The Chaletian Bulletin Board (http://www.chaletian.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl)
Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >> cs and a pagan
(Message started by: LulieCat on Dec 18th, 2003, 8:10am)

Title: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 18th, 2003, 8:10am
I'm going to post from the point of the last archiving, so just skip any bits you've already read. *takes deep breath to embark on mammoth task*
***********
‘Really that’s mostly up to you. I can give you the advice that I think is right, but good advice is rarely welcome as it often contains bitter truths.’
‘Please, Nell, just tell me. I’ll try not to fly off the handle if I disagree with your advice,’ Nancy begged, meekly.
‘Well, firstly, I’d think about that resignation. How much of it was a gut reaction to the last staff meeting, and how much was really what you wanted? I know you were over the moon when you got this post, and you’ve always been happy here, Nancy. You’re a good teacher, and we don’t want to lose you. Secondly, think about what these changes really entail, we aren’t asking you to embrace them with open arms, merely to tolerate them. Do they mean that…I…well, this isn’t easy to say,’ Nell looked a bit embarrassed, and finished in a rush, ‘Do you feel they are making you examine your own beliefs and you don’t like what you see?’
Nancy wiped at her face with her handkerchief, and said nothing. Nell put across her last point, ‘As to Kathie, I think that she’s had long enough to stew. She’s probably feeling as awkward as you are, and like you doesn’t know how to take that first step. Take your courage in both hands and be the one to take that step. When you’ve sorted things out in your own mind, go and talk to her. I imagine that you’ll find she’s more than willing to listen and you can both come to some sort of compromise if you have to. You may find that you don’t, that you can agree to disagree,’
‘Do you think so?’
‘I think so,’ agreed Nell, firmly, ‘Now go and wash your face, and my private sitting room is at your disposal. You won’t be disturbed there. Ring for Kaffee und Kuchen, if you want it and take as long as you like. I’ll ring Hilda and explain where you are. She won’t mind,’
‘But what about my duties? I’m on prep duty with the Juniors this evening,’
‘Nobody’s indispensable, my dear. Somebody can cover for you and you can take their turn,’
Feeling strangely comforted, Nancy took Nell’s offer and made her way to the private sitting room belonging to the Head of St Mildred’s, asking a convenient maid to bring her a light meal as she passed her in the corridor.
Back at the Chalet, Miss Annersley sighed as she opened another letter of resignation. That made three, added to Nancy Wilmot, Joan Bertram and Beth Carey. Miss Annersley didn’t really want any of them to go, and wondered if she could get away with refusing the resignations without causing too much uproar. She did suspect that Miss Ferrars’ letter was her way of showing Nancy that she was willing to stick by her and with her, as Miss Annersley knew that Kathie was extremely enthusiastic over the changes that had been mooted. Privately she wondered how they’d get on outside of the Chalet School. She knew that vast changes were happening in English schools from her reading of educational journals and that they were hugely different from the values and practices of the Chalet School.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 18th, 2003, 8:11am
Even as Miss Annersley was reading through the letters of resignation Nancy was making her way back to the Chalet, her mind made up. The first thing she had to do was to find Kathie and talk to her. Hoping she wasn’t on duty, Nancy closed the door behind her and went to hang up her outdoor things and change her shoes. Kathie was up in her room, changing for the evening. She turned in surprise at the almost hesitant knock on the door. Wondering what was going on, as only a pupil would knock on a mistress’s private door like that, Kathie pulled her dressing gown back on and opened the door. Outside was Nancy, looking shy and nervous. ‘Hello, Kathie, may I speak to you?’ she asked, hesitantly, then noticing her friend’s attire, added ‘Perhaps when you’ve finished? If we can find somewhere private,’
‘No, now is fine. I only have to brush my hair and put my frock on,’ said Kathie, ushering Nancy in and closing the door. Suiting the action to the word she picked up her hairbrush and began to put a gloss onto her already shining brown hair. Nancy sat in the wicker chair and watched. All her carefully prepared opening lines had gone out of her head, and she felt more like crying than anything else. Swallowing hard, she tried to speak, but her voice came out in a croak. Kathie, in the middle of pulling a pink woollen frock over her head, didn’t hear the noise, but she saw Nancy’s face when she had pulled the skirts straight. Rushing over to kneel by her, she took Nancy’s hands in her own, ‘Don’t look like that, Nancy dear,’ she begged, ‘You look as if you’re scared of me. Don’t,’
Nancy grasped at the hands in her own as if they were a lifebelt. ‘I’m so sorry, Kathie,’ she whispered, ‘I’m so sorry. I’ve been thinking and come to some decisions,’
‘So have I,’ returned Kathie unexpectedly, ‘I’ve handed in my resignation as well and applied for that second job that was going at Middlesbrough Girl’s High School,’
‘You’ve done what?’ demanded Nancy, shock taking the place of all the other emotions that had been seething round her brain, ‘but Kathie, you can’t?’
‘Why not?’ demanded Kathie, sitting back on her heels and studying her friend indignantly.
‘You had no reason to resign. I thought I did. You’ve only been here a few years, and I know you were enthusiastic over these changes that have been proposed to us. I wasn’t, which is why I did what I did. You can’t put your career on the line just for me; I won’t let you. Anyway, I’ve been doing some thinking of my own that doesn’t quite agree with yours.’


Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 18th, 2003, 8:11am
Miss Annersley was busy with her endless correspondence when there was a knock at her door. Glancing at the clock she saw it was half past seventeen. Thinking it was a student come for advice she called out ‘Herein.’ It came as a total surprise to her when Miss Wilmot and Miss Ferrars walked in, looking as clean and neat as any of the girls did when they were summoned to her study. Miss Annersley’s famed keen eyesight didn’t miss the hastily washed away evidence of tear stains around Miss Wilmot’s eyes and she wondered what was about to happen, even as she bade the pair to sit down. There was a potentially awkward pause as everybody waited for the others to speak. Miss Annersley was the first to open her mouth ‘Is there a problem?’
‘Well, err… yes, I mean no… I mean…Have you received our letters of resignation yet?’ Kathie stumbled over her words in a way that was most unlike her. Miss Annersley nodded, looking serious. ‘Yes, I have. Both of them. The Board hasn’t decided yet whether they are going to accept them, we are waiting to see if any more come in by the end of the week.’
The two mistresses stared at their Head, only just managing not to allow their jaws to drop. Acceptance or not hadn’t crossed their minds. Miss Annersley guessed this and bit back a smile. Finally Miss Wilmot gathered her wits together and managed to speak fairly cohesively, ‘Well, if it would make your decision any easier we would like to retract our resignations. Both of us,’
Miss Annersley looked even more grave, ‘I can only pass on your withdrawal to the Board, as a part of the meeting that they will have to hold. Whether they will allow you to withdraw or not is another matter, I’m afraid. I shall let you know as soon as I know. The meeting is scheduled for Saturday afternoon and I can inform you as soon as the meeting is over, if you can come to me after Abendessen,’
The two mistresses could do nothing but agree to this, and left the study looking rather worried and upset. Both of them were secretly wishing they had stopped to think and not gone ahead as impulsively as one of their own charges.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 18th, 2003, 8:12am
Con looked up from the glove she was knitting as Lulie gave a sudden annoyed exclamation. ‘What’s up?’ she asked
‘I’ve left my pattern in my locker,’ replied Lulie, searching through her sewing basket, ‘Two minutes while I run and get it,’
The girls were all busy with their things for the Sale, and Lulie’s exit was barely noticed by any other than Con and Odette, who had been sat with her.
As she made her way towards the Va form room, Lulie thought she could hear somebody crying. Stopping and listening, the noise seemed to go away, so Lulie put it down to the wind whistling round the building and carried on. She stopped in absolute horror as she entered the room, switching the lights on as she did so, and discovered Miss Wilmot huddled by the mistress’s desk, sobbing her heart out. Miss Wilmot had looked up swiftly as the light went on, and almost choked on a sob as she saw who it was.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 18th, 2003, 8:12am
A heavy silence descended on the room as the girl and mistress stared at one another, neither knowing what to say or do. Finally Miss Wilmot spoke, a single word that unnerved Lulie far more than any tirade would have done. ‘You!’
‘I…I…I’m sorry, M..Miss Wilmot,’ stammered Lulie, ‘I came for…I left something in my locker,’
‘Well, get it then, and take an order mark for coming to the classrooms out of hours.’
Drawing her dark brows together at the injustice of this, Lulie went to the row of lockers at the back of the room and knelt in front of one. Trying to be quick meant that Lulie couldn’t find her pattern and eventually half her books fell out, dislodged by her searching. Biting her lips, Lulie began to pick the books up. She felt like crying, for some reason unknown to her, and she could feel the mistress’s eyes boring into her back like gimlets. This made her feel worse, and things kept slipping out of hands gone suddenly clammy. Finally giving up the attempt at being tidy, Lulie snatched at the paper pattern she had been looking for, flung her books in any old how and got to her feet. She staggered backwards almost straight away. Miss Wilmot had come over to her, and was stood directly behind her, ‘You do realise that this situation would never had come about if you hadn’t come to the school?’ said Miss Wilmot, keeping her voice carefully neutral. Lulie looked startled, she had no idea what Miss Wilmot was talking about and said so, as politely as she could. Lulie had a temper to match her dark auburn hair and it was already roused by the earlier order mark. ‘Have no idea?’ snapped Miss Wilmot, her self control perilously close to breaking, ‘If you hadn’t come with your freakish ideas and even more freakish religion there would be no need to change the school’s syllabus, no need to change the ethos of the school, no need for me to forsake my friends and find another job. I’ve handed in my resignation because of you and now I can’t rescind it, however hard I try.’
Lulie was as white as a sheet listening to this tirade, though her green eyes were flashing fire at what she saw as the injustice of all this. As far as she knew, none of this was her fault, not directly at least. She couldn’t help who she was, and she couldn’t help being sent to this school. She hadn’t wanted to come at first, though she was enjoying it now she had settled in. She was receiving a better education that at her previous school and had made closer and deeper friendships than before, even in so short a time. Now she had to stand here and listen to her maths mistress shriek her woes at the top of her voice, and take it because you couldn’t answer back to a mistress or state your opinion, in case it was seen as rudeness. Taking a deep breath, Lulie opened her mouth and said., ‘I’m terribly sorry, Miss Wilson, but I…’
‘Don’t try and make excuses, they won’t wash with me,’ snapped back Miss Wilson, unaware that her voice had been getting louder and louder, ‘I tell you, this wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t come here you…’
‘That will do, Miss Wilson,’ came a quiet voice from the doorway. Both of them turned to see Miss Annersley standing there, accompanied by a tall man with rather a lot of white hair and a rather forbidding expression, who Lulie recognised with a jolt as Uncle Philip.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 18th, 2003, 8:13am
Miss Annersley’s heart was sinking fast and she could feel butterflies starting in her stomach. It must be the worst thing she ever had to deal with in her whole career and she had no idea how to resolve it. However she could show none of this. Instead she had to decide what to do with the pair. Lulie was the easiest to dispose of. ‘Lulie, go to my office, please, and wait for me there,’
‘Yes, Miss Annersley,’ Lulie went off meekly, wondering what was going to happen next. Miss Annersley turned to the maths mistress. ‘Nancy, you look exhausted,’ she said, kindly, ‘why don’t you go to Matron for an aspirin and then have an early night. We can discuss this in the morning.’ Exit Nancy, looking worried.
Miss Annersley heaved a sigh of relief and resisted the temptation to lean against the doorpost. Uncle Philip looked down at her, sympathetically. ‘Perhaps I should return tomorrow to continue my visit?’ he said, ‘While you speak to Louisa and find out what has been happening,’
‘Would you mind?’ asked Miss Annersley, gratefully, ‘I don’t think that Lulie is to blame in this, not from what we heard.’
‘Neither do I, but she may be able to give you an account of what happened. I think that Miss…er…your colleague is not in any state to give a lucid account this evening. But be firm with Louisa. I’ve seen that look in her mother’s eyes before now. They share the same temper, though it is very rare that either lost it.’
Uncle Philip steered Miss Annersley out of the room, and she automatically led him to the front hall. After saying his goodbyes and arranging a time for another visit the next day, Uncle Philip left. Miss Annersley sighed and went into her study, where Lulie was shifting from foot to foot, waiting for her.
****************************

Phew! I think that's it. *off to write a bit more now*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 18th, 2003, 8:15am
Calling any mods! Would it be worth archiving the bits I've just posted, in case the T.E.M comes back?

Not that it's a problem from my end, as I have the whole thing on disk, but I was thinking of everybody who is reading C&Ds.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 18th, 2003, 8:24am
That would lead eventualy to archiving after every bit on every thread and then to an overload of the archives and far too much work for mods.

I think we need to rely on writers keeping back ups.

The real problem is stuff like the drabble with ML as headmistress where we are all writing bits.

Good idea, but a little impractical.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 18th, 2003, 8:31am
I thought that would be the case. Never mind.

That should be a heads up to all drabble writers to keep back ups! *preens smugly*


Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Pat on Dec 18th, 2003, 9:36am
I think we've lost the vendetta againsy ML unless Liss can get it back.  It wouldn't be the same now.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by xanthe on Dec 18th, 2003, 11:13am
Thank you Lulie  ;D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Chloe on Dec 18th, 2003, 11:49am
Thank you Lulie!  :)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Polly1 on Dec 18th, 2003, 12:16pm
Lots of hugs and kisses, Lulie!!!   I had missed loads, and was v worried that I wouldn't know what had happened!! Am v happy now!  8oo   8oo   8oo
Polly ;D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Rachael on Dec 18th, 2003, 1:12pm
Great posting, Lulie!

I have to say though, I really, really don't like the Miss Wilmot in this - is Hilda able to save the day or has she gone too far?  :-/

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 18th, 2003, 8:27pm
I have to agree, Rachael, I don't like this Nancy either. I keep trying to change her, but she will insist on being horrible. I suppose I'm suffering "Joey-disease" with my characters not behaving as they should - even if I did borrow the characters from somebody else! I keep trying though.
*****************
Miss Annersley indicated that Lulie should sit in a chair opposite her. Lulie obeyed, thankful to do so, as her knees were feeling distinctly wobbly. ‘Now Lulie, can you tell me how you and Miss Wilmot came to be in the classroom?’
‘I left my pattern in my locker and went to get it,’ began Lulie, rather incoherently. Miss Annersley looked patient, ‘What pattern, and why would it be in your locker?’
‘My cross stitch pattern,’ Lulie held out the little booklet of patterns she had been using on cards, ‘I was showing them to Odette earlier and when the bell rang I just shov…er, put them in my locker as there wasn’t time to return them to my sewing basket,’
‘I see. Carry on,’
‘Well, I went to the classroom and put the light on and Miss Wilmot was there and she was…I mean, I didn’t know she was there or I wouldn’t have gone in, but she was crying,’ Lulie spoke as if Miss Wilmot had been having a tattoo at the very least, ‘I just apologised and she told me to get my pattern and to take an order mark,’
‘Why would she do that? Were you rude?’
‘Oh no, it was for going to a classroom out of hours,’
‘Hmmm. I think, considering the circumstances, we can forget about it, don’t you?’
‘Yes Miss Annersley, thank you Miss Annersley. Anyway, I couldn’t find my pattern at first and then everything fell out of my locker and so I shoved it all back in and when I stood up Miss Wilmot was stood right behind me. It gave me quite a shock and I nearly fell over trying not to trip over her. Then she just started yelling at me, and then…well, you came in and I came here, and that’s it really.’ Lulie wound down, and sat twisting her hands in her lap. Suddenly she looked up, ‘How much did you hear?’
‘Most of it, I think,’ replied Miss Annersley, almost forgetting that Lulie was only Va and not in the Sixth. ‘She was starting to shout about freakish ideas when your uncle and I came down the corridor. I don’t think he was too pleased, especially as he seemed to know it was you she was shouting at,’
‘He would,’ agreed Lulie, ‘He has a terrible habit of knowing things like that. We could never play up when we were children and visiting him,’
‘Which was probably a good thing,’ replied Miss Annersley, with a smile, ‘Now I don’t have to remind you to keep this to yourself. You’d better go back to your common room before the others wonder where you are,’
‘Yes Miss Annersley. I won’t say a word,’ Lulie got up and made her curtsey before going out of the door. Flinging rules to the winds she raced down the corridors and back to the Senior common room. Fortunately nobody caught her, and she took her seat as serenely as she could. ‘Where have you been?’ hissed Con. Lulie grinned, ‘To get my pattern, and I had to go to the splasheries.' And with that Con had to be satisfied, as Lulie refused to say any more, and changed the subject neatly by asking Odette how her work was coming along. Ricki joined in the conversation and very soon the girls forgot Lulie’s visit to the form room.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by catherine on Dec 18th, 2003, 8:40pm
Glad to see this back!  Thanks, Lulie!

And thanks for the new bit, it's great!  Hope Hilda can manage to sort Nancy out!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Rachael on Dec 18th, 2003, 9:30pm
I'm glad Lulie is sorted but what, oh what will Hilda say to Nancy?

*concerned*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Vikki on Dec 18th, 2003, 10:00pm
Thank you Lulie! It's great to have this back, and I hope the fictional Lulie will start to find life easier soon!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 18th, 2003, 10:01pm
That will be some study scene.

I'm glad I don't have to write it, I wouldn't know where to start!

Looking forward to more of this Lullie.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by xanthe on Dec 18th, 2003, 10:21pm
*on the edge of her seat*

how on Earth will Miss Annersley deal with this!!??!!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 2:33am
Hooray! More of this!

And I still think it's unfair that Lulie is treated rather harshly but Nancy gets told 'kindly' to go to bed.

Title: ActRe: cs and a pagan
Post by Kathy_S on Dec 19th, 2003, 2:48am
Actually I thought Miss A's response was pretty reasonable.  She took back the order mark, acknowledged she'd overheard the "freakish ideas" speech, and said nothing to defend Nancy.  Just the standard line about keeping it to herself.

*Thinks Nancy is in for it, but hopes she survives*
(after proper Hilda-esque retribution, of course)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:01am
I agree that her behaviour in the study was fine. It was during the confrontation in the form room that has me all het up and bothered.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Kathy_S on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:18am
Ah!  Yes, she could have been a little gentler in sending her to the study.  At least I think (hope) Lulie was gone before hearing what was said to Nancy.  

I still can't believe any teacher -- let alone Nancy -- would treat a student this way. The order mark part was understandable given how upset she was, but the rest of it, no way.  (At least I think it was all Nancy -- assume the Wilsons were misprints.)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Lesley on Dec 19th, 2003, 7:24am
Excellent postings Lulie - really fascinated as to how Miss Annersley will deal with this - how can Nancy remain at the school now? Oh, also feel the 'Miss Wilson's' were misprints!!

Looking forward to more!

(Never really seen how the Head would deal with disciplining a member of staff before!)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 19th, 2003, 8:20am
Meanwhile Miss Annersley leaned on her desk and stared at the pretty floral pattern on her curtains. Lulie was easily dealt with, and Miss Annersley trusted her to keep her word. Miss Wilmot was a more difficult problem. Miss Annersley knew that if she were to put the problem before the Board, as policy suggested, they would sack Miss Wilmot without a second thought. Miss Annersley, seeing her staff on a day-to-day basis, knew them better than the Board members did, excepting Nell Wilson. Even Joey, with her wide experience, would be of very little help in this situation. Deciding that the more she thought about the issue the less convinced she would be of her instincts; Miss Annersley got up and went to see if Nancy were still awake.
Nancy, who had been far too worked up to go to bed, tired as she was, was settled in her chair with a dog-eared Agatha Christie. She looked up, startled, at the tap on the door. ‘Come in,’ she said, thinking it was probably Matron. Her heart sank to her boots when Miss Annersley came in, closing the door behind her. ‘Don’t look so nervous, Nancy,’ said Miss Annersley, sitting in the only other chair in the room. ‘I haven’t come to sack you. Actually, I’d rather that this incident didn’t go beyond those involved, especially as my coming to see you like this is near enough going against policy. Really I should put the situation to the Board and let them deal with it,’
‘And why aren’t you?’ asked Nancy, putting her book down, and eyeing Miss Annersley rather suspiciously.
‘Because I feel that it isn’t the way to deal with this, and it would guarantee that you lost your job, which is the last thing I want.’
‘What about my resignation? What happens if the Board accept that?’ asked Nancy, ‘It would mean that I still lost my job, whatever way it came about,’
‘As I told you earlier, the meeting is scheduled for Saturday. As you and Kathie have come to me withdrawing your resignation I’m going to do the best I can to persuade the Board to accept the withdrawals. Considering that the Board won’t want either of you to go I can’t see it being a problem, but unfortunately I can’t say for certain what their decision is going to be.’
Nancy looked downcast. She had been turning over the day’s events in her mind rather than concentrating on her book, and she felt more and more ashamed of herself. She couldn’t think what had come over her this term, and now it seemed to be heading to the close of her career at the Chalet School. Whatever Miss Annersley was saying, Nancy was sure that she was going to lose her post at the school, whether forced or voluntary dismissal. Miss Annersley watched her carefully. She still hadn’t decided exactly what she was going to do. It all depended on Nancy’s reactions. ‘Nancy, if you’re ready, I’d like to tell you what I propose to do,’
Nancy gulped, and looked steadily at Miss Annersley, ‘I’m ready,’

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Rachael on Dec 19th, 2003, 8:53am
I'M READY TOO!! .................

Lulie! *shouts*
Ppllleeasseee don't leave it there - I have to know what comes next .....

Come on, Hilda - what's your plan?

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:07am
How long are you going to leave it like that Lulie!  I can't think that there's much going on in your college today - there certainly isn't in mine!!!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:13am
We are all ready Lulie.

Please show us how on earth Miss Annersley can cope this situation.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Jennie on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:37am
....hanging off the cliff edge by my fingertips, as the thread-eating monster has eaten all the trampolines. More on order.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by xanthe on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:47am
*hauls Jennie back up onto the top pf the cliff*

*also desparate to know what happens*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:03am
*sobs at this obvious sign of how little Lulie loves us all*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:23pm
Oh, Lulie, please tell us what she proposes to do.
*Sitting on edge of seat expectantly.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by catherine on Dec 19th, 2003, 5:08pm
Please come back and post some more, Lulie!  We need to know what happens next!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Vikki on Dec 19th, 2003, 6:07pm
*trots off to try and find Lulie!*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 8:58pm
*wonders if Vikki has had any luck in nearly three hours*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:02pm
I'm here Vikki *waves*. Pat was right, there wasn't much going on at my college today, but we couldn't go home until all the students did, which wasn't until 1.45pm (they finished at 12pm - bah humbug to taxi drivers). Then Carole and I went for lunch, sticking together as we were meeting Julie who was in a right royal strop and tends to take it out on the nearest person, hence going in twos. It lessens the load! And then we trailed round Middlesbrough with Julie and her daughter Lucy, as they shopped. We took advantage of a couple of pre-Christmas sales. Retail therapy, of course!  Well, as I can't have a load of deaths on my hands, here's The Next Bit.
*****************
‘I’m fully prepared to give you another chance, but there are conditions attached, to which you must adhere. Firstly you must appear to go along and support the changes to the curriculum, whatever you may feel inside. Many of the staff are in that position, and I know that I can’t do anything about it, nor would I want to. I feel that we should tolerate and learn to live with others views, that the world would be a dull place if we all agreed and the times are long gone when we thought it right to force others to think as we do. Secondly, I’m not going to ask you to apologise to Lulie, as that would embarrass you both and make it very difficult for you to live with one another, as we must do in a community such as ours. As things stand, I shall consider it done. Thirdly, I’m going to keep an eye on you when you have to deal with Lulie. I’m not going to monitor you too closely, but I shall be on the lookout for any repeat of today’s events when you are in class, or out on a walk, or any time you have to deal with her. I trust that it won’t happen, but sadly, after today’s performance, I can’t be sure. Finally, the rest of this term is in the nature of a trial. The smallest hint of anything and I shall be forced to put it in front of the Board and allow them to deal with it, which would most likely result in your removal from the staff of the Chalet School. I may be living under an illusion here, but I feel that if you manage to turn yourself around during the rest of the term then you should have no problems in the longer term. Of course if you do then the above conditions still stand, with you and any other members of staff who behave in such a way as you have.’
When Miss Annersley had finished speaking she looked closely at Nancy. The mistress was sitting looking rather stunned and very white. ‘I’m going to leave you to think about what I’ve said,’ said Miss Annersley, standing and shaking out her skirts, ‘Come to me for Break tomorrow and we can discuss what you would like to do then. If you feel that you can’t abide by these conditions then we will, of course, ignore the request for withdrawal and your resignation will still stand. Now, I’m going to leave you alone. I shall tell Matron that I’ve sent you to bed and could she send you some Abendessen, but otherwise you are to be left alone. I’ll see you in the morning.’

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:11pm
Oh thank you Lulie, I was a little bit worried that Hilda might be too soft with Nancy, but I think she's got it absolutely right.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:15pm
Wow, what a swingeing punishment! Hilda certainly is taking this seriously, isn't she? :o :o :o

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by xanthe on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:42pm
Thank you Lulie (entirely believable Miss Annersley scene - I've been liking her more and more from the images created by the drabbles)  ;D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by catherine on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:00pm
Thanks Lulie!   Let's hope this knocks some sense into Nancy!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:02pm
Hmm, I'm still of the opinion that Nancy should have been sacked, or at least suspended for th rest of the term. That was such unprofressional behaviour.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Lesley on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:21pm
I agree Carolyn it was very unprofessional - but perhaps the fact that this is the first time Nancy has ever behaved in this way could be some form of mitigation.

She hasn't got off too badly - has to accept the changes and be closely watched by Hilda. I think she should have had to apologise - after all if it were a pupil being rude to a mistress they have to apologise - wouldn't need to be a puplic apology - perhaps just the two of them in Hilda's Study.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Rachael on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:54pm
Have to agree with Lesley - have struggled to know how I feel (too close to the character who is second only to Bill!) but Lesley's hit the nail on the head ...

Hate the way Nancy has behaved but it is out of character and with an unblemished record etc...

*puts HR hat on*
Final written warning?

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:02pm
I might relent enough for a written warning to be placed on her record, but that would mean the board had to be involved, which Hilda is trying to avoid.

I do think 'an eye' is too lenient. And what would the board say if they heard Hilda had kept this from them. Just suppose Uncle Philip complained directly to the board?

Still it's your story Lulie, and a wonderful one so do post more amd let us know Nancy's reaction. and that of Uncle Philip.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Kathy_S on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:14pm
    I agree that it would be a firing offense in most situations, but didn’t want Nancy to disappear this way, so was very glad to hear what Miss A. had to say.   I would imagine that Nancy is pretty appalled with her own behavior at this point, though all she seemed to articulate was worry about her future.  She had already shown signs of a fair amount of self-hatred before this last hysterical reaction.  Looking forward to see how Lulie-the-author will deal with this.  Also very curious about Uncle Philip’s reaction and whether the temper he says Lulie has will make an appearance.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Vikki on Dec 20th, 2003, 12:48am
*hopes Lulie will post more soon and resolve the debates!!! ;)*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:19am
*wanders mournfully around the board, calling for Lulie*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 20th, 2003, 9:07am
*rushes towards KB and hugs her* Don't be too mournful, KB. I am trying to resolve it, but it isn't going as I'd like. The first attempt was so pants I've got rid of it and started again. I may be able to post it today but I have to rush to the supermarket or there'll be no mince pies for Christmas.

*sets out an expanding sofa and a table with a wide variety of drinks and nibbles, for people to partake of while they are waiting. Adds throat lozenges in case there's a chant*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 20th, 2003, 1:46pm
*curls up in corner of sofa to wait and sucks a throat lozenge*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by xanthe on Dec 20th, 2003, 3:42pm
*curls up in the other corner to wait*

mmm, snuggly comfy warm sofa...

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Chloe on Dec 20th, 2003, 8:54pm
*sits on sister to wait for the next bit beofre being pushed onto the floor*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 20th, 2003, 11:29pm
*picks Chloe up from the floor and dusts her off* Here's more. Stay on the sofa, if you like. It's more comfy.
***********************
Miss Annersley was so preoccupied with Nancy’s visit at Break that she completely forgot that she was expecting another visitor at 9.00. She gave Rosalie a startled look when that lady knocked on the door and announced, ‘Professor Leonov has arrived, Miss Annersley,’
‘Show him in,’ replied Miss Annersley, hastily smoothing her hair and making sure that her desk was tidy. Not that she need worry. Uncle Philip wasn’t a noticing kind of person and his own desk at work was usually so strewn with papers, books and strange statues that any other desk looked spotless in comparison. ‘Good morning, Miss Annersley,’ said Uncle Philip, shaking Miss Annersley’s hand and sitting in the proffered chair, ‘I trust you had no trouble yesterday, after the…er…scene?’
‘No, thank you. Lulie was most mature and didn’t seem too shaken by events. She ate her usual breakfast this morning, and Matron reports that, as far as she knows, she slept well.’
‘Good, and what about Miss…the other lady? I trust she is being dealt with? If you don’t mind my being frank, Miss Annersley, I hope that she is. I don’t want my niece subjected to such prejudice. It is bad enough when one is a grown adult, but when one is merely a child it can have far reaching and damaging effects. Lulie has been through such a lot lately, I don’t want her progress interfered with.’
‘I have spoken to Miss Wilmot myself, Professor,’ Miss Annersley then proceeded to outline what she had said to Nancy the previous evening. Uncle Philip looked unconvinced, but nodded anyway. ‘If that is what you feel, I cannot stop you. You know best how to deal with your own staff, while I have never met the woman. But if anything else should occur, and I shall make sure I find out if it does, I shall put a complaint into the Board myself.’
‘As is your right,’ agreed Miss Annersley, ‘Come, Professor, shall we continue with our tour of the school? I’m afraid I cannot show you all the classrooms, as the girls are in lessons, but I’ll show you what I can,’
Uncle Philip agreed amiably and Miss Annersley was relieved to find that he appeared to have forgotten the conversation in the study and was as cheerful as she had previously found him to be. They chatted about various subjects as they looked at the common rooms, one of the dormitories, the Speisesaal, and the fourth form classroom, as the Fourth were in the geography room having their lesson with Miss Wilson. Returning to the study Uncle Philip had barely sat down again before he was complimenting Miss Annersley on the school and the way it was run. ‘I’ve never been much good with girls,’ he explained, ‘though my niece, Lulie’s mother, spent an awful lot of her life visiting me at the university. That’s where she met her husband. And she’s always brought the children to visit too; though those visits lessened as her illness grew worse. Of course I saw much more of the boys as their school isn’t far from my home. But you seem to have an excellent arrangement here. I’ve always said that girls need just as good an education as boys have always been offered, though it doesn’t always happen after the age of fourteen. My offer still stands, even more so, if you’ll still have me,’
‘Of course. I’ve discussed it with Miss Wilson, the Head of our finishing branch. We were given the responsibility of appointing somebody for this job and we both agree that we couldn’t ask for anybody more qualified.’ Miss Annersley went on to explain the traditions and methods of working that were peculiar to the school. Uncle Philip was still enthusiastic, however and agreed that after the Christmas holidays was a good time to start, giving him time to arrange affairs at home. She had barely shown him out of the door and gone back to her study when the bell rang for Break.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Lesley on Dec 20th, 2003, 11:56pm
Thank you Lulie - worth waiting for!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 21st, 2003, 12:00am
*feels very unconfident that Nancy has really reformed, and hopes Miss Annersley will keep a very keen eye out for any future trouble*  :-/

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 21st, 2003, 12:03am
Miss Annersley is keeping two very keen grey eyes open for trouble  ;) This is the last bit for today, I'm off to bed now!
****************
Nancy perched on the edge of her chair, a cup of coffee in one hand and a ginger biscuit in the other. On the other side of the desk Miss Annersley was similarly loaded, and appeared to be concentrating on stirring in the extra lump of sugar that she had added. Eventually, just when Nancy thought she must scream or run, Miss Annersley looked up. ‘Before you tell me your decision there’s something I must tell you. Miss Wilson and I have appointed somebody to deliver the lessons on alternative religions to the girls. It’s Professor Leonov, Lulie’s uncle. He tells me he’s a practicing Druid, which is a branch of paganism as far as I understand. I feel that you ought to know this, in case it changes your thoughts at all.’
‘No, Miss Annersley, it doesn’t. I’ve made my mind up,’ replied Nancy, stolidly. ‘I’m going to try and abide by the conditions you have set. It’s the least I can do after you’ve bent the rules a little for me. I know I ought to have been sacked at the very least considering what I’ve done and I’m more grateful than I can ever express to you. There is one problem, though. How am I ever going to face Lulie in lessons again?’

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Kathy_S on Dec 21st, 2003, 12:09am
That's a problem, all right!
Poor Nancy.
Poor Lulie.

*waits hopefully for tomorrow*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 21st, 2003, 12:10am
Make her apologise, Hilda!

Oh, sorry - am I taking this too seriously?   ;D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:46am
*waits eagerly for more, and hopes Lulie will write lots in her sleep!*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:58am
Yes, I think it's rather bad that Lulie doesn't get an apology. How could she trust the mistress again if she didn't feel that Nancy was truly sorry? And how will Nancy feel, meeting the Professor in the staff room? I forsee uncomfortable times ahead!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Lesley on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:06am
Agreed Nancy should apologise - said so before - but at least she recognises that she's got off lightly.

Looking forward to more Lulie!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:19am
*chants eagerly for more*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Polly1 on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:02am
Am really enjoying this!!! Thanx Lulie  8oo   8oo

It would probably be very difficult for Nancy to apologise, because of the nature and ferocity of her outburst. But normally in a situation as serious as this, an apology would come from the teacher's line manager. The outburst itself would be subject to a formal enquiry and reprimand which would go on the teacher's perminant (can't spell today!) record - 3 of these and this would normally result in dismissal - at least in the state sector (not sure about whether private sector follows same guidelines).
And no! A teacher should never speak to a student like that, but it does happen!!! :o
*Finds a new trampoline to bounce on while waiting for more. Wonders if anyone wants to join - although probably not those who have eaten Lulie's nibbles whilst on the sofa, just in case bouncing makes them sick!!! ;D*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by xanthe on Dec 21st, 2003, 11:06am
Thank you Lulie

*staying on the sofa to ensure she doesn't miss anything*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Chloe on Dec 21st, 2003, 1:06pm
*bouces on the sofa*

Thank you Lulie, more soon i hope  :)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Polly1 on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:27pm
Just realised that last posting makes me sound really hoity-toity!! End-of-term-itis is obviously catching up with me! I'm not really that anoraky and boring - honest! :-[

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:30pm
Actually I thought it was rather interesting, Polly...  :-*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Polly1 on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:57pm
Thanx Catherine ;D. Don't feel so embarrassed now! ;D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 8:04pm
*jumps onto the trampoline and agrees that Polly was quite right to state her views in that way*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 8:42pm
May I play on the trampoline too please? ;)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Rachael on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:10pm
More soon, please

This is a difficult subject to tackle and very well written .....

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:17pm
Lulie thank-you, and looking forward to more.

Polly it was not only good, but also pertinant to know what would happen in a school if this happened.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Pat on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:37pm
Lulie, where are you?  We want you back to post some more, please!   :D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:43pm
Looking forward to more Lulie, looking forward to the next meeting between Nancy and the (fictional) Lulie, that is going to be so awkward for both of them.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:44pm
I'm here everybody! I've been out all day with the parents, as Dad wanted to go for a meal to celebrate his birthday. We sidetracked to Betty's for nice bread and Lewis and Coopers for cheese. But I'm frantically writing more.

I'm finding it quite difficult, as it is such a difficult subject to tackle. There have been times when I wondered why I ever began it in the first place  ;) But as long as you keep chanting, I'll keep writing (or at least until the story is finished!)

*I am using lots and lots of artistic licence in this, or it would be all doom and gloom for Nancy, and I don't want that! This is CS-Land after all. We can forget the real world  :P*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:51pm
Go for it Lulie. :)
we will be here waiting when there is some more, but don't hurt your shoulders in the process.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:54pm

on 12/21/03 at 22:44:32, LulieCat wrote:
*I am using lots and lots of artistic licence in this, or it would be all doom and gloom for Nancy, and I don't want that! This is CS-Land after all. We can forget the real world  :P*


And I'm very pleased to hear it.  


Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Kathy_S on Dec 21st, 2003, 11:47pm
Also relieved to hear Nancy won’t be doom-and-gloomed.  Most anxious to discover how she’s extricated, though.  Will it take a near death experience?  Special seminars by Uncle Philip?  Intervention by Meddling Maynards?  Please let us know, RL permitting.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 22nd, 2003, 12:19am
Here's a wee bit more
***************************
‘I think that is something that you are going to have to work out for yourself. I don’t think Lulie will behave any differently to the way she has always done. You have to watch yourself for any signs of jumping on her unnecessarily, in the same way one has to watch oneself for signs of favouritism. If she does cause any trouble – and I can’t see her doing so – you deal with it in the same way you deal with any other girl.’ Miss Annersley knew she sounded rather unsympathetic, but she knew that only Nancy herself could resolve the problems that she faced. All Nancy’s friends and colleagues were there to help, if asked, but it was ultimately something that would have to come from within Nancy herself. Nancy sighed and drained her cup. She’d had a feeling that this was the kind of response that she would get from the Head. Still, it could be worse. Va didn’t have maths until Thursday and it was only Tuesday.

Thursday morning arrived and both Nancy and Lulie woke early, feeling apprehensive at the coming lesson. Nancy ferreted in her cupboard and began the makings of an early morning pot of tea. Lulie, with no such luxury, was forced to lie in bed, her mind going over every possible thing that could go wrong in that day’s maths lesson. Eventually she could stand it no longer, and collecting her clothes and towels, crept to the bathroom where she washed and dressed as quickly and quietly as she could. It was a risk taking her things back to the dormitory, but she couldn’t leave them in the bathroom. Fortunately nobody woke and so Lulie got away with it, or so she thought. She was just making her way quietly to the common room, where she could sit and think, when Nancy realised that she had no milk, and crept down towards the kitchen to find some. Naturally they met one another in the corridor, and equally naturally, Nancy wanted to know why Lulie was up and dressed so early, going against rules. ‘I woke up, and couldn’t go back to sleep,’ explained Lulie, wondering how she was going to get out of this one, ‘So I thought I’d be better getting up and just going into the common room,’
‘You do realise that you shouldn’t really be wandering around like this, don’t you?’
‘Yes, Miss Wilmot,’ replied Lulie, meekly.
‘Well, there’s no point in your going back to bed, as you’re up and dressed. Come to my room and you can have a cup of tea with me. I’ll just run down and get some milk,’

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by xanthe on Dec 22nd, 2003, 12:21am
Woohoo for the appearance of good Nancy!  Thank you Lulie  ;D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 22nd, 2003, 12:22am
Just to let you know that things may be a little erratic over the next couple of days because of Christmas. No doubt I shall need to escape from the three million things I have to do and also my family, when they decide to descend on us.

*still thinking up plots and ideas*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 22nd, 2003, 12:26am
Oh! If I were Lulie I'd be terrified by that invitation - fortunately I think she's more sensible.
I do hope this means that Nancy is thinking of apologising.

Not wanting to be greedy, but I would like to know what happens next ;D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Vikki on Dec 22nd, 2003, 1:38am
Oooh! I hope things are going to work out, and this will be a good thing!! :o

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:38am
Lulie, that is a wonderful way to put these two characters into a situation where they are face-to-face. It will be interesting to see what happens next, whenever you have a chance to put it up.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Lesley on Dec 22nd, 2003, 6:30am
Lulie - looking forward to the next bit, family and shoulders permitting!

Excellent plot line for getting the two characters together. ;D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 22nd, 2003, 9:36am
Sitting in Miss Wilmot’s little bedroom, Lulie felt as if she was going to be sick. The last thing she wanted was a cup of tea, but how could you say no to a mistress, especially one with whom you had to be extra polite to, in case she lashed out at you again. Lulie had no idea what had happened between Miss Wilmot and Miss Annersley, but she thought she’d better tread carefully, just in case. At this point in her thoughts, Miss Wilmot returned, bearing a jug of milk. She proceeded to make the tea, feeling as little like drinking it as Lulie did. She could see the girl’s thoughts written all over her face, though Lulie thought she was doing a good job of concealing them. Miss Wilmot was, on the whole, better at concealing her thoughts and so it was with a cheerful smile that she passed Lulie a cup, and offered her a biscuit from her little tin. Lulie refused the biscuit and concentrated on holding her cup without it rattling, as she was starting to shake a little. Taking a sip of her tea, Miss Wilmot decided to take the bull by the horns and begin to make her amends.
*****************
Off to make mince pies, cranberry pies, butteries, bangs head against wall and shouts "Bah Humbug!" very loudly  ;)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by xanthe on Dec 22nd, 2003, 9:50am
*giggling* Thank you Lulie  ;D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Lesley on Dec 22nd, 2003, 10:30am
Thank you Scrooge McLulie! Know exactly how you feel! ;D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Vikki on Dec 22nd, 2003, 11:26am
*huggles Lulie*
Thank you honey! :-*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Chloe on Dec 22nd, 2003, 12:42pm
Thank you Lulie  :)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 22nd, 2003, 6:16pm
Thank-you Lulie.

What are butteries?

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 22nd, 2003, 7:43pm

on 12/22/03 at 18:16:53, Carolyn P wrote:
Thank-you Lulie.

What are butteries?


Butteries are an Aberdonian breakfast speciality. They're a teensy bit like croissants, but much less greasy and rich and much much nicer! They're made of a simple dough, to which you roll in butter and roll in butter and then cut into little triangles, bake and enjoy warm, spread with butter. (That's a very simplified description) We always have them at Christmas, and if i had my way we'd have them for every festival going.  ;D

I am still writing, but I'm taking my time so I get it right. I don't want it all to be too easy, or to sound too contrived. The baking is finished, and if I haven't made it we aren't having it! I have to be at Marks and Spencer for 8am tomorrow, to grab the best of the best, lol. Therefore an early night is called for. I'm hoping to post another installment before that early night, but apologies if I don't.

Lots of Love,
Scrooge McLulie (thanks for that, Lesley  ;))

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Polly1 on Dec 22nd, 2003, 7:45pm
*Huge grin* Thanx Lulie!
Of course you can join in the trampolining Vikki, if you stillwant to! Had to do the family thing last night, so only just got back to the message. I 'borrowed' it from school for the holidays, as I decided that they wouldn't mind it being used in cyberspace, so it is huge and extra-bouncy! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!
*Turns somersault*   8oo   8oo

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LauraT on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:13pm
There are two trampolines hiding in our spare room ready for Christmas day....theyre availiable for bouncing on though!  :D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:36pm
‘Listen, Lulie, about the other day. I cannot even begin to say how sorry I am. I know there is absolutely no excuse for the way I behaved, none whatsoever. To be honest, I think you just got in the wrong place at the wrong time,’ Nancy looked Lulie straight in the eye; Lulie was sat staring at Nancy, looking rather stunned. An apology was the last thing she had expected. Now it seemed she was going to get an explanation as well. ‘I’ve never agreed with taking a girl who is of a non-Christian religion, for various reasons which I won’t go into now, (*see earlier in the drabble – Nancy explains in the staff meeting*) but it was never anything personal against you. There are many in the school who value the Christian ethos and they don’t like to see that change, as it appears that it is going to.’
‘Is it?’ asked Lulie, wondering, with a sinking feeling if Con’s plan was to be put into action. Nancy could have slapped herself. She had forgotten that only the staff and the Board knew about the prospective changes. Having gone so far, she decided to trust Lulie’s sense of honour and explain to Miss Annersley later. ‘Miss Annersley has consulted with the staff and the result is that she has appointed somebody to come and give the Seniors lectures on various religions, in place of their Scripture lessons.’
‘Oh, Lor’,’ said Lulie, dismally, ‘It’s Uncle Philip, isn’t it? That’s why he’s been hanging around the school since I came back,’
‘Yes, it’s your uncle.’ Nancy tried not to smile at the expression on the girl’s face, a mixture of abject horror and despair, mingled with a little pride. ‘But before these changes could be put into place the Chalet School Board had to be consulted, and they agreed that the staff should have some say in the matter also. I, as I’ve said before, wasn’t in wholehearted agreement with these changes and have had some difficulty in adapting to them. The upshot is that when you came upon me in your form room the other night, things had more or less come to a head, and really your appearing in that room was the icing on the cake for me. I know I should never have spoken to you in that way, and I deeply regret it now. I can only apologise and ask that we start again. I know we’ll have to agree to disagree over certain matters, but as they’ll never come into our day to day dealings with each other, it shouldn’t be too difficult to do that.’
Nancy stopped speaking and eyed Lulie thoughtfully. There had never been a girl like her at the school, in Nancy’s opinion. She had an exceptionally mature way of speaking with adults, even more so than Mary Lou, which made people forget she was just a schoolgirl. They would speak to her on equal terms, and only realise when she had gone. This was to happen to Nancy, though at present she was waiting to see what Lulie’s reaction was to her apology.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:45pm
Lulie herself felt rather flustered. She may behave in rather a mature manner, but inside she was still very much a sixteen-year-old girl, albeit a very ‘old’ sixteen. She knew that accepting Nancy’s apology was the only thing to do, though she felt like telling the mistress exactly what she thought of her. Knowing that this would put her in the wrong, she held her tongue and smiled graciously. ‘I really don’t know what to say to all that, Miss Wilmot, other than thank you for being so open with me, and I accept your apology,’
‘I shall tell Miss Annersley about our conversation,’ said Nancy, ‘So she knows where events stand. There’s the rising bell, I’d better let you go. I’ll see you later this morning,’ She felt relieved that she had literally been saved by the bell, as she didn’t know what to say or do next.
‘Goodbye Miss Wilmot,’ replied Lulie, rising with great dignity. Leaving Miss Wilmot to dress, she went downstairs to the common room, to await the others.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Chloe on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:46pm
*applaudes*

Thank you Lulie i loved her expression when she headr it would be her uncle :)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Lesley on Dec 22nd, 2003, 9:17pm
Thank you Lulie - glad that Nancy was so honest.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Rachael on Dec 22nd, 2003, 10:07pm
Brilliant posts, Lulie - thanks!

Very pleased that Nancy found it in herself to apologise genuinely ...

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Pat on Dec 22nd, 2003, 10:17pm
that must have been very hard for both of them.  Also hard to write.  Thanks Lulie.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Vikki on Dec 22nd, 2003, 10:45pm
Thank you Lulie! That was beautifully written! I'm glad Nancy had the decency to apologise! She is a fair way to redeeming herself!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 22nd, 2003, 10:54pm
Thank you LulieCat!  *much relieved*  *wondering how Nancy & Lulie will be interacting in future - intrigued by the hint you left about her ML-likeness and what it would lead to...*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 22nd, 2003, 11:40pm
Thank you Lulie, that was very well done, and I am so pleased that Nancy made that full apology.
I can understand Lulie wanting to tell her what she thought though ;D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 23rd, 2003, 4:27am
Lulie, that was an excellent characterisation. I'm glad that, although she behaved like an adult, she still had childish feelings. And thank you for making Nancy big enough to apologise. Wonderful writing!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Polly1 on Dec 23rd, 2003, 8:35am
Lulie, that was brilliant! I am glad that Nancy apologised herself without any pressure - much more genuine! ;D
*Bounces happily at thought of teacher redeeming herself so well! 8oo 8oo*

Have discovered that I can't spell at this time in the morning as well!!! :-[ (Twice!!!)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by xanthe on Dec 23rd, 2003, 11:18am
*applauds wildly*

Thank you Lulie  ;D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 23rd, 2003, 8:38pm
*wonders if it's time to chant*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by xanthe on Dec 23rd, 2003, 8:40pm
*thinks it is definitely time to chant and promptly does so*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 23rd, 2003, 8:53pm
*joins in eagerly*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Polly1 on Dec 23rd, 2003, 8:59pm
What are you chanting, and can anyone join in? ;D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by xanthe on Dec 23rd, 2003, 9:05pm
We are chanting for "more"...

*proposes that the chant can be sung to whatever tune one wishes, like the Hogwaarts school song*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 23rd, 2003, 9:07pm
*agrees that this is a sensible suggestion*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Lesley on Dec 23rd, 2003, 9:27pm
*Thought we were doing that anyway!*

Love this Lulie - more please!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 23rd, 2003, 10:21pm
*blushes with all the praise*

I'm so glad you are enjoying this. I'm quickly posting to say that I can't guarantee more before Christmas  :( Christmas Eve tends to be a busy day for me, so I'll post if i can.

*hands round gobstoppers and jelly babies to quieten the chanting*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by xanthe on Dec 23rd, 2003, 10:24pm
*has just cleaned her teeth and thus declines politely*

don't worry about being too busy to post - the wait might give us all pretty faces... or something  :)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Rachael on Dec 23rd, 2003, 10:46pm
*resigns self to waiting but can't resist from pointing out that it's not quite Xmas Eve yet over here in the UK*  ;D

*remaining hopeful*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Kathy_S on Dec 24th, 2003, 2:45am
Thanks Lulie for leaving things at a hopeful stage over Christmas.

(Back next week.)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Vikki on Dec 24th, 2003, 5:50am
*hopes things go smoothly for Lulie today! (and not just so she has time to post!!)* ;)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 8:46am
*hopes Lulie (and everyone else) enjoy(s) Christmas*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Polly1 on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:27am
Suggestion:  Chant 'More' to tune of 'We Wish You A Merry Xmas' - v jolly and seasonal! ;D
*clears throat and begins to chant with gusto!! ;D*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 10:01am
*gags for drink when throat dries out half-way through*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Vikki on Dec 24th, 2003, 5:38pm
*produces tray of assorted drinks and offers KB her choice!* ;)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Polly1 on Dec 24th, 2003, 8:40pm
The brandy is really very good, especially for warming the vocal chords!!! ;D Purely for medicinal purposes, of course! ::)
*Tries to look very innocent*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Vikki on Dec 24th, 2003, 8:44pm
Sorry Polly, but all the drinks on my tray are strictly non alcoholic!! ;)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Polly1 on Dec 24th, 2003, 8:49pm
OK...............
*Shuffles off embarrassed!  :-[*















*Shamefacedly admits that coffee would be far more soothing, as would a nice large glass of orange juice :D*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:14pm

on 12/24/03 at 17:38:20, Vikki wrote:
*produces tray of assorted drinks and offers KB her choice!* ;)


*thanks Vikki and takes an iced chocolate*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Susan on Dec 28th, 2003, 5:31pm
Lulie have just caught up with this from mid-November.  It is really good.  I ahve really enjoyed what you have writtten so far.  Thank you.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Angel on Dec 28th, 2003, 5:44pm
We'd wish you a merry Christmas...

Sad tidings we bring, to you and your kin
The story's not updated, but a happy new year

We'd wish you a merry Christmas...

So bring us some fresh cut story
So bring us some fresh cut story
So bring us some fresh cut story
And lay it out here

We won't go until we've got some

And we'll love you forever
not stop lovin' you ever
We think you're so special
And have a happy new year...

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LauraT on Dec 28th, 2003, 7:59pm
Oooh good song  :D But we still havent got any more story! *hint, hint!*


Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 28th, 2003, 8:00pm
Oh gosh, I have my own CBB Christmas Carol!!!!!! *blushes and prepares speech*
*realises nobody wants to hear speech and scraps it*

Well, I'll post the absolutely minute amount that I managed to write and rush off to write more. I didn't get much time to spend on the computer, thanks to one thing and another. Here's hoping that I can make up for it, now that everybody has gone.
****************************

Lulie stood facing Uncle Philip. She had come to tea with him, accompanied by Con, Ricki and Odette. Her three friends had gone to await their lift home, but Uncle Philip had requested that Lulie stay behind for a few minutes. All four girls assumed that he wanted to say goodbye to Lulie alone, and thought nothing more of it. Uncle Philip had politely said goodbye to his niece’s three friends and stood looking out of the window until the door was shut.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LauraT on Dec 28th, 2003, 8:14pm
Yay!!! But is there any more?! Sorry, we're never satisfied are we?!  :-[  :D  :-*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 8:18pm
*huggles Lulie and hopes the writing is going well!* :-*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Angel on Dec 28th, 2003, 8:24pm
I can filk other songs, you know.

Requests taken, especially if it leads to more story...

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Dec 28th, 2003, 8:38pm
Oh any song that you think suits me, Angel. I'm easily pleased! Here's some more to encourage you...
***********
Lulie stood, a feeling of foreboding growing, while Uncle Philip seemed more interested in the view over the Platz. Finally he turned round. Lulie quaked when she saw the look in his eyes. It was one that she hadn’t seen since Lev had split water all over some rare documents when they were eleven. ‘Oh help, what have I done now?’ she wondered, trying to stop her knees shaking. ‘Miss Annersley tells me that you have received an apology from your mistress,’ said Uncle Philip, eventually, in a rather deeper voice than usual. ‘Yes, the day before yesterday,’ replied Lulie, ‘Everything’s OK…I mean, all right now,’
‘Is it?’ The words dropped into the silence like stones into a pond. Lulie couldn’t help shivering, but tried to hide it behind a façade of cheeriness, ‘Oh, yes. I had maths yesterday and Miss Wilmot was fine. She treated me just like she used to before all this happened. I’m really enjoying school now. I’m glad you let me stay there after Mama d…passed over,’
‘I don’t think it’s fine at all. It is a situation that never should have happened and what your mother was thinking allowing you to go to such a school is beyond me!’ Uncle Philip exploded finally, and Lulie drew back slightly under the force of his anger. She did, as had been mentioned before, have a temper of her own, and his words awoke it deep inside her. She assumed that strangely adult manner that had impressed some of the staff of the school and replied coldly, ‘Perhaps it shouldn’t have happened, but it did. I’ve managed to work through it, and as I’ve just said, I enjoy school now, and would like to stay here. It would make life much easier for you, as Mama only consented to my going to the Chalet School because you refused point blank to allow me to live with you at home. If it had taken boys she’d probably have sent Lachie and Lev there as well, to save you any trouble. Wherever I went to school I would encounter problems, and they have been much more supportive here about my religion than they were at my schools in England.’
Lulie’s voice tailed off. Uncle Philip looked as if he were about to hit her. He made a deep growling noise in his throat and turned on his heel, ‘Stay if you like, but if anything like this happens again, don’t come running to me,’
Lulie stared at his erect back for a moment, astounded. She had been most abominably rude and he’d let it go! What she didn’t think of was that she had been right, and Uncle Philip knew it. He said nothing more, so after a rather lengthy pause Lulie said ‘Goodbye then, I’ll see you at Yule,’ and quickly left the room.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Angel on Dec 28th, 2003, 8:43pm
O little world of Chalet School
How still we see thee lie
New postings now from Luliecat
Brings about contented sigh
Yet in the dark threads shineth
An everlasting sight
A deep desire for threads afire
With story here tonight.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:10pm
Nice one, Angel.  You're getting very poetical recently.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:54pm
Great - more story, thanks Lulie.
Nice rhymes Angel

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:25pm
Lulie, I'm very glad to see that your central character (naming her could create all sorts of confusion) has such a fiery spirit! Good on her for making her point!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:29pm
Glad to see more story Lulie, and looking forward to more. Uncle Phillip is very unbending isn't he, look forward to seeing more of him.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:36pm
Thank you for more story Lulie!! :-*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Chloe on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:43pm
*applaudes*

Thank you Lulie!  :)

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:48pm
Thank you, LulieCat!  

*would quite have liked to have seen the maths lesson in question - wonder whether LulieCat might be persuaded to go back and fill it in  ::)*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Lesley on Today at 12:27am
Thank you Lulie - looking forward to more soon!

Hope you had a good Yule holiday!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Carolyn P on Today at 12:37am
Does the date of Yule change, or is it always the same? 22nd Dec is in my mind for some reason. Whenever, hope you had a good one.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Today at 4:08am
*starts a chant, as no one else seems to have*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Polly1 on Today at 8:13am
*Joins in chant, and also hopes that Angel will come up with more carols soon!*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Jennie on Today at 8:32am
I don't suppose we could call this a cliff-hanger, so why does it feel as though it is?

Polite request for more from Jennie.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by KB on Today at 8:32am
*feels obliged to point out that my chant was actually directed more at Lulie* :-/

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Today at 12:00pm
*succumbs to chants!*
Carolyn, the date of Yule doesn't usually change, it's on the shortest day of the year, usually 22nd Dec, though it is sometimes 21st - it depends on what the moon and sun feel like doing!
*******************
Outside Lulie paused, an awful thought striking her. There wasn’t long before the end of term, and in January Uncle Philip was coming out here to give his lectures. How on earth would he behave with Miss Wilmot in the staff room? She had heard enough from Con to realise that the staff of the Chalet School were free and easygoing when not ‘on duty’. If there was antagonism in the staff room, it was bound to come out into the rest of the school. Past events had shown that. Resolving to have a quiet word with Con as soon as she could, Lulie shook herself and ran down the corridor to the hotel’s main entrance, where the others were waiting with Dr. Graves for their lift back to school.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by xanthe on Today at 12:09pm
thank you Lulie  ;D

*starts to chant again immediately, so Lulie will succumb asap*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Today at 12:53pm
*takes anti-chant pills for immunity, so lots and lots can be written before next posting*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by xanthe on Today at 12:56pm
*doesn't mind waiting so much if it means we get lots and lots*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Lesley on Today at 2:05pm
Thank you Lulie!

*Sprays chanting lotion into the air - new on market and not affected by anti-chant tablets - this is the chanting equivalent of Multi Resistant bacteria!!!*

More please!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Jennie on Today at 2:43pm
The plot thickens! Glad that you're adding a new dimension to this, Lulie. When may we expect some more?

Coo, aren't I being polite today?

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Esmeralda on Today at 2:54pm
Oh thanks Lulie, hope to see lots more soon, especially when Uncle Phillip gets in the staff room.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Susan on Today at 3:00pm
Thank you Lulie.

Hope you are getting some writing done today.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Vikki on Today at 4:27pm
Lulie, I hope you're getting lots written!! ;) :-*
You've well and truly whetted our appetites!!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Polly1 on Today at 6:02pm
Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please!Please! can we have some more!
Thank you! ;D

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Today at 8:02pm
*is smothered under the weight of all Polly's pleases*
**************
It had now become tradition in the Chalet School that the last two weeks before the Christmas play were more or less given up to rehearsals. Lulie, of course, wasn’t a part of it, but she was quite happy to give a hand with the costumes, and she was to be in charge of the front of house team. There was no point in complaining about something that couldn’t be. Sitting in the sewing room, mindlessly stitching paper feathers to the angel’s wings, gave Lulie plenty of time to think. Other girls from the fifths and sixths came to help as they were freed from play and carol rehearsals, and they chatted about various topics that were dear to a schoolgirl’s heart. Lulie joined in and waited for the moment she had been wanting. Finally it came. Lulie finished the last pair of wings with a sigh of relief and turned to the next job of pinning together the costumes of the wise men. She was hard at it when the Maynard triplets stuck their heads round the door. ‘Anything we can do to help?’ asked Con.
‘Lots,’ replied Lulie, ‘the wise men robes need pinning together and then sewing. Frau Mieders has given us permission to use the sewing machines. She thinks that we are skilled enough to manage them alone!’
Len and Con grinned at this, as they came to help. Margot demanded to know what the joke was. ‘It was in our last Dommy Sci lesson,’ began Len, ‘We were making up the baby frocks that we’ve embroidered for the parish in Innsbruck and Frau Mieders decided to allow us to use the machines, as a practice you know? Anyway, most if us were fine, if a little wonky, but when Frau Mieders came round to inspect, she discovered that Ros had accidentally sewn her sleeve into the neck!’ Margot shrieked at this, joined by the others giggles as they remembered the horror of the mistress and the look on Rosamund’s face when she realised what she had done. This lightened the atmosphere in the room, which had been rather fraught over the last few days as the date of the dress rehearsal drew closer.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Today at 8:04pm
Even though the school had a well-stocked wardrobe, a lot of the costumes in it were old and well used. It had been discovered that this year many of the older costumes were too old to be used another time and new ones must be made, hence the extra work involved. The four girls worked industriously, deciding to pin all of the costumes that needed it, and have a ‘big sewing marathon’ at the end, as Margot phrased it. Len and Margot were called away quite soon, to an extra soloists rehearsal, leaving the other two to get on. They worked in silence for a while, broken only by requests for pins and comments related to their work. Finally, with most of the pinning done, Lulie sat back on her heels and rubbed the bottom of her back, where she had been bent over.  ‘Con,’ she said, ‘Can I ask you something?’
‘’Course,’ replied Con, still leaning over her work. She looked up when Lulie didn’t respond immediately and sat up when she saw the look on her friend’s face. ‘What’s up, Lulie?’
‘Oh, I’m sure I’m making a mountain out of a molehill, but it all feels so…so…messy,’
Con put down the pins that she was holding and looked sympathetically at her friend, ‘What is it? Come on, if you tell me I may be able to help. Somebody hasn’t been bullying you again, have they?’
‘No, not exactly. It’s more of a what happens next kind of problem,’
Con frowned, not quite understanding what Lulie meant. Lulie sighed and explained to Con the trouble she’d had with Miss Wilmot, the way it was resolved and Uncle Philip’s comments at the hotel. ‘And what I’m really worried about is the way that he might react when he comes here next year,’ finished Lulie, with a sigh fetched up from her boots.
‘Comes here next year? What do you mean?’
Lulie had forgotten that Miss Annersley had told her not to tell anybody of the arrangements that had been made with Uncle Philip, and said as much. ‘Don’t worry,’ said Con, kindly, ‘I won’t say anything, not even to Len and Margot. Auntie Hilda sometimes tells us things out of term time, and we never tell anybody. Anyway, after all you’ve told me, it is a bit of a drop in the ocean. I did wonder what you’d done to upset Miss Wilmot,  she seemed so snarky with you in maths, but I put it down to her feeling ill or something. She’s all right now, isn’t she?’
‘Yes, but it doesn’t solve the problem of next term,’ replied Lulie glumly. Con thought about it for a moment. ‘Really, I don’t think that there’s anything you can do about it now. Why don’t you wait until next term and see if anything happens then. Or talk to your uncle during the hols, if he’ll listen.’
Lulie looked unconvinced, but as the bell rang for Kaffee und Kuchen just then, there wasn’t a lot that she could say or do, other than follow Con’s example and put her things away.

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by LulieCat on Today at 8:12pm
The Christmas play was its usual success, and the girls spent the remainder of the term packing, tidying and preparing for the Spot Supper. Lulie, as a new girl had to give a speech, but she had been warned well in advance and had contrived to persuade Con to help her write it. Con had refused to do it for her, but had looked at Lulie’s efforts and made valuable suggestions until the two girls had a speech that Lulie was happy with reciting, and that Con promised wouldn’t mean immediate expulsion!
***************************
*goes off to find something to prevent the effects of chants and chanting lotion*
*ends up at the end of the rainbow, where there is no pot of gold, but a litter of baby plot bunnies*
*runs away screaming*

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Chloe on Today at 8:13pm
*applaudes*

Thank you Lulie!

Title: Re: cs and a pagan
Post by Angel on Today at 8:14pm
God rest you merry, luliecat
May nothing you dismay,
Thank you for all the drabble
you've given us today
We're really grateful for your work
And all remains to say
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
when in typing tales you're employed



The Chaletian Bulletin Board » Powered by YaBB 1 Gold - SP 1.1!
YaBB © 2000-2002,
Xnull. All Rights Reserved.