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Title: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 2nd, 2004, 2:45am Restarted for length! Links are: part 1 (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/danceratcs.html) part 2 (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/A%20dancer%20at%20the%20CS.htm) part 3 (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/danceratcs3.html) part 4 (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/csdancer4.html) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 2nd, 2004, 2:07pm Hmm. OK, so I said that my new year's resolution was to write some of drabble every day until it was finished. It's now the 2nd January and I've broken it already, by not writing or posting any yesterday! Still New Year Resolutions are meant to be broken *grins impishly* ;) Oh dear, lots of you will read this thinking there's more story, and be disappointed *grins pixiely* (yes I invented that, it's more than impish) Right, I am being sent to my room now and not allowed to leave until I write some substantial story! :-/ Promise promise promise I will write more by this evening - on Chalet School girl's honour! :) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 2nd, 2004, 6:22pm *sits down on the sofa to wait for Lisa!!!* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 2nd, 2004, 7:46pm Are you still sitting on the sofa, Vikki? *sends Christmas tree chocolates as reward* Here is some story for you! (Is part 4 archived in usual way?) At the table in the pretty Speisesaal in der Gasthof der Friede, the girls ate their stuffed veal with relish, followed by a creamy concoction topped with nuts and honey. The atmosphere was lively, the girls’ natural enthusiasm enhanced by the bright gingham cloths covering the tables and Frau Lauban’s beaming smile as she observed her culinary creations being devoured with such fervour. Connie pushed back her plate with a clatter, slurped the remnants of her coffee and let out her breath in a loud sigh. “That was lush!” she exclaimed loudly, much to the annoyance of Miss Wilmot who frowned at the use of slang and lack of manners, and began to rise from the table. Isabel noted all and hurriedly reprimanded Connie in a carrying voice which satisfied the teacher, while the dormy prefect added in an undertone: ”Quiet, you idiot! Remember what the Abbess said about letting down the school. Any more and Willy will keep you under close watch all day, and I want to go off independently.” “Do they let us then?” enquired Amelia, curiously. “Oh yes,” replied Isabel, “as long as we’re all sensible and promise on our honour to behave as young ladies.” It was a pity that Isabel did not think to add that of course the girls were expected to remain in groups of four, and Amelia, still being naïve about aspects of school life filed away this information incorrectly. At this moment, Miss Ferrars rose and gave instructions for the afternoon, and the conversation was abandoned for a hurried clearing of the room to be followed by the girls fleeing to their rooms to collect outdoor wear. The shores of the Brienzersee were uncluttered, as there were not many visitors this time of year, and the orderly ranks of gentian-clad schoolgirls attracted many an admiring glance. They certainly looked a striking group, and the accompanying staff members were proud of their charges. As they watched the Captain of the boat make his way towards them the two mistresses eyed the lake uneasily, noting that the water had taken on a greyish hue and the ripples of the lake were cresting white. “Guten Abend, Fraulein Ferrars,” the white haired man said cordially as he approached the ladies. “And Fraulein Wilmot,” he nodded as he struggled with the pronunciation of the name. Kathie dropped effortlessly into German and raised her concerns about the weather conditions. Casting a practised eye over the water, Herr Schwimmer immediately put their fears to rest. “Nein, nein!” he exclaimed. “There is no need for fear, dear ladies! Unless your girls have weak stomachs as the cruise may be a little rough today?” Nancy hastily reassured him. “Our girls have strong stomachs,” she laughed, “and they are all excellent sailors!” “Then we have no need for concern,” he finished, turning his head as a rather garrulous group standing nearby attracted his attention. “Ah, excuse me, dear ladies,” he said as he moved away, “I have one other group of tourists on board today.” With this Herr Schwimmer walked away with a confident stride, and they soon heard his polite voice addressing the noisy ensemble waiting by the boat. “I’m not sure I’m entirely happy about this arrangement,” muttered Nancy under her breath to Kathie. “I understood that we would have the boat exclusively to ourselves on the cruise this afternoon.” “Well, I suppose that if there is any chance of more business, Herr Schwimmer must take it,” observed the younger mistress. “The season will be ending very soon, just look at the weather today! And there are only six in that group. Pity them, not us!” Nancy remained to be convinced. “Still, I don’t know if they are the type of person we wish our girls to be exposed to,” she said softly. Her friend gave her a keen look, but refrained from comment. Nancy could never usually be described as a snob, but something in her tone piqued Kathie’s interest. She looked over to the tourists again, wincing as she heard the loud coarse bellow of one of the party and the immodest comment of his companion, a woman with a loud voice and overly made up face. Setting her face thoughtfully, Kathie began to organise the Chalet School pupils into a line so they could board the boat. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lesley on Jan 2nd, 2004, 8:22pm Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa!Thank you Lisa! More please! ;D |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 2nd, 2004, 8:25pm Sorry, Lesley - what is it you're trying to say exactly? ;) More coming ... ;D |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Esmeralda on Jan 2nd, 2004, 8:25pm Would also like to thank Lisa and ask for more, please. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Sarah_L on Jan 2nd, 2004, 8:40pm I'm interested to find out if this other group of tourists will affect the CS group in any way. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 2nd, 2004, 9:12pm Yay!! Thank you Lisa!! *huggles* :-* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 2nd, 2004, 9:47pm Aha Sarah - you will see! Do two posts make up for my inadequacy yesterday? ::) Amelia was enchanted by the traditional Swiss vessel, and flew to the handrail to look over the side. Gazing down at the opaque water her thoughts went back to the journey across the channel that she had made at the beginning of the term. ‘How sad I was then,’ she thought to herself. ‘How much has changed. I still miss Daddy, but life here is good.’ Unconsciously she stretched out her leg behind her and was shaken out of her reverie by the sound of a startled “ouf!” from behind her. Spinning round she beheld Miss Ferrar’s face in a grimace of pain and surprise. “Oh!” cried Amelia her eyes huge in her face. “Oh, Miss – Miss Ferrars, I’m so – so sorry!” Kathie beheld Amelia’s shocked white face, and a sudden peal of laughter burst from her lips. “Oh, my dear!” she chuckled merrily. “Oh, your face! It really is a sight. Oh, I’m quite alright, you needn’t trouble yourself on that! I know it was an accident. I was about to tell you not to lean out too far – but I seem to remember telling you that before?” she finished with a twinkle in her eye. A hot slow crimson crept up Amelia’s face from her neck. She could barely meet the mistress’s gaze as she stammered something in reply. Kathie decided to be merciful, and she left her blushing pupil in peace, intent on seeking out Nancy and sharing her amusement. Within moments, Frankie and Lucy had joined Amelia at the rail. “Whoo! It’s getting chilly,” observed Lucy as she pulled her coat more tightly round her. “What did Ferry want?” “And what IS the matter with you, Millie?” demanded Frankie suddenly. “You look like an overripe tomato!” This comment caused a fresh flush to overpower Amelia and she miserably replied that she had a headache. “Mmm. You don’t look too good,” said Frankie, her head on one side critically. “Come and sit with us under cover. Herr Schwimmer is giving a commentary on the sites around the shores of the Brienzersee, it sounds frightfully interesting.” She led the way across the deck, with Amelia trailing in her wake. She hadn’t been untruthful about her head, which really was starting to pound. Too many early mornings were beginning to show a strain and the shadows under her eyes were deepening. Once seated on the end of one of the wooden benches that were set up in rows, she shifted her weight uncomfortably, aware that her leg was feeling tight and throbbing, but not having the space to stretch it out. The Captain’s voice penetrated her thoughts for a while and she gave her full attention to the history of the small hamlets dotted about the shores of the lake, and the intriguing story of the fishermen’s shrine – a statue of a saint set up two kilometres out in the lake. A rising cacophony distracted all of the girls. The group of tourists – four English and two American judging by their accents – were evidently bored by the commentary and were endeavouring to brighten their voyage by mocking the humble establishments at the water’s edge. Their voices, harsh and abrasive rose above Herr Schwimmer’s narrative and the heads of the girls began to swing in their direction. “I’m not prepared to take much more of this,” muttered Nancy to Kathie. “Back me up, will you?” She rose and made her way discreetly over to the laughing group and cleared her throat decisively. “Excuse me,” she began in her pleasantest most polite tone. “May I beg a moment of your time?” One of the gentlemen in the group raised his bushy eyebrows at Miss Wilmot’s request while the other choked audibly on the mouthful he had taken from his silver hip flask. Undeterred, but acutely aware of the eyes of the girls on her, Nancy persevered. “I am a mistress, along with my colleague here,” she indicated Kathie who had moved alongside her in mute support, “at the Chalet School located up on the Gornetz Platz. Perhaps you have heard of us?” “Can’t say as I have,” drawled one of the men, whilst one of the women yawned conspicuously. “Well, as you can see, we are here on a school trip, and we would desire the girls to learn from the excellent commentary Herr Schwimmer is providing,” continued Nancy bravely. “Go ahead,” sneered one of the women lazily, waving her lipstick-stained cigarette holder in Nancy’s face. “We’re not stopping you!” Kathie broke in hurriedly, laying a gentle hand on her friend’s arm and noting the growing anger in her expression. “Well, actually you are,” she said firmly, politely but with an edge in her voice that would brook no argument. “Please be so kind as to lower your voices, or continue your conversation elsewhere.” The woman to whom Kathie had particularly addressed this last comment looked the schoolmistress up and down deliberately and considered her response for a few moments. But as she beheld the firm steady gaze of the young attractive woman before her she wisely decided to hold her tongue. “Oh, come on!” she said in her harsh voice to her companions. “Let’s get some air!” and the group of tourists, after favouring the representatives with a look, followed her back out on to the deck. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Angel on Jan 2nd, 2004, 10:06pm thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more) thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more) thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more) thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)v thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more) thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more) thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more) thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more) thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)vthank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more)thank you, Lisa (and I'd like some more) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Abi on Jan 2nd, 2004, 10:15pm *echoes Angel only six times as many times* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 2nd, 2004, 10:42pm Right folks, I'm on a bit of a roll (making up for last two weeks!) and I'm writing the next bit which is quite exciting - it's the catalyst for the climax of the plot (don't want to give too much away, but hope you're suitably intrigued ;D ) The question is, do you really want to read it tonight? Or shall I wait til morning to post ... awaiting your response! (Angel and Abi exonerated as they have exhibited more than adequate enthusiasm!) 8oo |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Pat on Jan 2nd, 2004, 10:44pm Now, please! Now, please! Now, please! Now, please! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Angel on Jan 2nd, 2004, 10:46pm *shows more enthusiasm to make up for the rest of the board.* I'm working all day tomorrow... |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Esmeralda on Jan 2nd, 2004, 10:46pm Personally, I can wait till morning - NOT because I don't want to read more of this wonderful story, but I only managed about 2 1/2 hours sleep last night so I've got to go to bed soon. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Abi on Jan 2nd, 2004, 10:48pm *also gets even more enthusiastic and waves banners to herald the next part* please Lisa, please please please..... even if it's just for little me ;D |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Jay on Jan 2nd, 2004, 11:31pm Lisa, please post today. I'm absolutely loving this. Way to go Kathie! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 2nd, 2004, 11:56pm Hi Jay! Welcome to the Chaletian! It's very touching that a new poster is reading my story!! :D Ok *shamelessly revels in admiration and enthusiasm - well best make the most of it I suppose!- decides to give in to adoring public* Here's the next bit! Hope you like it! I got quite worked up writing it. All exciting things from now on. Got a good bit coming tomorrow too! :D “Oh, come on!” she said in her harsh voice to her companions. “Let’s get some air!” and the group of tourists, after favouring the representatives of the school with a look, followed her back out on to the deck. Unpleasant words floated back behind them: “Just who does she think she is? A plain little schoolma’am!” “Oh and so dowdy, dear. Did you SEE her clothes?!” The girls were sickened by this vulgar display and sat with straight backs, all attention focused on Herr Schwimmer to show that they weren’t as ill mannered as the tourists. The English girls in particular, of whom the group was largely composed, felt embarrassed by the behaviour of their compatriots and listened to the rest of the commentary with a fierce concentration. Connie turned and fixed their retreating backs with a ferocious glare but subsided after being sharply nudged by Len who felt the need for manners keenly. “But wasn’t Ferry a BRICK!” that young lady commented later, and the girls agreed. They were all fiercely defensive of their just and attractive teachers, and felt the insults levelled at them. Meanwhile, Amelia was beginning to feel quite unwell. Her headache had grown, somehow exacerbated by the hot flush of earlier, and her joints were stiffening. She felt closed in and claustrophobic in the little glazed over area, and took the opportunity to slip out unobserved to get some fresh air. ‘If only I could clear my head, I’ll feel OK,’ she thought, as she sought a stool that was screwed to the deck. The boat lurched a little at that point, and she collapsed onto it, rubbing the muscle of her leg in pain as it contracted. Leaning her head back she drew in several breaths of air and began to feel a little better. The voices of the noisy tourists filtered into her mind and although she tried to ignore them, she could not help but overhear their conversation. They were discussing various scandals and gossiping about their acquaintances. Amelia’s eyes began to close, despite her discomfort but a sudden recognition jarred her into a sharp wakefulness. “Frederick Bartram –someone or other,” proclaimed the strident female voice. “How I loathe those pretentious double-barrelled surnames!” “Jones. Bartram-Jones. Met him once. Damned nice chap,” came a gruff baritone. “Oh, my dear,” continued the first voice, apparently in response to an expression of confusion on the face of a companion, “you MUST know. Had that delightful little place on Bond Street, quite old fashioned gowns, but super quality. What was it called now – Meemies? Molly’s? Millie’s! That was it!” “Oh, Millie’s!” came the response, confident now. “That old place! Started off in a market, you know! Still, you’re right about the quality, Marie. My scarlet came from him. Lasted jolly well all season.” “Oh, get on with the story, Marie!” growled a man’s voice. “I did hear that the business went belly up after the fire, but what of it? Plenty of businesses do go bankrupt you know.” Rigid on her stool, her hands clutching and entwined, Amelia’s knuckles turned white with the intensity of her grip as she heard the gossip in such mocking tones. She was not aware of her own breathing, but it came fast and shallow, a pain gradually making itself felt where her heart was. The relentless voices continued. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 2nd, 2004, 11:57pm “Well of course, he got deep into debt and set the fire to his shop himself!” “Why ever would he do that?” “For the insurance, you dimwit! But he was rumbled of course.” “Yes, now I did hear something about that,” came a new voice, a rich brogue. “He was arrested for arson and fraudulent claim wasn’t he? But I don’t recall the outcome. I had to fly to Canada and got quite behind on, how shall we say it? - current affairs!” There was a general chuckle at this before the original voice resumed the story. “That’s because he couldn’t bear the shame. Ended it all. Threw himself off the cliff near Eastbourne - at Beachy Head to be precise!” The hiss of indrawn breath and shock from the listeners was interrupted by the sarcastic Marie once more. “How original!” she drawled, and an outbreak of howls of laughter drowned out the sound of an agonised cry from the small girl sitting screened from the group by a steam funnel. If the group had noticed, they would have beheld a shocking sight. Amelia stood up, her fists clenched so tightly that her fingernails bit into her palms and drew blood but she noticed it not. Her face was a stark white with a crimson spot of colour high on each cheek, her eyes flashing with dark expression and her rapid breathing noisy upon the air as she began to try to digest the awful truth she had just learned. A sudden whirling nausea rose up inside her, consuming her, and she mechanically moved forward to the rail, leaning over it just in time where she expelled her emotions in a physical burst of sickness. A warm strong arm was laid about her shoulders and Miss Wilmot spoke reassuringly. “My dear Amelia, are you alright, child? Here’s my handkerchief. Francesca? Yes dear, she’ll be alright shortly. Go and ask Herr Schwimmer if he has some water. Now Amelia,” she continued, brisk and business-like, “sit down on this stool and take some deep breaths. Why didn’t you say you were feeling seasick? Or lakesick I suppose,” she attempted a feeble joke but saw that it drew no response from the deathly pale girl. “Oh, thank you, Francesca. Could you fetch Miss Ferrars please?” The familiar voice sounded strange in Amelia’s ears. She felt strangely detached from herself, almost as if she was a spectator of the scene. She observed the worried face of Miss Ferrars peering at her closely and then consulting with Miss Wilmot. Their every word was crystal clear to Amelia and yet her mind still whirled with the magnitude of what she had heard. She watched Frankie tell the Mistresses of her earlier headache, and caught fragments of the conversation where Herr Schwimmer was requested to make an early return to berth. This last finally galvanised her into action. “No,” she murmured feebly. “It’s not fair on the others, I am feeling better honest.” She suddenly became aware that she was shivering violently. “Where is your mac, you silly child?” scolded Miss Ferrars gently, as she wrapped her own coat around the trembling girl. “Sip at the water; don’t gulp too much at once or you’ll feel sick again.” Mutely Amelia did as she was bidden. Miss Wilmot shook her head and spoke to Miss Ferrars. “I suppose she does look a little better,” she said doubtfully, “and it would be a pity to cut the trip short.” She glanced at Kathie for affirmation and received it after that lady had studied Amelia. “Very well then, Amelia, we will continue on the cruise, if you’re sure you will be fine.” “Yes, Miss Wilmot,” said Amelia softly, and directed her unfocused gaze out to the far side of the lake. Really should get some sleep! 'See' you in the morning! :) Ho ho! Had to edit this as I had a great line : "Where's your hankie? Frankie?" hee hee made me laugh anyway!. Anyone like the Herr Schwimmer 'pun'? He captains a boat... geddit? geddit?! ;D |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Abi on Jan 3rd, 2004, 12:04am Oh Lisa! *shocked* Poor, poor, Amelia :'( |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Kathy_S on Jan 3rd, 2004, 12:08am Lisa is a nice author. Everything will come out OK in the end. Lisa is a nice author. Lisa is a nice author. Lisa is a nice author.... |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Angel on Jan 3rd, 2004, 12:16am *gasps* SO worth staying up for. Gathers energy and starts chanting loudly... |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Abi on Jan 3rd, 2004, 12:23am *immediately joins in with chant* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 3rd, 2004, 12:29am Yay!! thank you Lisa!! Next part tonight please, since I have to be at work at 7am!!! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 3rd, 2004, 12:37am Oh Vikki! Be merciful! I HAVE written 2759 words this evening! Good going, even by Joey's standards, surely! ;) Thanks for all the comments! And Kathy, yes I am a nice author (I hope ...) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 3rd, 2004, 12:42am Sorry Lisa, hadn't read the last bit when I posted!!! :-[ |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Susan on Jan 3rd, 2004, 2:08am Lisa that's wonderful. Lovely post. Those cruel gossipers! People do not realise the harm they do by gossiping. Many many years ago their was a lady in the office I was in who was diagnosed with cancer. She did not want anyone to know we were told she wasn't well but not what it was and she continued to work as well as she could. Her close relatives were told obviously and one of them told someone else and this person gossiped very loudly about it on a bus. Our managers secretary was on the bus and heard every word. She had to tell the boss when she got back to work as she was so shocked so we all had to be told the whole story. It always made me very wary of what I said to people especially in public. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lesley on Jan 3rd, 2004, 9:32am Lisa - thank you for your last few posts - what a terrible way for Amelia to find out about her father! - sorry I couldn't say last night but I'm really enjoying this and looking forward to more. Congratulations on the amount posted yesterday! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Chloe on Jan 3rd, 2004, 11:33am YAY lovely wonderful long posts for me to have caught up with but may we have some more please :) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Sarah_G-G on Jan 3rd, 2004, 12:41pm Poor Amelia! :'( Someone needs to say something very pointed and nasty to those tourists! Is the next bit coming soon? Please? |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Jennie on Jan 3rd, 2004, 12:45pm This is good, Lisa, so may we have some more, please? |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Toria on Jan 3rd, 2004, 3:17pm Oh Poor Amelia! Thanks for the long posts Lisa but it won't stop me chanting for more! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 3rd, 2004, 6:39pm I am posting a lot all at once as you will guess the next part of the story otherwise! But don't think we are near a happy ending just yet - still plenty of story to go! But I think I've broken the back of it now! ::) Jack Maynard sipped his latte and ruminated over the holiday. He was standing on a small balcone which overlooked a delightful courtyard of cobbled stones and small statuettes of classical figures. Heaving a sigh of satisfaction he congratulated himself on the success of the trip. ‘What a fine husband you are, Jack my boy!’ he thought to himself as he took a pull on his pipe and blew the smoke upwards, ‘Joey is lucky to have you!’ he smiled as he reflected on these immodest thoughts but was startled by the sudden arrival of aforementioned wife as she rushed into the piazetta and demanded to know why he was ‘grinning like a loon’. “For,” she added impishly, “I would hate to think you had developed the habit of laughing by yourself; you may not be allowed back at the San, leastways only as a patient!” “Have some respect for your husband!” Jack attempted to sound stern. “I am a well-renowned doctor who – “ Joey hushed him by running up and brushing his cheek with a light kiss. “There, there,” she pacified. “You are a wonderful doctor and husband all in one. You prescribed a holiday for me and I feel much better! But I do miss the kids and can’t wait to get back to them now.” Jack smiled in spite of himself. “You act like a ‘kid’ as you so delicately put it; you’re more like a schoolgirl yourself than a proud Mamma! What are your plans for today? We need to do our packing tonight to be ready to catch the eight o’clock train in the morning.” “I know it,” responded Jo simply. “Veta has asked me attend her this afternoon. She has been singing the praises of the new tailor she employed last week and has promised that I should have two new gowns sent on as a gift. So,” she heaved a sigh and spoke with a grimace, “I need to be measured and preened over I suppose!” Jack laughed at his wife’s downcast face. “Go on, then, ingrate! Give my best to Elisaveta. Tell her I look forward to our farewell banquet this evening.” “That’s another thing,” tossed Joey back over her shoulder as she turned to leave, “more pomp and ceremony! What it is to be friends with royalty!” and with a tragic expression on her face she swept out of the courtyard, bound for the main piazza where she could prevail upon a taxi driver to take her to Elisaveta’s residence. For all her discomfort at being treated in such a grand fashion, Joey had always loved spending time with Veta since they were both young girls together at the Chalet School, in the Dark Ages – as they were known. Joey comprehended how lonely Veta could be, and while her friend had made a good marriage and had had two fine children, she still lacked a companion with whom she could be herself whilst attending to matters of state. So, Joey thought as she shrugged her shoulders philosophically, if it would please Veta to bestow a gift on her she, Joey, would accept it gracefully. Elisaveta was sitting in a comfortable easy chair, resplendent in a fine emerald gown. At her feet was hunched an old man with grey hair, stooped over the hem, a silver needle flashing in and out half hidden behind his dextrous fingers. “Joey!” cried the once Crown Princess of Belsornia, “do come and feel this fabric! It is so fine and soft, yet natural and hardwearing. ‘Rico here has such a deft touch with cloth.” |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 3rd, 2004, 6:39pm The tailor stood up stiffly, temporarily threaded the needle into his coat lapel for safe keeping and inclined his head towards Joey. She jumped a little to see that he was not nearly so old as she had first thought from the back view of his grizzled head. While she was making her greetings, Joey’s writer’s eyes swept over him, assessing his appearance. ‘It is because he is so – so very cast down that he appears so old,’ she thought. ‘There is no light in his eyes; it’s as if all the life has gone out of him.’ “Rico really has been a godsend,” Elisaveta was saying. “He came from nowhere, just as I so desperately needed a new dressmaker. He is so very professional, but will not cause the over indulgence of my coffers! Now, what colour do you think for my friend Rico?” The man walked at a little distance from Joey, eying her critically. As he stood there he reminded her of someone forcefully, but she could not think who. He toyed absent-mindedly with a silver locket around his neck as he considered the question. “One must be scarlet,” he said at length, and was affronted by Veta’s reaction as she went off into peals of laughter. “Oh Joey,” she cried, dabbing away tears from her eyes, “do you remember that parasol you insisted on carrying about everywhere? What was it you called it?” “The red peril,” replied Joey absently, but her attention was directed at the tailor. “Excuse me, Enrico, but I was surprised to hear you speak in an English accent. Do you come from my homeland?” Before he could answer, Veta broke in. “Not Enrico, Joey, Frederico. Sorry, I should have introduced you properly!” “I feel I know your voice but cannot place your accent,” Joey continued. “Perhaps from somewhere near Bristol?” Frederico rose hurriedly. “Yes, yes. Around there. Once – a very long time ago. Now excuse me, I must fetch the scarlet,” and the man backed out of the room with a strange colour to his face. Joey looked after him. “What is his story, Veta?” she asked. Elisaveta shrugged. “A successful cloth merchant in London and some other major cities in Europe. Seems he lost his wife and only daughter in a fire so he expanded his business and came over here after some of the top fashion people in Milan showed an interest.” “But ‘Frederico’? Why an Italian name when the man plainly isn’t?” “Oh, to fit in, I suppose. To be taken more seriously. Joey, don’t go making a mystery out of this, I know you! You’re always on the lookout for something that would make a good story!” |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 3rd, 2004, 6:40pm “I just have a funny feeling,” Jo said. “You and your feelings!” retorted Veta, who knew her deeply imaginative friend of old. “Now the scarlet must be for the winter, but what for the summer?” The ladies had decided on sky blue when the tailor arrived, approved their designs and set to work swiftly measuring and cutting right there in the room. He worked closely on his model and Joey averted her eyes uncomfortably from his face and looked instead at the locket around his neck. It was plain, but obviously old and well made, featuring an ornate ‘M’ on the flat oval front piece. Disturbed by his movement away from her, Joey was amazed at the rate at which the outfits began to take shape. “I shall be able to take them home with me!” she exclaimed, but Frederico hastened to correct her. “No, no, Signora,” he spoke in a soft voice, properly, but with an unmistakeable burr. “I will have the gown ready for a first fitting before this evening, but the details will take many days. Every thing must be painstakingly prepared with proper attention to detail. Clothing should be a beautiful expression of who we are,” he continued, a slight glaze in his eyes as he fondled the fabric. “Like a fine symphony or a ballet, every little part, even the hidden details, sweat and intricacies, counts towards the effect of the finished piece.” Joey sat bolt upright as she regarded the tailor’s wistful face, with the lines etched into it caused by a deep sadness. The idea forming in her mind was too fantastical, but she had to test the waters, she had to be sure. “Do you – do you know much of ballet?” she enquired with apparent casualness, but scrutinising the reaction of the man before her. His head was bent over the bolt of pale cyan-dyed cotton, but she saw the hand holding the huge pair of scissors shake a little as he responded. “I – I did much work providing some of the ballet companies with costumes,” he murmured. “And worked quite closely with the Royal Ballet School in London for a while.” He glanced up at her as he continued. “Someone once – dear to me…” his voice faltered and trailed off as Joey gave an audible gasp. The resemblance was too strong. It had to be! Her own voice trembling, Joey forced herself to try and sound normal. “Funny that,” she began in a voice that sounded unusually high pitched in her own ears. “Why, one of the new pupils at the Chalet School, Amelia, used to attend the Royal Ballet, but had to come to us when her father died – “ Frederico’s reaction alarmed even Joey, and she had been watching for it; Elisaveta was even more startled. He leapt to his feet, a series of emotions flitting across his face. “Millie?” he whispered tears suddenly spilling out of the corners of his eyes and running in rivulets down creased cheeks. “Oh! I –“ his hands began to shake and he hugged himself as if cold. “But, what do you mean, she’s at the Chalet School? Her ballet …” Elisaveta had rung for assistance as soon as Frederico had broken down, and a footman entered the room. “Signor Giovanni is unwell. Please escort him to the green bed chamber where he can rest a little,” she instructed, but Joey interrupted her. “Jones. Not Giovanni. Frederick Jones – or Bartram-Jones, as I think he will admit now,” she said looking at the weeping man not with compassion but with a sense of disgust that confused Veta. Like it?! ;) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lesley on Jan 3rd, 2004, 6:48pm Oh Lisa - I'm so glad Amelia's father isn't dead - but I imagine you have a great deal of story to get through before they can be reconciled? More soon please! ;D |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Catherine_B on Jan 3rd, 2004, 7:19pm Oh, wow! This story is just getting cleverer and cleverer - my brain is whirring furiously to try and guess what will happen next! Thank you so much, Lisa - those were wonderful instalments. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 3rd, 2004, 7:40pm Thank you Lisa!! Wonder how Amelia will take it? |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Esmeralda on Jan 3rd, 2004, 8:30pm Oh thank you Lisa - it is getting exciting isn't it? I'm sorry that I couldn't stay up to read last nights instalment, I certainly never guessed that was going to happen, but at least I've had the consolation of lots to read today. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 3rd, 2004, 9:55pm on 01/03/04 at 20:30:07, Esmeralda wrote:
Oh Esmeralda, you don't need to apologise!! I am honoured you wish to read it! on 01/03/04 at 19:40:41, Vikki wrote:
Well, it will be a while before she finds out - a tragic irony bit is a-coming! Who will save our heroine ... Tune in next week ... Have been banned by husband from writing late as I couldn't sleep til 3.30 this morning (too keyed up by writing story!) so no more tonight, but I will be adding tomorrow afternoon! I am probably being dim as usual (I have a Masters in Dimocity) but is Dancer lost from the archives now? I tried to find the last bit, but couldn't find any of it! The archive links didn't seem to show it. ??? Thank you all for all your lovely comments & encouragement as always! I do feel very excited now as I've had a hazy plotline in my head all along, but now it really seems to be coming together, especially after my break at Christmas. Talk about frustrating though - I never realised that there were so many CS books I hadn't read & so much I don't know. For instance, I spent ages trying to research the geography etc of Interlaken, together with German words and convincing sounding descriptions, then I start reading 'Barbara' (just got from ebay :D ) and find all I need to know (too late I may add) and find that they've all had trips into Interlaken before! I'm really not trying to lift bits from other books, but I keep coming up with ideas then finding EBD has already written them! :-[ |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Catherine_B on Jan 3rd, 2004, 10:02pm on 01/03/04 at 21:55:25, Lisa wrote:
I think EBD had that experience herself towards the end of the series! ;D Lisa, this is riveting, so don't worry about any little EBDisms and give us...................... more! Please! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 3rd, 2004, 10:08pm Oh the embarrassment! :-[ Have now explored the cookies & drabbles index more & found Dancer part 4! Ah, NOW I understand what restarting means! & how to find the archived bit! *applies for place on Phd in Dimness* *is instantly snapped up & offered full scholarship* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Angel on Jan 3rd, 2004, 10:43pm *worships at Lisa's feet* This is exquisite - really sharply drawn. I am incredibly impressed with the way you've stitched this together -- the seams are almost invisible... I would be grateful for some more, husbands and time permitting, please. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Abi on Jan 3rd, 2004, 10:59pm Lisa this is WONERFUL!!!!!!!!! Please let him come home and see Amelia and everything turn out welll......please! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Kathy_S on Jan 4th, 2004, 12:06am Lovely development, Lisa. So glad to find Amelia's Dad didn't go over those acrophobic cliffs. (One of the very few bits of England I've actually seen. An exhilarating walk, but stayed way far away from the edges.) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Susan on Jan 4th, 2004, 1:42am Oh Lisa that was wonderful. I need a place on that course as well as I didn't see it coming. Either that or I've been staying up too late this last two weeks. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 4th, 2004, 1:42am Lisa, sorry for the confusion about the archiving business!! :-[ The sticky topic at the top of the board about archiving problems should explain why!! Oh, and guess what? More story please!!! :-* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by KB on Jan 4th, 2004, 9:07am What a fantastic lot of new parts! Lisa, I love this story, and I'm also glad you didn't kill off Amelia's father. For some reason, though, I kept imagining that the dressmaker was going to be Cosimo or his henchman... |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 4th, 2004, 12:39pm Now that would be an exciting twist, KB ... "You coward!" shrieked Joey in a sudden explosion of rage. "I despise you! Now I reveal you for who you really are!" and with that she marched up to the tailor and seized his chin, pulling it in a remarkable way. Veta began to give a strangled yelp, but then observed that the skin was stretching easily, and in just moments the latex mask was ripped away to reveal ... Cosimo! "Aarggh!" he bellowed in rage and pain, for some of his whiskers had been removed alongside with the latex disguise. "And I would have got away with it too, if it wasn't for you damn kids ..." Elisaveta made a peculiar noise then slipped gracefully from her chair to the floor, lying grey, still and to all appearances, dead! Hee hee! Can't handle all these compliments, so go into flippant mode! Off to consume some more Christmas chocs to give brain power for next part of story. (Why is it that you try to begin healthy resolutions on Jan 1st which are instantly doomed to failure cos of all the yummy Christmas leftovers in the house?! ??? ) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by LauraT on Jan 4th, 2004, 3:17pm on 01/04/04 at 09:07:02, KB wrote:
So did I! I was expecting Cosimo back from 'the dead'... Have read the entire thing today - it's amazing Lisa! Although it has taken 3 hours....and I'm supposed to be revising for mocks! Oh well! :-* More please! :-* *However, I was also expecting Amelia to commit suicide upon hearing the news by throwing herself over the edge of the boat into the deep, dark, waters of the lake...and only the evil tourists would have seen! (thus, her father would have been racked with guilt -- he would have found out on the grape vine somehow! -- and actaully committed suicide; then the grieving wife could have gone to be a real pal for Elisaveta -- a much better one than Joey, obviously!) And then it would have turned out that actaully, Joey set fire to the drapers out of jealousy that with all the school fees and her drug habit -- I'm sure there's one somewhere! -- she could not afford the fabric she wanted for the curtains by the window to the Jungefrau! And really, Amelia's father was entirely innocent! And the family could all have been re-united. Were it not, of course, for the gossipping tourists. (sorry, have been reading Poirot!) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 4th, 2004, 3:44pm LOL Laura! Perhaps you should write the alternative version! 8oo Although how could the family be reunited if two thirds of them were dead?! *presents Laura with bouquet as reward for staying power & reading 3 hours worth alll at once* I'd be interested to hear how you felt it came together, Laura. Although I keep on checking back, I'm very aware that I've written it in installments (much like Dickens!) so it may seem a bit piecemeal when read as a whole story. Good luck in your mocks! Which subjects are you taking? Writing some more now, will post later! :D |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by LauraT on Jan 4th, 2004, 3:55pm Yay! (more story!) It comes together beeeeutifully. And its so good. ;D *presents bouquet for supreme talent etc* :D Geography, history, classics...aargh! I really can't work up the willpower to read anything about the Beef Bonanza! And I meant that if not for the gossipping tourists (but still with the inquisitive, conclusion jumping Joey) Joey could have been arrested, Amelia would have lived and they could all have got back together again! (a little like humpty dumpty?!) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Chloe on Jan 4th, 2004, 3:59pm Yay we got more story, thanks Lisa :) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 4th, 2004, 5:27pm Hee hee Laura! Tempted to write in something on Beef Bonanza just for you but trying to be sensible! This story-writing lark is quite hard! Just realised that half way through the story Frederick's Aunt had become his sister, so have spent ages making changes. To clarify - Dorothy Bartram is Frederick's Aunt (his father's sister) and therefore Amelia's Great Aunt. Hope that makes sense, sorry to those of you have just read the archives and may be confused! *********************************** “Jones. Not Giovanni. Frederick Jones – or Bartram-Jones, as I think he will admit now,” she said looking at the weeping man not with compassion but with a sense of disgust that confused Veta. “And I do not think he will be needing to rest just yet; I believe he has some explaining to do.” Jo’s voice was cold and had en edge to it that was rarely heard. “Joey, I think you forget yourself –“ began Veta softly but with a sense of embarrassment when Frederick himself interrupted her. “No, gracious lady. Your friend has a right to be angry – if she knows my daughter as she seems to.” His voice shook, but he mentally girded his loins and turned to meet Jo’s flashing eyes. “Just what is it that you know of me, Signora Maynard?” In accents tight with control, Joey repeated the story that Hilda Annersley had told her, ignoring Veta’s horrified gasps at various junctures and continuing inexorably until the end of the tale. “And so your wife suffers a complete health breakdown, your daughter is robbed of her true gift in life, her father and in a way, her mother. You stand here, evidently not dead, the catalyst of all this suffering. What do you have to say for yourself?” she finished with this demand, easily equalling the best of Hilda’s interrogations. Frederick had sunk into the padded chair brought forth by the footman, and he looked up at the tall angry woman before him, before lowering his eyes and staring at the floor. “It is as you say,” he said laconically at last. “What?” shrieked Joey, her voice rising. “Is that it?” Elisaveta felt it was at last time to intervene. She knew of Joey’s hot temper and loyalty, but she was in a very different position to that of her friend. She did not know Amelia or Meryl, and while their story saddened her, she could not pretend too much concern for them. Over the last week or so, however, she had developed a very real fondness for her tailor, and sensed his overwhelming grief. More than once she had also recognised guilt within him, but had put it down to his inability to save his wife or child. Elisaveta would certainly have been within her rights to be angry at Frederick and the lies he had told her, but her time spent in positions of power had taught her to observe and refrain from jumping to conclusions before she knew the whole story. When appointing him to her services, she had been aware of is uncomfortable glossing over of his references, but she had chosen to overlook it, being so satisfied with his work. Now she wondered what on earth could have driven the man, but also saw the danger in his imminent collapse if Joey did not soon leave him be. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 4th, 2004, 5:27pm “Let us adjourn to the parlour,” she said with the authority born in her. “We will all be refreshed by some coffee, and then perhaps, if Mr Bartram-Jones will oblige us, we will hear the rest of this sorry tale.” Joey was brought to herself by Veta’s calm and commanding tones and she reddened in some shame as she recalled her behaviour in her friend’s abode. Without a word, she smoothed down her hair, patting the earphones it was coiled into and stalked from the room. Silently, Veta approached Frederick and offered him her arm, which he took in mute appreciation for the support she was showing and walked stiffly to the parlour. The coffee did help, as did the brandy added to Frederick’s that Elisaveta had discreetly seen to. Some colour began to return to his cheeks and he began to speak in a soft tone. Joey sat stiffly, regretting a little her outburst which also brought to mind some of Hilda’s harsh words to her on that unpleasant day some weeks ago. ‘I must try to control myself. I need to hear the rest of the story’ she reprimanded herself, and then turned her attention to the man’s words. “It is true I have always had weaknesses in my character,” he began. “I have been impulsive, hot headed – and weak in resisting temptation. I suppose I am one of those who keeps his head under the sand, like an ostrich. You know my early story. Amelia was, is, my pride and joy. There is something of my grandmother in her. When I was a boy, growing up on the vast Bartram estate in Gloucester I was made constantly aware that I was to grow up to be an Earl, a rich idle creature whose only business in life was to mange the estate and marry a lady of my parent’s choosing. My one friend in that world, my only escape from this repressive life were the visits I made to my Grandmother. She was a beautiful, elegant lady. She had been a ballerina when she was in her early twenties, in the late 1800s, and toured Europe extensively. She was such an intelligent woman, she loved art and languages. She taught me my smattering of French and Italian. She filled my head with ideas of freedom and, most importantly, beauty. I remember her crackly old gramophone that she played me ballet music on. The love of beauty, music and ballet was her legacy to me. ‘When I made my decision to marry Meryl, I knew I would be ostracised from my family forever. What I didn’t know is that my dear Grandmother would take my part, arguing against her daughter and my father, insisting I should be given some annuity. It was many years – Amelia was two – when I discovered that for her pains she had also been rewarded by a degree of isolation. Yes, she was allowed to remain on the estate in an old servant’s cottage but no other privileges were given her. My parents had passed away and my father's sister Dorothy had inherited the estate. I began to correspond with Grandmother once more, visiting when I dared. I never told Meryl of my visits. She tended towards jealousy and insecurity, she could never quite believe that I wouldn’t tire of her, and long for my old life of riches and land. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 4th, 2004, 5:27pm ‘One day, about six years ago I went to visit my Grandmother, and found her collapsed on the floor. She had been there for two days. I got her to hospital, and then went to confront my Aunt Dorothy. What an interview that was. I had not seen her for nigh on ten years, but the meeting was not a joyful one. My father’s sister – the harsh, cruel woman! said that as I seemed to want to take on responsibility for her brother’s mother-in-law I may do so. That was the last I saw of her. So I began to shoulder the hospital expenses. She needed an operation, and then rest in an expensive Sanatorium in Switzerland. About the time I started to pay off these debts, the business began to do badly. For six years I struggled, but things went from bad to worse, and when my Grandmother finally drifted into that blessed eternal sleep I suddenly became aware that there simply wasn’t any money left for the family. Yes, I had borrowed. I needed to care for my Grandmother and I was determine to encourage Millie’s talents but money doesn’t last forever.” Frederick stopped his long speech and drained his coffee. He took a deep shaky breath before continuing. “Yes. I fired the shop. I was half crazed with grief, and fear that I should cast my wife and daughter into poverty. I thought that if I could claim the insurance it would see us right, and I could somehow pay it back in the future when my fortunes had recovered. Believe me, I never meant to steal!” he looked imploringly into Joey’s eyes and was surprised to see that seemed to have softened a little. “You know the rest. After several months’ investigation I was arrested on suspicion of arson. I was overwhelmed by what I had done, and knew it was only a matter of time before I was charged and sentenced. The scandal I felt would ruin Millie’s prospects and I didn’t think Meryl would cope too well. I made the decision – remember the mental strain I was under – that it would be fairer to my wife and child if they had the chance to live their lives untainted by my crime and subsequent poverty. The one payment I had managed to keep up was my life insurance and I felt that if I died, at least they would have that chance. ‘I fully planned to end my life. I left one morning as if I was going to work as usual but drove all the way to Beachy Head. I left the car parked at the highest point on the cliff, and left a note there, addressed to Meryl. I felt strangely detached as I plodded up the cliff. It was early summer, and quite warm, but the breeze on top of the cliff was refreshing. I stood by the war memorial, and then – then I realised I could not do it. Yet again I showed my cowardice – I could not even end my own life! I saw the names of local men who had given their lives in the war, and realised I would be throwing away the gift of life that is given to all of us. But it was as if, by taking those steps, I had severed my connection with my old life. ‘I made my way to Dover, existing on handouts, and when I reached that busy port I got work for several weeks helping unload freight in the docks. Once I had earned my passage, I took a ferry bound for Calais, then worked my way across France as a casual labourer, helping with the harvest to pay my way. I eventually came to Italy – and the rest you know. ‘Do not think for a moment that I am proud of what I have done. I know I am wretched and the lowest of the low. My one comfort is thinking that I have left Meryl and Millie better off without me. But, then, why is she at your school?” Veta looked to Joey to explain. The long speech had exhausted the speaker and the shadows were lengthening outside. Veta knew there could only be an hour or so until dinner, and her guest was supposed to have returned to her lodgings to pack before this. Still, she thought philosophically, if dinner had to be scaled down, then so it should be. Joey gently explained to Frederick that life insurance does not pay out for suicides, and brought him up to date on the situation that his daughter and wife had been brought into. He slumped forward in his chair and began to sob heartrending wracking sobs. Joey and Veta looked at each other hopelessly when a commotion from the doorway distracted them. “Women!” came a familiar, jovial voice. “You sit here chatting as it gets late, and don’t even light the lamp! Have you forgotten we need to pack – why what on earth is the matter?” he demanded as the lamp he lighted shed light on to the faces of the little group. “Oh, Jack, thank goodness you’ve come!” sighed Joey, the strain of the afternoon showing in her shadowed face, and gladly gave the situation up to her husband to deal with. The doctor bent over the sobbing man, and then helped him out of the room, knowing what he needed now was a good night’s sleep. Explanations could come later. ************************* Quote:
"Thank goodness," think the CBBers, "we've had quite enough for the time being thank you very much! We want to know what's going on with Amelia, who doesn't know of this development ...." Hit the 40 000 word mark with that one! Can't believe I've written so much and you're all still reading! :D |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Catherine_B on Jan 4th, 2004, 5:36pm We are, we are! Wonderful stuff, Lisa :) Is there any chance that you might fix up Veta and Frederick? Seeing as his wife probably wouldn't want him back, and he is an aristocrat of sorts...? ::) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by LauraT on Jan 4th, 2004, 5:38pm Oh wow Lisa! And what a great idea! Then they can send Amelia back to the Royal Ballet School! Or start up a branch at the Chalet!! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 4th, 2004, 5:44pm on 01/04/04 at 17:36:21, Catherine_B wrote:
That matches your comment thingy (franticallly brainstroming ideas!) Well, the thing is Veta is happily married (isn't she??!), and Frederick needs to start to repent of his immoral behaviour ... Saying that, I have toyed with the idea of killing off Meryl (she's set up for it with the health breakdown) but think much more misery in Amelia's life will finish HER off! What do you all think? Do we want yet more misery?! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by LauraT on Jan 4th, 2004, 5:54pm Or, Meryl turns out to be a criminal (or something) and Joey has killed Elisaveta's husband out of resentment that she is no longer the first person in her friend's life: so Amelia's father and Elis can get together! And Amelia appreciates that her mother, a psycotic murderer (?!) is a worse person to live with than her father, who was in fact dedicated to her all along, and who can also now fund her (with Elisaveta's money) to go to ballet school! Ps. Misery is ok, as a rule - but only if everything else turns out happily ever after! *And, Amelia's father only left his wife because he knew she was a psychotic murderer and thought Amelia might have inherited her tendencies? Or something?! So, his immorality is kinda balanced out! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Catherine_B on Jan 4th, 2004, 6:18pm Well, Veta was married to the Duc di Mirolano, but he was killed in a flying accident when her daughter Jose was just a kid... so I think by now she's a widow. And Veta's probably a Crown Princess in Exile, as the Communists took Belsornia after the war. (See Ch 10 of "Jane" for details). But don't worry about any of that - we'll just put it down to an EBD-Lisa-ism if necessary! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Chloe on Jan 4th, 2004, 6:24pm *applauds* Thanks Lisa, htis is wonderful and will be whatever direction you take it :) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 4th, 2004, 6:57pm Oh great, Catherine! Thanks so much! I haven't read Jane (there's a surprise! I joined this site thinking I knew quite a lot about the characters and books, but find I know less and less as I go on!) But I thought Veta became plain Mrs Someone or other! Oh don't all tempt me with your ideas for killing and marrying off characters! My plan seems very tame in comparison! Last lot for today (husband raising eyebrows reprovingly at me again as I have spent seven hours glued to computer) ********************* It was a weary but satisfied group of schoolgirls that made their way back to der Gasthof der Friede that evening for Abendessen. The cruise had been a great success and the girls were merrily discussing some of the points of interest that Herr Schwimmer had pointed out. Amelia had remained strangely subdued and walked next to Miss Ferrars who felt quite protective of this small waif-like girl next to her. She attempted to make conversation. “Are you still feeling nauseous Amelia?” she asked. “A little, Miss Ferrars. I have a headache and feel odd.” “And you say you’re not usually travelsick? Perhaps then you are sickening for something. You know that we are taking the group into Interlaken to the theatre to see a musical review this evening?” “Oh, yes. I was looking forward to it.” “I would like to suggest that you remain here, under Frau Lauban’s care. I think an early night will do you the world of good.” “As you wish, Miss Ferrars,” responded Amelia submissively; at this moment she really didn’t care what happened to her. And so it was that as the others dressed ready for their evening’s entertainment, Amelia climbed into her pyjamas and prepared for bed. Frau Lauban brought her some hot milk, which made Amelia’s stomach queasy again, and her friends popped in to say goodbye. “Hope you feel better, Millie old thing! Lucky you, getting a room to yourself!” “Have a nice time,” replied Amelia, mechanically, and turned to face the wall. Left alone at last, she waited for the tears to come but found that they wouldn’t. She tossed and turned angrily in the bed, pulling the covers into disarray, before finally throwing them off in a temper. Sitting up she spoke aloud to herself. “If I don’t do something I will be sick! All this lying down after that milk, and nothing to do but think!” She got out of bed and pulled on her velvet evening dress, determined to explore the hotel a little. Leaving the room, she looked for Frau Lauban, but that lady was nowhere to be seen. In fact, she had been called upon to attend an accident in the kitchen where one of the cook’s assistants had scalded herself quite badly. The ensuing arrangements had completely distracted the kindly Swiss woman and she completely forgot about her young charge supposedly sleeping up stairs, which later proved to be catastrophic for the girl mentioned. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 4th, 2004, 6:58pm Amelia, ignorant of all this, wandered down into the deserted lounge and perched on the edge of an overstuffed chair. The clock on the wall chimed, telling her it was eighteen o’clock, and she sighed at the thought of the long evening stretching out ahead of her. As she looked around the room, her gaze alighted on a pile of newspapers and magazines, put there for the use of the guests, and she wandered over and began listlessly shuffling through them. Most were in German, but there were one or two in French and English. An article from the previous month’s English newspaper caught her eye, with its picture of a ballerina and a caption alongside, proclaiming: TOP BALLERINA’S LAST TOUR? Amelia gathered up the paper and resettled herself on the chair, curling her aching legs up under her. She shook out the paper and began to read: TOP BALLERINA’S LAST TOUR? The Times can today exclusively reveal that there are rumours that Gisella Faraday, the most promising ballerina to come from England in many years, plans to quit. Her European tour, which commences tomorrow, will be her last. When questioned on the matter Miss Farday informed us that her health has been troubling her for some time, and on Doctor’s advice she plans to reduce her ballet. The twenty eight year old added that she had reached quite a good age for a dancer, and was desperately sorry to be stepping down from her position. Miss Faraday is best known for her stunning performances in Swan Lake, Les Sylphides and the ballet from which she took her stage name: Giselle. There followed various sundry details about the tour and Amelia cast her eye over them lazily. She had heard of Gisella, of course. Born Gillian Faraday, she had attended the Royal Ballet school before joining the company at the very young age of seventeen, and then taking work with a French company at twenty one. Amelia had seen her dance many times, and cherished an affection for the beautiful, talented lady. She even had a picture of her in her treasure box – the one she had left behind at home. Amelia’s eyes suddenly filled with the anticipated tears as she recalled the last letter from her father that was in the box, and many things slipped into place now. With a deep gasp, she struggled to control her shaking shoulders and she concentrated on the article. What a shame for Gisella, she said to herself, trying to push her own tragic discovery to the back of her mind. How she would love to have seen the great dancer once more. With a shock, she realised that a word had leapt out at her from the tour schedule. Berne, proclaimed the paper, was the venue for three nights’ performances. It gave the dates as being in late October, and the address of the theatre. Realisation dawned upon Amelia. The dates matched! Tonight was the last day of October, and the last date of the tour in Switzerland. “Dare I?” wondered Amelia aloud. She consulted the paper again. The performance did not begin until half past twenty. That gave her plenty of time. A recklessness swept through Amelia as she suddenly rose to her feet. Why not? She knew enough German to make the journey – anyway she vaguely remembered it from the way to school in the first place – she knew from Isabel’s unguarded comment that the girls were allowed to explore independently and thought that her absence was unlikely to be discovered. ‘Probably won’t even know I’ve gone. But I’ll own up in the morning. Might be in a bit of a row for going without permission, but it’ll be worth it!’ Seized with a new excitement and purpose, Amelia flew up to her room, donned her shoes and coat, and then crept back down to the large front door. As she opened it, she gasped as the wind snatched it from her hand. The weather had certainly been whipping up since the afternoon, and the chill wind promised snow, if only Amelia had known it. But she felt far too alive to notice. Her cheeks were glowing and she felt a giddy energy as adrenaline flowed through her body. Pulling the door to firmly behind her, she put her head down and set off into the wind for the Centralbahnhof. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Catherine_B on Jan 4th, 2004, 7:02pm Yay! Good for Amelia! What a plucky girl :D And Lisa, I don't see how you can possibly describe this as "tame"!!! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 4th, 2004, 7:05pm Think I've earned myself a little chalet school treat from ebay... There's another resolution disappearing (the one about watching my spending!) I suppose it's not tame exactly, but I feel it's rather predictable in true EBD style! ;) Bye for now! :D |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lesley on Jan 4th, 2004, 8:16pm Thank you so much Lisa for all your hard work and some wonderful posts today! Congratulations on the amount. Looking forward to some more please when you are able! ;D (BTW Elizaveta changed her title to plain Mrs when it became obvious that the monarchy in Belsornia was unlikely to be restored. She never re-married.) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Carolyn P on Jan 4th, 2004, 8:33pm Wow Lisa, you have been working so hard on this, congratulations. *setting up camp, whilst wondering in and out of the other drabbles* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 4th, 2004, 9:39pm Thank you Lisa!!! *waiting eagerly for more soon please!* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Abi on Jan 4th, 2004, 10:17pm Wow Lisa, the new bits are wonderful. It was good to hear Mr's story, but I'm feeling a leeetle apprehensive about young Mille. Could we have some more, please? |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by KB on Jan 5th, 2004, 1:33am So, I'm just wondering - where exactly are Jo and Veta (and Amelia's father)? Are they in the same place as the school? |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Esmeralda on Jan 5th, 2004, 1:36am Oh Thank you Lisa, this is great. And if you want more misery - go for it - but I'd quite like a happyish ending too. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 5th, 2004, 11:33am KB - Jo, Veta and Rico aka Frederick are all in Italy at the mo - after Joey & Hilda's row, Jack suggested a holiday to help her recover (!) and promised to arrange it. Then when the triplets gatecrashed the secret meeting in the splashery, they explained that Pappa was taking Mamma to Italy for a month as Veta was touring there on a political visit and needed a companion. They have been to Venice and Florence and this last part is hazily set in Milan. Lesley - thanks, thought so (was it you who told me before?!) I did write in various bits about her being ex-crown princess, & have tried to make this more a political than royal visit! On re reading bits of this, I discovered that the business was called 'Jones the Drapers' so I've added 'trading as Millie's' to the original bit of the story! EBDisms abound! Ach well! ;) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by LauraT on Jan 5th, 2004, 11:58am *disappointed smiley needed* I came (metaphorically) running over to the drabble thinking there was more story! And there wasnt! *sniffs* :'( |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 5th, 2004, 12:12pm Sorry Laura! Oh, and sorry again as presumably you've just done the same thing (ie thinking there's more drabble cos I've posted!) ::) But hey *raises eyebrows and then frowns* aren't you meant to be revising and mock-taking (different to mickey-taking!) ? ;D Working on some more story this afternoon. It's prob more frustrating if you've just read most of it at once! There will be more later, AFTER you've revised (for a reward!) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Pat on Jan 5th, 2004, 12:20pm Most of us don't have any revision to do, Lisa, so we could have it sooner, couldn't we? ;) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by LauraT on Jan 5th, 2004, 12:38pm Well, they say we're supposed to take breaks! Not three hour breaks, admittedly... Thank you Lisa! ;D (and in case you were worried, I can now tell you so many thrilling details about Pompeii and Herculaneum. Although I cant quite remember why I chose this ridiculous subject! ???) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 5th, 2004, 4:26pm Amelia had quite a good idea of her bearings and she ploughed doggedly onwards. A few whirling flakes danced about her head, one melting on her nose. “Snow!” ejaculated Amelia in delight. Since that unseasonably early snow storm a month before, there had not been any more. The world seemed clearer, somehow. The falling snow created beautiful patterns against the inky sky and the brisk walk did body and soul good. Her cheeks glowing, Amelia glanced towards the Kursaal, where the famous floral clock was planted up in spring. In the adjoining concert hall, her chums were sitting, listening attentively, no doubt. Amelia hugged herself in glee. This was her secret! Her tender soul had been constrained and grieving for so long; somehow learning the full truth of her father’s death had given her a kind of release. Anger at her father for leaving them, and at her mother for deceiving her and sending her away flared up once more, then dissolved away in the face of the adventure before her. She tried to feel some sort of responsibility, any sort of concern for others’ feelings, but could not feel any. The effect was totally liberating. Reaching the Centralbahnhof, Amelia walked confidently to the ticket booth and purchased a ticket for Berne. She employed her schoolgirl German to good effect, and the station guard issued her with her ticket whilst regarding her quizzically. He suddenly fixed her with a look and poured out a torrent of rapid German. Slightly nonplussed, Amelia laughed and nodded, humouring the friendly man. He asked a one word question that she recognised as the German word for holiday, and answered eagerly “Ja, ja!” and then thought she understood that he was asking her to confirm which station it was she was going to. “Berne,” she repeated, a little concerned this time, but he appeared to be satisfied and waved her on to the platform. The guard watched the train pull out of the station and disappear into the dark night sprinkled with the whirling snowflakes that were thickening now. He felt slightly uncomfortable about the unchaparoned girl of school age he had just allowed on the train, but was convinced by her assurance that she was being met by her escort at Berne. ‘Or I wouldn’t have let her go alone,’ he told himself, as he pulled a scarf higher under his chin. ‘She certainly knew her German - must be one of those Chalet School girls, with German that good. Brr. It’s going to be a cold one tonight. Winter has arrived I think!’ and with that he shuffled back to the booth intent on taking shelter. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 5th, 2004, 4:33pm Oooooooooohhh! Yay, thank you, Lisa!!! More soon please!!! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by LauraT on Jan 5th, 2004, 4:40pm Ooh this is exciting! More soon please! :-* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lesley on Jan 5th, 2004, 6:50pm Thank you Lisa - getting nice and tense now! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Esmeralda on Jan 5th, 2004, 7:02pm Thank you Lisa - *sits fidgeting with excitement |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa_T on Jan 5th, 2004, 8:09pm Aw come on, Lisa!! *having nasty pictures of Amelia being found frozen in some balletical formation in the morning before or after the performance..* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Carolyn P on Jan 5th, 2004, 9:16pm *waiting on hooks of the tenter variety* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by KB on Jan 5th, 2004, 11:34pm on 01/05/04 at 11:33:01, Lisa wrote:
Thanks for this information, Lisa. I couldn't find it and was a mite confuzzled. *prefers knife edge to tenterhooks* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Abi on Jan 5th, 2004, 11:51pm Well, Lisa, do we get any more? *baits breath* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by KB on Jan 6th, 2004, 12:05am Ooh, is that a fledgeling chant? |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 6th, 2004, 1:48am *joins the fledgling chant* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by KB on Jan 6th, 2004, 1:52am *decides that, if Vikki's joining it, it must be more than fledgeling now* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 6th, 2004, 2:25am Who? Me? Nope! I'm all little and quiet! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by KB on Jan 6th, 2004, 2:34am *laughs hysterically and uproariously* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 6th, 2004, 2:38am *muffles KB's laughter with a pillow!!!* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by KB on Jan 6th, 2004, 2:55am *slowly suffocates to death* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 6th, 2004, 3:04am I wasn't holding it that tight, you drama queen!! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by KB on Jan 6th, 2004, 3:08am *too unconscious to answer* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 6th, 2004, 3:12am *waves chocolate past KB's nose, and watches miraculous regainment of conciousness* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by KB on Jan 6th, 2004, 3:15am *passes out again as Vikki takes the chocolate away* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Chloe on Jan 6th, 2004, 9:58am *dancing on tip-toes* Oh please may we have some more of this soon! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by LauraT on Jan 6th, 2004, 10:25am Pretty please?! :-* :-* :-* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 6th, 2004, 11:43am *spots KB lying still, grey and to all appearances dead* *rushes to her side and sings 'the Red Sarafan'* *has satisfaction of seeing colour flood cheeks again* Now children play nicely! Vikki, you would do well to remember the Margot and bookcase incident. Behave like a lady and a true chaletian. And KB, I can see you sticking your tongue out at Vikki from there. Stop it. A dose for both of you and you can turn sheets side to middle for the next three afternoons. *sighs* *spies chocs still in Vikki's hand* And I'll confiscate those thank you!" Lisa T's suggestion is close to the mark but it sounds so funny!!! Do you think she'd become an angel in the same pose, being winched up to heaven in an arabesque?! hee hee! By the way, did you understand the bit with the station guard - I wasn't writing very fluently and I don't know if it comes across as I intended it. What for example, do you think he was saying in that long bit of German that Amelia couldn't follow? Working on story, more later! :) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Chloe on Jan 6th, 2004, 12:16pm That's great news we get more soon Lisa and i managed to follow what you wrote fine ;D |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 6th, 2004, 5:54pm *tells Lisa she'll get fat if she eats all my chocs* Please Miss, may we have some more!! ;) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Rosalie on Jan 6th, 2004, 6:04pm More chocolate or more drabble Vikki?? ;D |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 6th, 2004, 6:19pm Both, of course, my dear!!! ;) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa_T on Jan 6th, 2004, 8:34pm *suggests to Lisa that Vikki and Co perhaps need more punishing than a simple little chocolate confiscation* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 6th, 2004, 10:01pm *offers choccies to everyone except Lisa and Lisa!!* :P |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Abi on Jan 6th, 2004, 10:34pm *wistfully wishes there was more story* But i suppose Lisa is too cruel to oblige me :'( *wipes away a little tear* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by KB on Jan 7th, 2004, 12:17am It must be something about the name... :'( |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 7th, 2004, 10:30am on 01/06/04 at 17:54:48, Vikki wrote:
Already am, so ner :P Hey, who gave you lot permission to gang up on the two Lisas? (Did you know Lisa is a diminuitive of Elizabeth and means Princess? So treat us like royalty! (Or you won't get no story!) ETA Anyway KB, I just saved your life, you should be grateful. *mutters about ingratitude of youth today. What do they teach them in school?* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by KB on Jan 7th, 2004, 11:18am Oops, so you did! *sits up and huggles Lisa* And my middle name's Elizabeth, but I don't get to get much respect. Mostly cheek, now that I think about it. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Chloe on Jan 7th, 2004, 12:53pm Names don't get respect form me, itas the peron who deserve it gets it ;) May we have more story pleasssssssssssssssssssssssssse |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 7th, 2004, 4:17pm Have only managed a leetle bit - plot bunny (Dudley) sleepy today. Will try to post little & often, think I psyched myself out by posting so much at weekend! ;D On board the train, Amelia gazed out into the swirling blackness. Now that she could do nothing but stop and think for a while, a hint of apprehension crossed her mind. But Amelia shrugged it away, reckoning that she may as well continue on her journey. ‘I’ll get into a row anyway, I s’pose’ she told herself. ‘Might as well enjoy it!l The journey to Berne was not a long one and Amelia alighted from the train feeling rather small, yet excited. Peering through the thickening gloom, she spied a porter and self consciously inquired the way to the theatre. His directions were not hard to follow, and feeling immensely proud of herself, Amelia clutched her coat tightly around her and in fifteen minutes stood before the imposing theatre. She longed to stand and revel in the moment, but the wind and snow were worsening and she hurried into the ornate entrance. Inside, she gazed around her in wonder. In each corner of the room were cherubs, holding horns of fruit and flowers. Marble vines entwined themselves around the tops of pillars .Sumptuous reds and golds appeared to spill out of the very ceiling, and the effect was awe-inspiring. She stood, unaware of her shivering, and breathed deeply of the scent of theatre. This is where she was meant to be! Perhaps one day … “Ja?” A somewhat impatient voice intruded on her thoughts, and Amelia reddened as she realised she had been lost in thought whilst the queue at the box office had moved on. Stammering, she struggled to recall her German, and asked for a ticket for the night’s performance. Much to Amelia’s alarm, the man began to talk quickly, gesticulating and shaking his head. She felt an awful realisation begin to sink in as the truth hit home. There were no tickets! The man was telling her that the performance had sold out. Amelia was seized by a sickening, dizzy sensation for the second time that day, but this time there was no friendly teacher or friend standing nearby to support her. Her knees buckled and she swayed as, much to her acute embarrassment, she let out a huge sob and began to cry. All at once, kindly people gathered around her, discussing the problem in their soft guttural accents. Amelia felt herself being led to a chair, and there she sat weeping quietly. Questions were addressed to her, but every word of German seemed to have suddenly fled her mind, and she sat there, quite mute. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Pat on Jan 7th, 2004, 4:23pm How dreadful for her. I hope she gets back to Interlaken all right. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by LauraT on Jan 7th, 2004, 4:35pm Oh No! Poor her. I hope it all works out ok! :o *thinking....* Who could she be found by?! I KNOW! Biddy O'Ryan could have decided to take her break visiting friends in Interlaken (or something) who decided to take her to see the ballet. So, in a second, she will break through the crowd, sweep Amelia up and off (will she be wearing uniform? ie will this have marred the reputation of the school?) and sneak her back into where she should have been, and no-one will ever know, except Amelia, her conscience and Biddy. New Years Resolution: Stop hijacking Lisa's story! :-* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa on Jan 7th, 2004, 4:54pm on 01/07/04 at 16:35:42, LauraT wrote:
That's quite alright! I'm glad you're getting involved with it! Well you don't have to wait to see (thought it was about time she had some luck! - but it won't last long! Mwahahaha! :o *wicked laughing smiley* ******************************** “Can I help?” came a soft pretty voice, in Amelia’s native language. She looked up into the elfin features of a familiar young lady, and then gave a gasp which halted her sobbing. “Gi – Gisella?” she stammered. It was the Prima Ballerina herself! When the young English girl had collapsed in tears, the backstage manager had discreetly slipped to the ballerina’s dressing room, and asked her if she could help. “Oh! I – “ “Look, honey, come to my dressing room. It won’t help you with all these folks staring!” said Gisella, and she led Amelia by the hand to relative privacy. “Now,” said the dancer, whilst shrugging off her robe to reveal a practice leotard and tights, “you tell me all about it, but I need to start warming up and will need to concentrate on my exercises properly in about ten minutes.” To her amazement, Amelia found it all spilling out. The whole truth, that only she herself had discovered that afternoon on Lake Brienz sounded harsh and ugly in her ears but the relief in being able to share it with someone was immense. The fact that Gisella was both a stranger yet familiar eased Amelia and she found herself also confiding her early morning dance sessions and longing to dance. After speaking for a full ten minutes, she stopped and gratefully took the glass of water proffered, sipped and looked trustingly into the older girl’s eyes. Gisella had sat down on a stool positioned near the barre in her room, and was massaging her foot thoughtfully. Apart from a small exclamation when Amelia had mentioned the Chalet School, she had made no comment. Now she glanced at the clock on the bureau where some bits and pieces of make up and hair accessories dotted about and gave a sigh. “Oh, my dear, I’m so sorry, but I must start to practise. You may sit there for a bit and watch if you like. Now listen, “she added as she took up the familiar posture before the barre, “of course you must see the performance tonight. I will arrange it. You may not have the best view of course!” “Oh – but I don’t mind that!” broke in Amelia eagerly, “you’re – you’re wonderful, Gisella!” Gisella laughed, but put her head on one side as she looked at Amelia intently. “I remember you!” she said to Amelia’s amazement. “Madame told me, when I last visited, that there was a junior who showed much talent. Danced Puck last Christmas for the school matinee? Yep, thought it was you. Look I MUST warm up – meet me back here after the performance, and we’ll chat. Take this note to Hans – he’s the chap in the ticket office – and you’ll be OK!” and with that, Amelia was hustled out of the door and directed back to the foyer. |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by LauraT on Jan 7th, 2004, 5:02pm Yay! But where will she sit? And how will she get home again after? And how will they react? Aargh so many problems! ::) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Pat on Jan 7th, 2004, 5:10pm More importantly, who is Gisella? |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Esmeralda on Jan 7th, 2004, 5:44pm on 01/07/04 at 17:10:29, Pat wrote:
That's what I want to know to - but if she was a Chhalet girl at least we know that Amelia is in good hands, for the moment at least..... |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by LauraT on Jan 7th, 2004, 5:48pm It could be Gisela....under the cunning disguise of adding another L to her name! ::) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Vikki on Jan 7th, 2004, 6:04pm Thank you Lisa!! You can have a chocolate now if you'd like....... ;) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Kathye on Jan 7th, 2004, 6:46pm Hi I only found this site today and then sat and read through all 7 pages to this post along with a lot of the short stories on the fiction page, its great. I just wanted to encourage Lisa and say I've really enjoyed the story so far and now am frustrated that I can't keep reading ? Also if anyone knows of a site that describes or anyone can tell me the plot to Chalet Girls Grow Up as I really want to know what I keep hearing about Mary Lou the Husband stealer etc... is all about. Hope someone can help ;) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lesley on Jan 7th, 2004, 6:50pm Lisa - thank you for the posts - looking forward to more! Kathye - if you look on the main Chaletian web page there are contacts - i think one of them is for transcripts - you may find some help there. Welcome to the CBB! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Lisa_T on Jan 7th, 2004, 7:03pm Lovely, Lisa! Oh, and thanks for the defence. Although I didn't know that Lisa as a derivative of Elizabeth means 'Princess'- although maybe that's where EBD got 'Elisaveta' from. The meaning, not the name! As far as I knew, 'Elizabeth' meant 'dedicated' or 'concescrated to God' - didn't know any other meaning. But thanks! ;) *goes looking for a tiara to fit* Laura (it was Laura, wasn't it?) , it couldn't be Gisela. Quite apart from the husband and kids, she'd be too old to be a ballerina by the time this is set (when is that, again..) *dumps tiara searching and goes brain hunting instead* |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Chloe on Jan 7th, 2004, 7:51pm *applauds* Thank you lisa they were lovely posts :) |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Carolyn P on Jan 7th, 2004, 10:22pm Thank-you Lisa, that was lovely, I do hope Gisella can help, at least she knows the full story and can ensure that someone who knows gets told. Looking forward with great anticipation to more. Kathye, welcome, do read, enjoy and post. It's great tp have new members, especially joining in straight away, good on you. Chalet Girls grow up is not to everyon'r taste, although I liked it Follow these links for our discussion of it http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/CGGU.htm http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/CGGU2.htm http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/CGGU-alternative.htm |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Abi on Jan 7th, 2004, 11:04pm oooooh, Lisa, more and more intrigue! Maybe she's an alternative Grizel? Or Evadne? hm, or maybe not, of course ;D Anyway, hoping for more of this soon! |
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Title: Re: A Dancer at the CS ~ Part Five Post by Susan on Today at 1:10am Thank you Lisa lots and lots of lovely story. |
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