd, 2003, 9:00pm
Lisa please, please, please post some more soon!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Abi on Dec 23rd, 2003, 12:26am

on 12/22/03 at 19:45:10, catherine wrote:
I was getting all excited thinking there must be lots more story but there's not, just pages of yibbling!!

Please post some more, Lisa!


Same here!! Where are you Lisa?
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 23rd, 2003, 12:39am
*hopes Lisa is okay!* :o
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 23rd, 2003, 4:44am
*hopes Lisa is at least having a good time, whatever she is doing*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 23rd, 2003, 6:59pm
Hello! SORRY SORRY SORRY no story yet! This is the first time I've had to get near a computer & I'm heading out in ten minutes.
Been hiding on Dartmoor (quite windy here!) Lots of wild plot bunnies live there so ideas for next drabble post dancer (here's hoping! Will I ever finish this one?!) Had some stressful stuff going on but OK (Going to mummy's tomorrow for Christmas so will be OK then!)  ;D

Oh yes *whistles nonchalantly* anyone know how much a 60 year old 'Monica turns up trumps' hb with dw (not too good condition) would be worth? Only, I found one in Okehampton ... (bought it of course!) Bye!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 23rd, 2003, 8:45pm
Great find, Ally! Have a great holiday!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Abi on Dec 28th, 2003, 12:49am
Are you back yet, Lisa?

*is beginning to get withdrawal symptoms so pushes this up to the top as a subtle hint that more story would be welcomed*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 12:52am
*thinks that is an excellent idea*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Susan on Dec 28th, 2003, 2:37am
Have just read all of this (including archived bits) in one go. It's fantastic Lisa.  Just like reading a proper EBD book.  Now I am left wanting more.

Hope you are enjoying your Christmas holiday and writing more to post when you get back.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 2:46am
*agrees with Sue that more would be an excellent idea*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 3:42am
*would also like more!!*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lesley on Dec 28th, 2003, 7:40am
*Echoes and adds to requests for more please!*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:52am
Hurrah! Back on the air (as it were) for five minutes! Very impressive Susan to read all at once. Managed to write a very little bit - normal service will resume tomorrow evening!!

It was eleven o’clock and the Speisesaal rang with the excited voices of the girls bound for the Interlaken trip. The mistresses moved from child to child checking on their preparations and making pleasant conversation, tolerant of the noise that would usually have been found unacceptable. But the Chalet School had always prided itself on an atmosphere of tolerance, and the staff did not unnecessarily repress the students, especially during holiday periods. It was within the traditions of the school that the relationship between staff and pupils was based on respect and mutual affection and this was rarely exploited.

Amelia was standing in a huddle with Frankie and Isabel, just as caught up in the excitement as anyone else. Frankie had just offered round some sweets and the girls were surreptitiously chewing and talking simultaneously when Miss Ferrars approached their little group. “Cave!” hissed Frankie, and with experience born of practise she hastily swallowed her mass of sticky toffee, and turned an innocent face towards that Mistress. Isabel followed suit and in seconds she too had recovered her composure. Amelia, however was not as accomplished and after spluttering and slowly turning a shade of red she hurriedly stooped and pretended to be occupied with sorting out her bag.

“Got everything girls?” enquired Miss Ferrars musically. “Macs, hankies, sweaters?”

“Yes, Miss Ferrars!” chorused Frankie and Isabel with unblemished conscience. Amelia was engaged with chewing her toffee which appeared to be rapidly swelling in her mouth and preventing her from speech. Almost purple in the face she desperately tried to swallow her mouthful and confess to Miss Ferrars that she hadn’t yet packed her mac, but that lady had nodded amicably and moved on to redress the sins of Connie who had neglected to pack a handkerchief. Amelia finally finished her sweet and straightened.

“Just got to get something,” she mumbled to the others, and headed towards the door, only to be stopped by the restraining hand of Miss O’Ryan.

“And where d’ye think ye’re going?” she asked dropping into her rich brogue as she was caught up in the infectious excitement and urgency of the timing. “Come along, we’re leaving now!” and with that she swept up Amelia and sundry other stragglers and the party moved out of the Chalet.

The crisp mountain air was bracing and had an immediate effect on the group as they set off down the Gornetz Platz. It was for this reason that a number of doctors recommended the big white sanatorium as a sanctuary for sufferers from the dreaded TB that blighted the lives of so many, including a lot of girls in the school.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Chloe on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:55am
Yay thank you Lisa  :)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 28th, 2003, 1:58pm
Thanks Lisa, glad to know there will be more soon.  
*Getting concerned about Amelia's future well being.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 8:30pm
Thank you Lisa!
*also worried for Amelia!* :o
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:05pm
Wonderful, more story. Thanks a lot Lisa.

Worried about Milly's wellbeing.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:27pm
Oh, golly, this is not going to be good! (I mean Amelia's fate, not the story, which is excellent.)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Abi on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:57pm
Yaaayyyyyyyy! More story 8oo

*chants and chants and chants and chants and...... you can guess the rest*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 11:00pm
*can't imagine where Abi was going with that...* ;)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 11:51pm
Well, I suspect she may have been aiming for 'chants'? :-/
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 11:54pm
Really? Okay. I never was much good at those 'fill the gap' puzzles.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Abi on Dec 28th, 2003, 11:56pm
*congratulates Vikki and awards a prize....


















...The Chanter's Songbook*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 11:59pm
*inserts a page of sheet music into the book, just to confuse Vikki*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 29th, 2003, 12:30am
*spots KB's ruse!*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 29th, 2003, 12:31am
*feigns innocence* Oh, is that where that got to?
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 29th, 2003, 1:02am
*captures the ruse and hands it over!*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 29th, 2003, 3:54am
*tries to pretend I actually want it*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 29th, 2003, 3:57pm
Well, fine!! That's the last time I try to help!! >:(
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 29th, 2003, 9:06pm
Back home at last! Although we have people staying here with us now until Jan 2nd, it should be far easier for me to get on and post some story! I have been reviewing the way the stiry is going, and it's veering away from the plan, so some earlier 'clues' I put in may not work ...!

Anyway, some more before I have my bath (and I could do with one believe me  ;D )


The jolly party walked sedately in pairs, their outward appearance belying their inner thrill, but the conditioning of the school uppermost within the minds of the girls. The walk down the Platz to the mountain railway was three miles but the Chaletians were fit and healthy and frequently took strenuous walks, so they covered ground easily. Once out of the tiny populated village on the Gornetz Platz, a hangover from days when the community attracted climbers and adventurers, the girls broke rank and sauntered along in twos and threes until they reached the bahnhof. The timing had been worked out well, and to the satisfaction of Kathie and Nancy, who were just as animated as their charges, the little mountain train puffed into the station exactly on time, leaving waiting huddles only five minutes.

With a confidence born of experience, the girls clambered aboard the train and shuffled along the narrow benches until they were packed in tightly, still chattering nineteen to the dozen. The train proceeded along its leisurely way, hugging the side of the steep mountain, and after a while even Lucy fell silent as her eyes were drawn to the majestic sight of the distant Jungfrau of which all their gazes never wearied. Once the train had only five minutes before completing its journey, Miss Wilmot rose to her feet, steadying herself on the wooden window frame, and twisted her body so that the girls could all see her.

“Girls,” she said in a low pleasant voice that carried throughout the carriage but did not annoy the other few passengers on the locomotive. “Listen carefully please. Amelia Bartram-Jones, stop mooning and pay attention! Once we arrive in Interlaken, we are going to form croc and head straight to Herr Lauban’s Guesthouse, where Frau Lauban has prepared us a light Mitagessen. We will be able to wash and refresh ourselves, leave our luggage in the rooms we have booked and then this afternoon we will be taking a cruise on Lake Brienz! ”

A ripple of pleasure ran around the compartment as the girls digested this latest piece of information. Apart from knowing that they would be staying at der Gasthof der Friede belonging to the kindly Laubans, who were happy to offer their accommodation at a special low rate to the school as this was not the peak holiday season and the school was well known and respected to them, the pupils had not been told what their activities were to be. They hushed as Miss Wilmot raised her hand.

“Then it will be back to the Gasthof for Abendessen before the evening’s outing,” she paused, grinning at Miss Ferrars,” but I don’t think I’ll tell you what that is to be just yet!” she commented wickedly much to the dismay of the girls who began to protest. Miss Ferrars also rose unsteadily to her feet, and joined in.

“No time to tell you now!” she said briskly. “Look, we are arriving at the Centralbanhof. Now stay together as we group in the Bahnhofstrasse, then we will make our way onwards.”
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Chloe on Dec 29th, 2003, 9:12pm
*applaudes*

Thank you Lisa!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Angel on Dec 29th, 2003, 9:17pm
Deck the Saal with boughs of Holly
Fa la la la la la, la la la la
More of dancer, and it's jolly
Fa la la la la la, la la la la
Lots of plot, and plenty action
Fa la la la la la, la la la la
and well done student interaction
Fa la la la la la, la la la la

Fill the mead cup, drain the barrel
Fa la la la la la, la la la la
Give the writers extra carols
Fa la la la la la, la la la la
In the hope they'll write more story
Fa la la la la la, la la la la
And write it soon, please don't tarry
Fa la la la la la, la la la la
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 29th, 2003, 9:22pm
Thank you Lisa!!
(now go and have that bath, before you stink the board out!! ;) ;D)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 29th, 2003, 10:06pm
It's OK Vikki I whiff no longer!! Can't believe how much has been written on the board while I've been away! Spose most people have more time over the Christmas period for reading etc. Have sadly decided to give up any attempt to catch up on other drabbles (for now!) until I finish my effort!  :D
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lesley on Dec 29th, 2003, 10:17pm
Thank you so much for all you've written so far Lisa.

Now please may we have some more?

(Lesley in best Oliver Twist tradition)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 29th, 2003, 10:33pm

on 12/29/03 at 15:57:19, Vikki wrote:
Well, fine!! That's the last time I try to help!! >:(


*wonders if this is the new attempt Vikki mentioned some time ago*

Wonderful, Lisa. I love the way you've set the scene! *imagines dramatic music building to a crescendo*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 29th, 2003, 10:40pm
Aaargh, I hate it when soundtracks do that - even though I know its a shameless attempt to manipulate my emotions I get really anxious everytime.
Needless to say, I do NOT feel like that about this story, I'm loving it.  Hope there's more soon.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 29th, 2003, 10:47pm
*giggle* Sorry, Esmeralda. I just felt like it had to be said.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Abi on Dec 29th, 2003, 11:00pm
*provides fanfare*

dum-duddle-um-dum-dum-dum-duuuuum
dum-duddle-um-dum-dum-dum
dum-duddle-um-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum
dum-duddle-um-dum-dum-dum-duuuuuuuum

(it's the one from Swan Lake, if you want to know)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 29th, 2003, 11:05pm
*very, very impressed with the fanfare*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 29th, 2003, 11:37pm
*is glad Lisa doesn't smell anymore!!*
*hopes for more story!*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 29th, 2003, 11:43pm
*joins in Vikki's chant*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Susan on Dec 30th, 2003, 2:34am
Glad to see more of the story - awaiting the crescendo of music as the storm clouds gather over the lake.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 30th, 2003, 2:37am
*obligingly sets up the CD player*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Chloe on Dec 30th, 2003, 2:11pm
Lisa pleeeaaase may we have mroe story!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 30th, 2003, 6:44pm
*can't believe Lisa hasn't posted yet!!* :o
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by catherine on Dec 30th, 2003, 6:49pm
Glad to see the new parts, Lisa.  Please post some more!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 30th, 2003, 8:00pm
*echoes pleas for more*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 30th, 2003, 9:02pm
Joins in playing with the echos.

MORE   more  more

MORE  more  more
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 30th, 2003, 9:11pm
*offers Carolyn a whistle so that she can make more echoes*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 30th, 2003, 9:34pm
*accepts gratefully*

WHHEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

whheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

whheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Hey, this is fun!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by KB on Dec 30th, 2003, 9:46pm
I thought you'd like it!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 30th, 2003, 10:10pm
*looks for earplugs to block the whistling!*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lesley on Dec 30th, 2003, 10:47pm
WOOFWoofWoof fooWfooWFOOW

*Who let Bruno in here to play with the echoes?*

More Please!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 31st, 2003, 12:28am
Bruno, get back to Frieda this minute, or Joey will be after you again.
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Abi on Dec 31st, 2003, 12:32am
Ooooooooooohhhhh!!! *stamps foot in frustration*

There I was, all excitied and thinking there would be more story and no - it's just yobbling  >:( >:(

And after my beautiful fanfare too....
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 31st, 2003, 12:51am
*huggles Abi consolingly*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Abi on Dec 31st, 2003, 1:00am
Goodness I must have been woozy! What in the world is 'yobbling'??  ::)

*thanks Vikki and huggles back*
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Vikki on Dec 31st, 2003, 4:21am
Isn't it like yibbling, but heavier? ;)
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by Lisa on Dec 31st, 2003, 11:59pm
Happy new year everyone!  ;D
New Year Resolution: Write more drabble every day til its finished!
Title: Re: A Dancer At The Chalet School (part 4)
Post by catherine on Jan 1st, 2004, 12:27am
Happy New Year to you too, Lisa!  Fully agree with your resolution!!  Looking forward to more!!


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