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        Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >>  Felicity as Head girl
        
(Message started by: Marianne on Jul 20th, 2003, 3:03pm)
Title: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Jul 20th, 2003, 3:03pm
'Good Bye! Good Bye!' shoutedthe younger Maynards waving franctcally asfter the last of the departing visitors. They had had a long glorious summer and had ben decended upon by Len, Reg and their two children as well as Con and Roger Margot and all the boys. Now only Phil, Cecil and Felicity remained at home.
The goodbyes had been emoitionally draining for Joey and so she retired to the salon with her husband where they sat, sipping coffee,
'Oh Jack, we are so lucky our children are happy but our youngest are now naughty middles, soon we will be left without any babes at home. Being a Grandma to young Harriet and baby Joshua is wonderful but Len and her babes must have their own life.' Joey paused, staring at her husbands face, looking for a response, 'Jack i want to adopt a child.' she continued firmly.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ariella on Jul 20th, 2003, 3:23pm
"I wondered how long before you mentioned that" replied Jack, gazing fondly at his Jo. "I watched you with Len's two and know how much you miss babies of your own. I half hoped you would be happy playing grandma but I can see that you want more. Even Marie-Claire is growing up so quickly now". Jo smiled happily, thankful that Jack knew her so well and knowing he would support her even in this.

"Mamma, any last minute advice" cried Felicity as she gathered up a stray hair ribbon that she had accidentally left in the room her parents now sat in. Tomorrow would see the beginning of a new term and would mark Felicity's first day as Head Girl at the Chalet School. A position that Jo had held herself many years before, and one that Felicity's eldest sister had also held.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Jul 20th, 2003, 5:57pm
'Just be yourself darling, lead in the way you think is best!' said Joey gently, after going to see her three youngest girls off.
'Good bye Phil, see you soon, and be good!' said Joey kissing her youngest child on the top of her head.'
'Bye Cecil, i will see you soon, i'm planning to bring you all around for tea in a couple of weeks.'
The three left the hous together, chatting amiably an Joey and Jack calld 'Bye!' for the last time.
'Thats all the goodbyes thank goodness, i'm worn out!' declared Jo, ignoring the anxious look from her doting husband, 'Oh, i'm alright Jack!' she finished.
'I know honey, i have to get back to the san now.' said Jack, who was a busy Doctor.
'Yes, i know, grab your bag and i can see you off.' ack did as he was bade, as hewent to leave Joey caught his arm, 'Jack, are you sure Phil will be alright, leaving the Annex?' questioned Jo anxiously.
'Yes, she's much stronger now, she'll be better off at the school. Try not to worry so muh Jo, and take a nap this noon, you look exhausted!' And with that Jack hurried out oth the house, leaving Jo completely alone.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ariella on Jul 21st, 2003, 12:24am
Felicity was quickly gathered up by her good friends Lucy Peters and Jean Morris. Both girls were anxious to find out when the first prefects meeting would be and if anyone knew who the knew geography mistress would be now that Miss Moore had left them at the end of the previous term. Cecil, with a last reminder from Felicity to take care of young Phil, proceeded to try and find someone who could sheepdog her sister.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ariella on Jul 21st, 2003, 9:35am
"It does seem strange to be prees" commented Jean as she talked with Felicty. "I know you were one last term, and the two Susans were both subs but for the rest of us it will be new".

"Well even then, I never expected to be Head girl. At least for another term at any rate. Lysbett's father decided she should have the year at Millies though. Rosemary Wilson might have replaced her if it hadn't been for that accident at the end of last term."

The two girls were silent for a moment as they remember the event that had concluded the end of the previous term. Rosemary's parents had been on their way to see their daughter playing the lead in the school pantemonine. Mr Wilson had fallen asleep at the wheel and crashed into a tree killing himself instantly and badly injurying his wife. Rosemary had decided that rather than return to school she would help her aunt look after her younger brothers while her mother continued to recover.

"Flick!" Felicity looked up at the sound of the nickname only her closest friends dared use. What looked like a pile of walking books came toward the two girls and eventually Lucy Peters emerged from underneath them. "Just look what we've been given!" Lucy exclaimed excitedly.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ariella on Jul 21st, 2003, 9:48am
"Remember Dr Benson, the one who was here a few years ago teaching?" asked Lucy.

"Ass!" cried Felicty before she remembered that she had better be careful her language wasn't overheard. "Of course I remember her, she lived with us for years! What about her?"

"Several parcels just arrived from her filled with books for our library. Miss Dene caught me on the way over and asked if I could carry some of the books across and find help for the rest."

"How decent of her" cried Jean and Felicity at once. "What have we got? I suppose it's all serious like her works is it?" asked Felicity. There was good cause for this question considering Dr Benson's background, however on this occasion she had outdone herself providing a selection of fiction as well as a variety of other non-fiction books.

The three girls stopped and looked quickly at the books Lucy carried before Felicty and Jean raced off towards Miss Dene's office to help with the rest of the parcels. Most of the school still hadn't arrived yet and it was only those girls who lived locally who had come up early to help with last minute arrangements.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Jul 21st, 2003, 11:09am
eek!  ariella, you killed someone just to let a maynard be HG?  :)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ariella on Jul 21st, 2003, 11:40am
Sometimes ....... you have to do what you have to do. Besides, he was the one who fell asleep while driving!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Jul 21st, 2003, 12:29pm
The excited girls grabbed a parcel from the office and huried it over to the library where the were awaited.
'Oh, thanks Felicity, thats a junior fiction box, you know how to do the pocket and tickets don't you!'
'Yes, course i do, where's the big red book?' asked the new Head girl refering to the book inwhich they recorded all the books in the library.
'Its here!' replied Miss O' Connor, a new English teacher who was in charge of the library.
Felicity opened the box, 'OOO, look!' squealed the headgirl in delight, 'She's sent us a compete set of Enid Blyton books, my young sister read them the whole time she was ill!' cried Felicity, talking openly for the first time about the days Phillipahad spent as an invalid at the san and then the Annex. The polio the child had caught as a baby had left her very frail and she had caught illness after illness until one day she went down with double pnuemonia and nearly died. Lucy Peters saw the shadow decend upon her friends face and touched her arm in solidarity, together they opened boxes, overed the books, registered them and filed them onto the shelves. The activity lasted them most of the morning and sudenly the bell rang,
'Goodness me!' exclaimed the librarian, 'You people had better go for eats, i'll finish up here!'
So the young ladies left, chattering happily in English.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ariella on Jul 21st, 2003, 1:33pm
"Thank heavens we can speak English today, I know you are a wiz at languages Flick but once German day comes around it's best I remain silent."

"Oh Jean!" exlaimed Felicity. "You've been here all your school days isn't it about time you decided to really get stuck in and learn German properly."

Jean's giggles at this statement show she bore no resentment at Felicity's remarks. Jean knew that it was Felicity and Lucy that were the studious members of their trio and she happily made do while paying most of her attention to games. With this ever present in her mind it was not long before she turned their discussion to who would form the schools tennis team that term.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Jul 21st, 2003, 2:43pm
'Oh i don't know, my young sister isn't bad but the Doc's wont have her exerting herself, i'd like to give Cecil a chance though! what do you think?' asked Felicity.
'Yes, she's not bad, also we must have Irene dempsy and Paula Smyth, and we can have some try outs later on, to see about the new girls,' replied Jean, the new games captain.
'when are we to have a prefects meeting?' asked Lucy, demanding the head girl for information.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ariella on Jul 22nd, 2003, 8:00am
"I thought tomorrow afternoon after classes were finished" began Felicity. "We only have the two classes tomorrow so I don't think that will be a problem. Anything we need before then we will just need to decide for ourselves".

The three girls were so busy talking and planning their first meeting that they failed at first to see the woman walking towards them.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Jul 22nd, 2003, 10:52am
'Marylou!' cried Felicity, rushing towards the women she regarded as a close family member, an aunt, 'What are you doig here?'
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ariella on Jul 22nd, 2003, 11:09am
"Felicity Maynard! How you have grown since I last saw you" exlaimed the newcomer grinning amicably. "Hi girls" she added to Lucy and Jean who stood in awe of the much famed visitor. "Well, I'm surprised your mother didn't give way and tell you about it, I'm glad she kept my secret so well. I'm to give a series of lectures to the seniors throughout the course of this term so you will be seeing a lot of me I'm sure."

Mary-Lou gave them a minute to digest this information. Truthfully she was partly at the Oberland to recover from a bad case of pneumonia she had caught through her travels and while she was recooperating the powers that be had decided that they would take advantage of her visit and encourage Mary-Lou to teach during this term. At first Mary-Lou had been hesitant, she had never meant to teach. Hilda Annersley had seen the wisdom in encouraging Mary-Lou to branch into this area so with help from Jo Maynard, they had come up with the idea of presenting lectures rather than "teaching".

"Splendid!" exclaimed Lucy, as Jean and Felicty made similar murmurings.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Jul 22nd, 2003, 11:29am
'Well, i am glad yu approve, i jst wonder if you will once you've had me for a couple of lessons!'
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ariella on Jul 22nd, 2003, 1:28pm
"Sure to" said Felicity with a grin, while Jean and Lucy showed they felt the same way. What they didn't realise yet is how unbearable the lectures would prove to be, for the moment though they believed they would be enjoyable.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Jul 22nd, 2003, 2:11pm
Who is going to have the nerve to kill ooaoml off I wonder. I have noticed a certain bloodthirst streak on these boards. Let me see now...

"Oh, but I've always wanted to hear you lecture" replied Lucy "You have been to some fascinating places and the things you have dug up always seem to have such interseting stories attached to them.Wasn't there a curse attached to that last dig you were on?"


Very tongue in cheek ;D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Clare on Jul 22nd, 2003, 4:18pm
"A curse? Oh yes, THAT dig" said Mary-Lou. "Well, it all depends on whether you believe in these things. I don't of course."
 Felicity looked at Mary-Lou, who seemed to be a bit uncomfortable with the topic. She turned to Lucy and frowned slightly. "Surely you don't believe in curses at your age? Why, in Mamma's time in school there were a number of girls who believed in witchcraft, but I never thought I'd see you professing a belief in curses!"
  Lucy had caught the meaning behind Felicity's frown and apologised to Mary-Lou. Later she intended to have a good long talk with her chum about the things that had happened when the pyramids were excavated in Egypt.
   Jean decided to jump into the awkward pause. "I'm surprised you didn't know Mary-Lou - oops, Miss Trelawney" she added with a wicked twinkle, "was coming here. Mrs Maynard must have been bursting to say something. Are you sure she didn't drop any hints? I mean she could be sitting at home now, groaning over how thick her daughter is". Jean danced out of the way as Felicity aimed a cushion at her.
   Mary-Lou smiled at their antics, but felt slightly alarmed. "I say, will I be expected to be Miss Trelawney all the time?" she asked.
   "Probably, if you're lecturing us" said Lucy.
   "But when you're not, we may be allowed to call you Mary-Lou when it's out of hours" added Felicity.
   Mary-Lou smiled faintly. "Well I'd better go and find out the answer to that. I'm sure you all have lots to do, being the top three prefects in the school." She waved at them and walked out of the room.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Jul 22nd, 2003, 7:49pm
Marylou headed down the corridor, all thoughts of curses having vacated her mind, but her firm lack of beleif in such things was just about to be challenged.

Suddenly, as Marylou was wandering towards the staffroom and ear peircing shreik rang through the echoey corridors causing Marylou to turn and sprint towards the source of the noise.

(i'm not intending to kill anyone! (so its ok!))
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Jul 22nd, 2003, 9:44pm
As Mary Lou ran she found her feet automaticaly gravitated towards the source of the noise, the middles common room! She stopped outside, took a firm hold of the handle, and thrust the door open to reveal...
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ariella on Jul 23rd, 2003, 12:50am
Cecil Maynard and Anthea Moser singing at the top of their lungs. They had been given the job of looking for a vase which Matron insisted she had last seen in the middles common room.
Anthea had returned to the school with several new records though and they had become sidetracked in their errand to listen to one. A less musical pair had never been seen in the school before in regard to their musical talent. Considering the schools long history this was saying volumes. What they lacked in talent though, both girls made up for in appreciation of music.

"What in the world -" began Mary-Lou as she entered the room. "Is that what you people call music these days? It sounded more like a banshee wail to me". Given the sound that had been emitting from the common room and into the corridors this description didn't fall far from its mark and both girls blushed at Mary-Lou's comment.

"Should you be in here now anyway Cecil?" asked Mary-Lou. Her eyes keenly assessing the pair before her.

"Matron asked us to fetch the vase" replied Cecil.

"Well perhaps now you've found it you should take it to her and leave the music until later".

Cecil was used to Mary-Lou for the young woman had been a frequent visitor to Freudheism throughout her life. Mary-Lou also featured in much of the schools unofficial history and her older sisters had added their own tales, including that Mary-Lou had always been much too on-the-spot.

Anthea Moser had only been at the Chalet School for one term and to her Mary-Lou was a new face. Being told off by staff and prefects was bad enough, but for a newcomer to be telling them what to do was the limit as far as she was concerned. As Mary-Lou went to turn off the music, Anthea pushed passed her and fought for the record to stay on. The vase she held in her hand brushed against Mary-Lou's arm and dropped to the floor shattered in hundreds of pieces.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Jul 23rd, 2003, 5:41pm
Cecil gasped in horror. Mary Lou turned and fixed Anthea with a withering look "And just what are you going to tell Matey?" she inquired. "None of your business" replied Anthea defiantly, although she was quaking at what Matey would say."Cecil get that box from the table, put the pieces in it and then you can both go and explain what has happened to the Vase. Oh, an you can come to the staff room after Matey has finished with you" she added turning to Anthea "and we will go into the little matter of your manners."
Having seen the vase pieces safetly picked up and the record put away Mary Lou turned on her heels and left the room, once more making for the staff room.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ariella on Jul 24th, 2003, 9:43am
"What kind of bats are flying around her belfrey anyway, and more to the point, who was THAT!" stormed Anthea. In full flight, Anthea was not someone who was easily placated although Cecil had proven to be one of the few who could get through to her.

"Anthea" said Cecil sighing heavily "That, was Mary-Lou Trelawney. An old girl of the school. Surely you've heard some of the legends about her! I suppose she must be teaching this term although Mamma never said a word. Now we both have Matey to deal with and you need to see Mary-lou and school proper hasn't even begun yet. I guess we shall have to make the best of it and hope Matey is lenient -" at this Cecil's statement drifted off as the unlikelihood of Matron being lenient struck her.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Sarah_G-G on Jul 24th, 2003, 9:52am
"What!" Anteah yelped. "Why didn't you tell me? I thought it was just some busy-body poking their nose in. You could have wamed me!" she ended with an accusing glare.
"How could I?"Cecil said reasonably."You didn't really give me a chance, especially with Mary-Lou standing right in front of us. What did you expect me to do? Interrupt her in order to make introductions? I can just see how much would be left of me after I'd tried that on!"
Anthea sighed, not particularly appeased. "You could have tried," she said sulkily."Anyway, we'd better go and report to Matey before anyone else comes and catches us here."
The two of them collected the pieces of the broken vase and walked dismally through the corridors to Matey's room.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ariella on Jul 24th, 2003, 10:03am
"Did you find it?" asked Matron Lloyd as she caught sight of the two girls approaching her. Before they could reply she had spotted the box of broken fragments in Anthea's hands and frowned sternly. "I see you met with an accident."

"Sorry Matron. I knocked the vase accidentally and it fell to the ground" said Anthea apologetically.

"I see" replied Matron in cutting tones. "Please try to be more careful in future, it isn't as though you were in a junior form. I think perhaps you should both go and see if Miss Burnett needs any help."

Cecil and Anthea fled before Matron could say anything else and went to find Miss Burnett. Soon they were happily running errands for Miss Burnett the vase forgotten for the moment. Anthea knew that she had been told to report to Mary-lou as soon as Matron had finished with her, however she didn't want to obey matrons directive either and hoped Mary-lou would be understanding when they met again.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Jul 25th, 2003, 3:53pm
This story is beginning to appear more about ooaoml rather than Felicity, what is it about that girl. Lets see...

Mary Lou waited a while and then when it was obvious that Anthea was not returning to see her decided to track her down and find out why. On her travels she came across Felicity again and asked her what kind of friends young Cecil was now cultivating. On hearing the question Felicity gave a huge sigh, "Let me guess you met Anthea, one of our brighter sparks, or she could be if she would give her mind to legitimate persuits. The trouble is she drags Cecil into all kinds of trouble and I'm then left with the problem of having to rebuke my own sister."
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ally on Jul 25th, 2003, 4:35pm
'Ah the problems of being an older sibling' said Mary-Lou with a smile, 'but isn't Cecil nearly 16, surely she is old enough to make her own decisions about friends'

'She's not 16 until Easter' replied Felicity with an elderly sigh, 'And she's definately not the type to be lead, but that's half the problem.  She thinks of the mischief and does it with bells on! and she should know better!'

'Woorgh there girl', you nearly blew me away!, Well she should be growing out of it' said Mary-Lou determined to sort out the younger Maynard, 'She'll have to start growing up some time'
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Jul 25th, 2003, 7:43pm
<oh no - please don't make ooaoml's lectures boring - i can't take it!  anything else, but not that!!>  (irrationally strong reaction)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Jul 26th, 2003, 3:51pm
Felicity walked slowly back to the prefects room. First day and her sister had already managed to cross Mary - Lou. What was going to happen during the rest of the term. She knew that Cecil was fed up of being compared to the rest of the family, sisters, cousins and various 'hangers on' as she put it. She remembered Cecil shouting at her in a temper a few weeks before "but I don't want to be another perfect Maynard, I'm me!" Felicity had not been sure what she meant at the time, but thinking about it now she began to get an idea of what Cecil was feeling. How to help was however beyond her at this moment so she put it resolutly to the back of her mind and picked up the duty lists she had to prepare.
     
She was not destined to get much farther with them though. The other prefects came tumbling through the door in a body, grinning from ear to ear. "You'll never guess what is going to happen next weekend" said Susan. "Miss Dene has just posted a notice saying..."
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Jul 27th, 2003, 5:50pm
'...that <arylou, an old gil is gong to give a lecture on her interesting life, pre-school, at the chalet school, pst school and her hopes and dreams for the future!'
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ally on Jul 28th, 2003, 7:49pm
'Oh how ghastly' cried a clear voice that carried like a bell, 'Why do we want to know about HER, can't we get on with our own lives'

Felicity, and most others turned around with shock to find the perpetrator of this comment against Mary-Lou, and saw a girl of about 14, with bright red hair, twinkling grey eyes and with an impish look about her if she ever saw one.

'Well I won't be going to them, that's for sure' and with this Miss Georgiana de Ste Croix walked proudly off - though she wasn't that sure where she was going.

*please let this girl be quite decent, if a little mischevious, but just does not get the point of Mary-Lou, and dare I say it be a faillure for her because she can't get under her skin, but someone else (Felicity probably) sorts her out*
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Jul 28th, 2003, 10:16pm
To her dismay, she collided with the diminutive Miss Ferrars, who had just arrived back from a weekend away in Berne with her close friend Nancy Wilmot.   (:P)  Taking in the situation at a glance, Kathy halted the girl with a firm "Now, Georgiana!"  

Thinking swiftly back to the time when she had herself misunderstood Mary-Lou, the mistress continued, "Surely your form mates have told you about Mary Lou?  She was one of the best Head Girls the Chalet School has ever had - almost as good as Mrs Maynard herself.  And she added dozens of legends to the school annals.  Her lectures are bound to be fascinating - you can't miss them."

Georgiana had the sense not to answer back to a mistress, but she privately pulled a hideous face as she walked away from Miss Ferrars.  "Mary-Lou, Mrs Maynard - they make me simply sick!"
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Jul 28th, 2003, 10:56pm
Gergina wandered back to her common room feeling fed up. This school seemed to biased toward certain families and their hangers on, even when they had left the school. She couldn't see what was different about these people, after all even the head was at pains to teach them that all were equal before God, and yet they acted so differently. Everyone knew Felicity was going to be head girl and that any girl whose father worked at the san would be a prefect, why?
Georgina liked the school, she had friends, did well at her lessons and enjoyed them, played hard at games and loved the walks and trips that were an important aspet of school life, she  was a guide and enthusiastic about the hobbies club were she collected and dressed dolls from different countries and different periods. The only resevation she had was this strange obsession the schoolhad with certain families.
She didn't yet know, but this feeling was to grow over the course of the term and she would find an allies in the place she would least expect it, the Maynard family itself.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Rachael P on Jul 29th, 2003, 9:31am
(I love the turn this story is taking, especially the Georgina character - more, please ....)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Jul 29th, 2003, 7:32pm
The middles common room was packed full of individuals excitedly discussingthe arrival of Marylou, Georgiana grimanced as she heard their positive chatter,she felt sure she was going to find no allies there. Nevertheless the brave french girl marched stoically to the little corner where here best freinds stood and she suddenly realised one of her favourite chums had befriended Phillipa Maynard.
'Oh hallo, Georgy, look who's here, Phil Maynard, she's just come down from the annex!' cried Georgiana's best friend Stephanie f*ge, agirl unconnected to any large Chaletian family.
'Hi Steph, um...Hi Phillipa.' replied Georgiana in a tone tat was obviously depressed. Young Philipa noticed, having inherited her mothers capacity for understanding other people.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ally on Jul 29th, 2003, 10:08pm
However, Phil had enough tact not to ask Georgiana what was wrong, but inwardly she was seething at Stephanie, it didn't matter how many times she had told her that she hated Georgy, she was still called it.  Her name was Georgiana, and it had been that Mrs Maynard who had renamed her, without even asking!!!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Jul 29th, 2003, 11:15pm
By bed time that evening Georgina was trying hard to hide her upset. Stephanie had always been a good friend, and while Phil seemed like someone who under different circumstances she would have been good friends with, this was the very girl whose mother had given her that name. Stephanie  obviously wanted to welcome Phil into their little coutrie (Spelling??) but Georgina just froze when she thought about it. "This is going to be a hard term" thought Georgina with a heavy heart as she knelt for prayers.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ariella on Jul 30th, 2003, 10:21am
(if Felicity is about 17/18 as i'm assuming for this; what would be the age of Cecil and Phil? I thought Phil would still be fairly young ...... although given EBD's I guess that doesn't matter)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Jul 30th, 2003, 1:23pm
I just placed her around 13/14!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ally on Jul 30th, 2003, 3:06pm
If his is is Christmas term of Felicity's last year:

1 Felicity would be 18 already
2 Cecil would be 15 (16 the following April)
3 Phil would be 13

Hope this helps (also don't want to nit pick but her name is Georgiana - NOT Georgina, she's sulking in the corner at the mo, and refuses to be written about!  ;) )
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ariella on Jul 31st, 2003, 10:44am
The first week of term passed swiftly as the girls readjusted to school life. Mary-Lou's lecture had passed smoothly and while Georgiana had sulked about attending her friends had sat heavily on her initial ideas of causing trouble. They were of the opinion that it was far too early in the term to have the prees giving them their attention so were quiet for the moment.

Surprisingly there had been no new arrivals that term other than Phil Maynards return to the school proper. Her frail health over the years had meant that Phil had experienced constant supervision and been heavily moderated in her movements. Now that she was showing herself to be healthier she was given more freedom and her form mates were finding that Phil was eager to make up for lost time in the way of mischief.

Georgiana had quickly realised that while Phil might be from the family she detested, she was very different to her older sisters.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Jul 31st, 2003, 5:17pm
The day soon came when Geogiana realised she loved being frineds with Phil Maynard, they had such fun, together they played numerous pranks on teachers and lived life to the full.  

One windy November night Georgiana had not fallen asleep, she was philosiphising about her friendships and her hatred of thw well establish Chalet school families. Breaking all the rukles she got out of bed and went to the cubical belonging to the very youngest Maynard.
'Phil, Phil, wakie up Philipa!'
'What? is that you Georgiana, are you ill?'
'No, no i'm fine, i just wanted to chat to you, that's all!'
Seeing nothing unusual in that Phil moved over in bed and indicated to Georgiana that she should get in, in order to keep warm. Georgiana did as she was bade, 'Phil, how do you feel about being who you are?' she finally asked.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ally on Jul 31st, 2003, 5:41pm
'What on earth do you mean!' exclaimed Phil

'Shusss' said Georgiana in an undertone, we don't want to wake anyone, ther will be a row.

'Sorry' replied Phil moderating her tones, 'But I was a bit taken aback'

'Well, its just, do you like being a Maynard, I mean being a part of a family that's so connected to the school - not do you like your family' said Georgiana.

Phil grinned in the darkness, 'I guess it is tough, I mean I have five sisters before me, all 'a credit to the school' especially Len - she never did anything wrong!  And theres Mamma too' Phil ended with a chuckle

'Len sounds, like that beastly Mary-Lou' replied Georgiana

'Well, I guess she is a bit, everyone always talks that she was one of the best Head Girls, there ever was, like Mamma and Mary-Lou, but she is familiy' added Phil, starting o get a bit more defensive of her family.

'Well, what do you think of Mary-Lou then?  I think she needs teaching a lesson myself' Georgiana added with a wicked twinkle in her eyes.  'Any, ideas, but it had better be good, I DON'T want a lecture from her'.

'Well... Phil replied
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Jul 31st, 2003, 8:48pm
"It's going to take some thinking about, I know from things I've heard at home that Mary - Lou loves to lecture anyone she thinks is misbehaving, and since my mother seems to think the sun shines out of her ... well you get my drift"
"Yes, well we must plan well " said Georgiana "We need to make her show herself up so that none of us can be blamed"



Sorry, it was me who got Georgiana's name wrong, it was sloppy reading on my part, grovel grovel  :-[
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ally on Jul 31st, 2003, 9:12pm
*That's ok - she's stopped sulking now that a plan for Mary-Lou's downfall is being thought up!  ;) )
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by PatW on Aug 1st, 2003, 12:24pm
I'm interested in seeing what anyone can come up with that will show OOAOML up!!  So many people have tried before!!!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 1st, 2003, 1:56pm
Yep, I know, that's why I thought I'd throw the challenge out there!  ;D  
Anyone brave enough to pick it up !  ;D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ally on Aug 1st, 2003, 2:06pm
Oh dear I think we are all waiting for each other!

*wanders off to try and get some inspiration*
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Rachael P on Aug 1st, 2003, 2:09pm
I'm thinking she needs to butt in once too often and be hoist by her own petard .. but I just can't think of a suitable scenario ....
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ally on Aug 1st, 2003, 2:14pm
Um yes, she makes a huge assumption about something/one and is completely wrong...   ...things to ponder
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 1st, 2003, 7:59pm
Well, I certainly seem to have stumped everyone now, sorry. I was thinking about Geogiana and co setting up a situation that OOAOML would just have to butt in, but then of course get her face covered in egg. It would have to be planned and done slowly by the plotters, but I think it would be possible. I'm just not a good enough writer to develop the idea properly and I'm not sure yet how ML will come out of the situation looking bad, but I'm sure you can all work on that one.
It is just gettin the right situation that is eluding me at the moment. I will see what a day out with the family tomorrow does for the brain cells! Hopefully one of you will have developed the whole plotline by then! ::)  ;D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ally on Aug 1st, 2003, 8:25pm
I'm starting to think of an idea that they haven't plotted, as they would only get found out in the end.

At the moment I have Mary-Lou misunderstanding Georgiana (thinks she not a Chalet Girl - as she overhears the comments about her and a few other things) so she tries to break up Phil and Georgiana's friendship.  But that's as far as I've got.  Help me please  :D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 1st, 2003, 8:39pm
Yes, I like where you are coming from on this, but would ML try to break up a friendship rather than try to reform Georgiana? I wonder if it would be possible for her to misunderstand G and then try to turn her into a 'proper Chalet girl' in some way that would backfire on ML when it turns out that Georgiana ia OK all along?
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ally on Aug 1st, 2003, 8:45pm
I see what you mean, but I'm thinking that OOAOML thinks she's found something out about her parents (eg mistakes her father for a criminal) and so therefore wants to protect the Maynards.  Oh dear this would be a lot easier if it was a strange teacher, who didn't understand the CS.  

OK, what about ML being an unsuccessful teacher - eg unable to control as class as an adult, rather than a pupil.

Why is this so difficult - EBD did a thorough job when she created her.  Must find a flaw!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 1st, 2003, 9:15pm
Yes, it's difficult isn't it?

I wonder if we can build something by using her strenghts as weaknesses, e.g butting in and being bossy. I think the staff who said "Only ML" might find it a bit different when they are in the staff room with her every evening!

How about Georgiana and co realising there is some tension between ML and other staff, (maybe Phil could be instrumental in this as it is already mentioned that she 'has her mothers gift') and then manage to feed ML innocent lines that she mistakes and tries to butt in with staff affairs to the detriment of the school and so has to be pulled up by the head? I don't know if it could be worked. Anyone fancy trying?

Of course it will have to be Felicity who sorts out Geogiana, along with Cecil, Anthea, and Phil. Poor Felicity. Now where were we...


"Well, we can think it out and talk to the other tomorrow. Cecil might have some good ideas, she's never liked Mary Lou ever since mother spent so much time with her when Cecil was young"
"You sister you mean, but she's a senior, that could be dangerous"
"Oh, I don't know, I'll sound her out when we go home for tea tomorrow, Cecil is always ready for a bit of fun, and if it means getting at Mary Lou in the bargin, well we'll see."
Georgiana went back to bed with a mind full of new impressions of the Maynard family, she now realised that two of them were not happy with the status quo at the school, this might not be so bad after all.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ally on Aug 2nd, 2003, 9:49pm
When Felicity saw Georgiana talking happily to her youngest sister and Stephanie, she took a long deep sigh, and was grateful that it looked like that problem might be sorting itself out.

'What's biting you Felicity' asked Jean Morrison, you nearly blew me away with that sigh

'Oh nothing bad, actually something decent, looks like young Phil's adopted Georgiana' replied Felicity with a smile at her friend.

Jean looked across the room, and turned to her friend 'I don't know what your so pleased about, there's something up with that crowd, their definiately planning something.  I'm surprised at you for not spotting it!'

'Oh gosh' said Felicity, 'Do you think so, I guess I was being rather hopeful, especially with kids of that age, I wonder what it is?'

Jean laughed, 'Well only time will tell'...

*Thinking on the staff idea, can we have some of them annoyed by the way ML is able to walk in and get everything she wants - and some comments about her turning into an old busybody if she's not careful.  These could have filtered down somehow to Cecil possibly and the girls make the most of it (just not sure how yet!)*
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Aug 3rd, 2003, 1:34pm
Meanwhile the staff were indulging in a nice Englih tea with some of Karens famous cream cakes, Marylou eventually sauntered in after she followed Katie Archer around the school because she thought the girl was up to something. Marylou felt pleased with her self she feklt her new career as teacher extrordinaire was oing well, she did not realise that three new staff felt rather differently.

The very next day Miss Maureen MacDonnel, Miss Felicia Stafford and Mrs Marie Davies had een discussing the latest arrival and were thouroughly discussed at the way Marylou could speak to them as if they were children and boss them as if she were their superior. The angry trio did no noticesome Chalet school pupils close by...
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 3rd, 2003, 5:04pm
It was of course dishonourable to eavesdrop, but Phil, Geogiana, and Stephanie couldn't help but overhear what they said. The trio had not noticed the girls and so did not keep their voices down, and the girls could not leave as they were waiting for a lesson and had been given strict instructions to wait in the corridor. It was evident that the teachers were irritated by the way Mary-Lou was talking in the staffroom, "as if she knew the girls better than we do. I mean I know she is an old girl, but most of these girls came after she left and she has no more idea of what makes them tick than I do about conic sections" said Miss Stafford. "Yes and she will insist that she is always right by instinct, even when she has barely spoken to someone. Yesterday she ..." and Miss MacDonald trailed off as Phil, becoming aware that this conversation was turning more and more into a diatribe against Mary Lou that was never meant to be for the ears of any pupils, dropped her books on the floor making a loud crash.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Rachael P on Aug 4th, 2003, 10:02am
*Miss Charlesworth seemed to start after OOAO left and is quite established in the school - I can see her sparring with OOAO...*
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Aug 4th, 2003, 12:14pm
Miss MacDonnell was going to tell a story about Mary-LOu and a young junior, a small eight year old had been moved up to the first form and out of the kindergarten and had been very tearful. Mary-lou had insisted that the girl would respond to her own wise words an wouldn't understand that the child was fearfully shy nd that was why she was tearful.However the irritated teachr had been foirced to stop her unlovingtirade for she realised the presence of the three school girls.
'Young ladies, my i ask what you ared oing here and why you didn't alert us of your presence before you had overheard our conversation?' asked he teache in anger for she was ashamed of herself.
'Please Miss MacDonell, we are very sory, only we couldn't leave and we couldn't put our hands ofer our ears because of our books. We weren't deliberatley eaves dropping1' exclaimed Phil.
'I know Philippa, i understand you are most honourable, it is i that should have been more careful, do not repeat what you heard.' and with that left to the staff room where she was to have  nother run in with the new teacher.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Raya on Aug 4th, 2003, 8:33pm
(perhaps the evil plot could be similar to the "Shakespearean English" trick in that it would seem to be giving ML exactly what she wants....i.e. they could hang around creating the appearance of situations that just invited ML to butt in....until she was butting in all over the place, to the point where the staff can't stand it and can't wait to get rid of her...)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by edith on Aug 4th, 2003, 10:45pm
Mum thinks that the scourge of the staffroom iddeas the best.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 5th, 2003, 12:06pm
That evening in the staff room Mary Lou was holding forth to a rather luke warm audience about how she planned to transform the entire Inter V into 'proper chalet girls' when the form mistress of said form entered the room.

"Ah, just the person I wanted see" said Mary Lou, "I have a few ideas I want to implement with your form and I need to explain them to you in some detail"
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Rachael P on Aug 5th, 2003, 1:30pm
"I beg your pardon?" replied Miss Charlesworth frostily.
(*Yeh - I got her in!*)

Mary-Lou repeated her last statement in her usual insouciant maner, cheerfully oblivious to her colleague's lowering brow.
The rest of the staff looked on with bated breath, feeling sure that Miss Charlesworth, like many of them, was at the end of her tether with Mary-Lou's interference.

"Miss Trelawney," began Miss Charlesworth, straightening herself to her full height, a good two inches taller than the youngster before her, "I will thank you not to meddle with my discipline over Inter V. If I wish your advice I will ask for it!" MIss Charlesworth tones were icy and turning her back on Mary-Lou, she went to Mdlle Lachennais, the doyenne of the staff, to request another cup of coffee.

Mary-Lou looked after her, puzzled. After all, she had only meant to help but she had the distinct impression that she was being snubbed. Brushing aside these half-formed thoughts, she gathered her wits together, determined not to be swayed from her objective as she really did have an excellent plan for turning Inter V into a form to be proud of ..
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Aug 6th, 2003, 11:45am
So Mary-Lou knowing she was one of the best head girls that Chalet school had known set about putting her plans into action, se knew of ourse they would work and decided that her enior would thank her afterward.

So the very next day when she was to take inter V for Georgraphy she broke her news to them.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by catherine on Aug 6th, 2003, 1:35pm
She strode into Inter V's form room and the form who were all talking at the tops of their voices, had no idea she was there until she rapped loudly on the table.
"Hello, Mary-Lou, what do you want?"  Sarah Newton asked cheekily.
"I want to improve the behaviour of this form!"  Mary-Lou said impressively - or so she thought.  The form rolled their eyes at each other.  Hadn't they already heard all about their behaviour from Miss Charlesworth?  "Yes,"  Mary-Lou continued, "you're all a disgrace to the School, your language is terrible, your manners are even worse and as for your work -well no one would think you'd even been at School before!"  Too inexperienced to realise that the form were bristling up, Mary-Lou went on to tell them how she thought they should start to improve their behaviour.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Aug 6th, 2003, 2:48pm
' I have a short plan that you will follow, it will turn you into glittering angels of goodness!' began Mary-Lou enthusiastically, not realising times had changed since she was in the fith. ' Here, on the wall is a chart..' she indicated a large peice of blue sugar paper, down one side was a list of names a list of all the girls in that form, next to each of the names was a long line of 20 stars. She continued, ' when you have committed a sin, you will be ordered to remove a star, and you wouldn't want to be the only one wit out any stars would you?' asked Mary-Lou teasingly. She really thought her idea wasgood,but she didn't notice the eyes of he sinners of that form, light up, and she didn't think they could possibly commit more than 20 sins in a week.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 6th, 2003, 8:45pm
Who would be in Inter V at this point?
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by KB on Aug 7th, 2003, 2:41am
I don't think we would know anyone. We probably have to make up a list from scratch.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by catherine on Aug 7th, 2003, 11:17am
"Stars!  A star chart!  How old does she think we are?!!"  Angela Jacob choked angrily, when Mary-Lou had gone.
"About six, obviously!"  Helena Riddell responded.
"Never mind that!"  Katie Heron cut across them.  "I've an idea!"
"So have I!  And me!  Me too!"  It was a chorus from half a dozen of them.
"Katie first."  Charlotte Hendon as form prefect, ordered.
"Well, I'm betting that Charlie knows nothing about this, she can't!  She gave us the most beastly lecture this morning but she'd never go so far as to tell another mistress to lecture us as well and try to improve!  Everyone always says that Mary-Lou used to butt in all the time even if she wasn't wanted, so I think that's what she's doing here!  I say we behave like perfect little ladies for everyone but her and when we're with her, we commit as many sins as we can!"
"How do you mean?"  Sarah asked, puzzled.
"Well, for every other mistress, we behave nicely, work hard, oh, you know, don't give them any reason to tick us off, but when we're with her, we'll drop things, interrupt each other, pretend we don't understand, anything to get rid of some stars!
Then when she goes to complain to the other staff that we're awful etc. it'll look as though she can't discipline us and she'll look weak and stupid!"
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ally on Aug 7th, 2003, 11:55am
*As its a form between Cecil and Phil, probably Lois Graves, and anyone else born between New Mistress and C of Age*
Title: "Well, for every other miRe: Felicity as Head girl
Post by PatW on Aug 7th, 2003, 12:10pm
[quote][/quote]"Well, for every other mistress, we behave nicely, work hard, oh, you know, don't give them any reason to tick us off, but when we're with her, we'll drop things, interrupt each other, pretend we don't understand, anything to get rid of some stars!
Then when she goes to complain to the other staff that we're awful etc. it'll look as though she can't discipline us and she'll look weak and stupid!"

Ooh I like this.  Very realistic, too.   ;D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 7th, 2003, 1:21pm
[Oh, you're being so *nasty*  >:(   I LIKE Mary-Lou!  After all she wasn't a Bettany/Maynard/Russell and didn't have the perfect family background.  Sulk]
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 7th, 2003, 9:40pm
Miss Charlesworth came into the form room next morning and on seeing the chart prominently displayed on the wall asked Charlotte to explain why it was there. As Charlotte spoke her form mistresses brow darkened, although all she said to Inter V was "I see" She didn't want to let the girls know, but she was furious with Mary-Lou and had every intention of letting that young lady know exactly what she thought of her interference.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Aug 8th, 2003, 12:14pm
I like Mary-Lou too Catherine, but this story is good fun! :)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Sarah_G-G on Aug 8th, 2003, 1:01pm
Yeah. She's just beng pulled up like Len was in 'Theodora' isn't she? At the end she can have a nice chat with Miss Annersely and be told that she should help people but she needs to be more careful about butting in where she's not necessarily wanted.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by catherine on Aug 8th, 2003, 1:57pm
Inter V noted their form mistress' change of expression with inward delight.  Three or four of the wilder spirits stirred restlessly but they were quelled by a warning look from their form prefect and settled down again.  None of them wanted to give the game away before they had even begun!

Miss Charlesworth forgot her displeasure in her surprise at the behaviour of her form during registration.  She had come to expect a lot of chatter and usually had to raise her voice two or three times before she got silence   On this occasion, however, the form responded very properly and there was no chatter between names.  The register was done in double quick time and Charlotte bounced out her seat to take it away while her formmates settled into quiet chatter - the complete opposite of the way they had yelled at each other across the formroom previously.  As they lined up to go to Prayers, the mistress realised with a jolt that she had fined no one nor given out any order marks - for the first time that term.
"Perhaps this scheme of Mary-Lou's will work."  She thought reluctantly.  "It was nothing but interference on her part but I had better not be too hasty."  She therefore said nothing, although she was no more friendly towards the woman than she had been previously.
Miss Charlesworth was not the only mistress Inter V surprised that day; they behaved like unfledged angels all day since they did not have Mary-Lou that day nor did any of them meet her.
"Well!  What has got into your form, Rosemary?"  Miss Yolland demanded.  "They behaved splendidly for me today!"
"As they did for me."  Ruth Derwent remarked.
"Yes; I couldn't complain either."  Rosemary replied.  "Oh don't ask me what's got into them; they're probably planning some spot of awful mischief!  It was nice change though."
Mary-Lou smiled complacently to herself during this exchange, little knowing what was going to happen on the following day.  
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 8th, 2003, 8:52pm
Mary Lou walked down the corridor to take Inter V the next day expecting to find them sat at their desks ready for her. She did not expect to walk into the form room and find the girls scattered around the room gossiping and taking no notice when she walked in.

She walked up to the teachers desk, put her books down and gazed around the room. "Girls, what is the meaning of this?" she exclaimed at last when no-one had sat down.

"Oh, Miss Trewlawny, sorry, didn't see you there, is it time for our lesson?" replied Helena.

The lesson went from bad to worse, with Sarah Newton somehow managing to loose half her stars in one short lesson. For Mary-Lou worse was to come when the door opened and Miss Charlesworth herself walked in.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Aug 9th, 2003, 12:16pm
'Girls what are you doing? Carmel get off that desk and sit down this instant! LUCY HODGES if i find you chewing gum again i shall have you in detention for a week!' shouted Miss Charlesworth, the form obeyed and sat down as meek as lambs. 'Kindly explain this behaviour Charlotte, you are form prefect!' Charlotte arose from her seat, blushed and scared, she didn't want to give the game away but she couldn't lie.
'Well, umm, sorry Miss Charlesworth, but umm it was the stars.' said Charlotte.
'What about the stars!' snapped Mary-Lou interuppting the exchange.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ianswythe on Aug 9th, 2003, 2:00pm
Miss Charlesworth turned at this to cast a freezing glare at Mary-Lou, but that young women was too busy being righteous to notice.
"Well really, I have never met such rude, badly behaved little girls in all my days associated with this school!" Mary-Lou was so angry she didn't see the door open and Miss Anersley come in. "I am putting you all on head reports, and Miss Charlesworth I really must protest at your handling of this form."
"Miss Trewlaney, may I see you in my study for a few moments, please. I'm sure Miss Charlesworth will look after this form for a short time." The heads quiet voice interuppted what looked like being a lengthy diatribe. "And as for you girls, I will see you all in my study directly after morning school!" and with a sweep of her black MA gown the head turned and left the room.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 9th, 2003, 2:31pm
;D Oh, goody, now which one of you will dare write the study scene, pleeeeaaase no 'never divulged' bits  ;D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Aug 9th, 2003, 3:25pm
The headmistress walked grimly to the study with Mary-Lou Trelawney following close behindn an expression of absolute outrage etched upon her sullen face. Mary-Lou had never been what one would descibe as a meak and mild school girl and she wasn't going to begin now. The pair entered the office, while the bravest of women may have quailed under the look Miss Annersley was now giving Mary-Lou, Mary-Lou didn't give in.
'Kindly tell me what is the meaning of this morings happenings.' siad Hilda calmly not showing her thoughts of ambivalence, after all Mary-Lou had been a brilliant head girl and was a grown women now.
'Hilda - Miss Annersley, i'm not entirely sure. You see i came up with a fabulous idea to improve the behaviour of the little wretches in inter v. They have been behaving magnificently, ask any of there mistresses - today they seemed to be filled with Margot Maynards devil.' replied Mary-Lou light heartedly.
Hilda suddenyl realised their mistake many years ago, she was about to reprimand Mary-Lou for speaking so casually to her boss but she hadn't when Mary-Lou was elelven, so she couldn't begin now, 'Kindly restrain yourself from using such vulgar slang Miss Trelawney, we can hardly scold the girls for the same crime if we allow slang to spread amongst the staff. As for the incident today, why pray did you not seek the councel of a more experienced staff member for they would have told you 15 year olds would have resented the use of stars as a way to make them behave?' aksed Hilda more kindly than before but her exasperation becoming more obvious.
'Uh-Umm, i did but Miss Charlesworth told me to leave their behaviour to her.' replied Mary-Lou.
'I see. Mary-Lou you are a juniour - very junior member of staff, if you wish to implement ideas then see you get direct permission and advice from someone in a senior position.
'Yes Miss Annersely.' replied Mary-Lou, humility befalling her for the first time.
'I suggest you leave us once again Mary-Lou, you can not teach in comfort here again. I will see you here for Kaffee and Kuchen, we will discuss your future - again' added Hilda. Marylou got up, bobbed a curtsy as of old and left to pack. Hilda sat back on her chair and siged, she beleived she had just been the making of Mary-Lou trelawney.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 9th, 2003, 4:52pm
Sitting on her counterpane - a misdemeanour that would have got any pupil in trouble with Matron - Mary-Lou contemplated her failures miserably.  How could she have been such a successful and well-loved Head Girl, only to become such an ineffective mistress?  For a moment she felt as though someone was twisting her life in a direction that had never been intended.  Then she gave herself a little shake.  Mary-Lou Trelawney was not one to blame her short-comings on others.  She squared her shoulders and turned to her packing.  If she had to leave, she would resolve to learn from her mistakes, at least.

At that moment there was a tap at the door, and Felicity Maynard's face appeared.  
"Miss Trelawney - Mary-Lou - " she began nervously, then stepped into the room.  "Are you alright?  I don't mean to butt in where I'm not wanted, but - "
Felicity was her mother's daughter, and like her eldest sister had inherited the trick of getting into other people's shoes.  Having heard the uproar in Inter V's form room, she had confronted the form prefect Charlotte Hendon afterwards, and demanded to know what was going on.  Charlotte, a nice enough girl despite her troublesome age, had confessed the malicious plot that Inter V had devised.  Felicity had listened more and more grimly, finally giving Charlotte her unvarnished opinion of her behaviour - "Hardly suitable for the prefect of Lower IIIB, let alone a Senior form!" - before following Mary-Lou to her room.

The Head Girl looked at the elder girl, feeling desperately sorry for her.  She wasn't sure that this matter was within her capabilities, but she couldn't leave the situation in such a mess.  "Mary-Lou - come to Freudesheim with me!" she said impulsively.  "We'll tell Mama everything, and I'm sure she'll find a way of making things better.  Do come."

Mary-Lou thought for a moment, then stood up resolutely.  She didn't think Joey Maynard could change the Head's mind, but it would be a comfort at least to confess her failures to someone older and wiser than herself.  She followed Felicity out of the room.  There were still a few hours before she had to face the Head at Kaffee and Kuchen.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 9th, 2003, 8:55pm
Felicity and Mary-Lou walked through the garden to Freudesheim. Mary-Lou looked curiously at Felicity, someone she had never really paid much attention to before, "How did you know?" she ventured at last. "Heard the noise and asked Charlotte, little ass 'fessed up everything." Felicity replied.

They reached the little gate in the hedge in a companiable silence. Felicity unhooked the latch and held the gate open for her elder. Mary-Lou cought the unspoken sympathy in her eyes and realised she herself was finally being 'butted in' on. "Felicity" she started, and then stopped, hesitant for once. "Yes" replied Felicity "Can I help at all Mary-Lou? she added on seeing the dazed look on the other girls face. Mary-Lou took a deep breath and said "Come to Aunt Joey with me, and don't let me gloss over anything, I need her help."
"Of course I will" exclaimed Felicity, glad to be able to do something to help relieve the confusion she saw on Mary-Lou's face.


Whilst this was going on Miss Annersly was herself on the phone to Joey, saying sorrowfully "I think we did Mary-Lou a dis-service whilst she was here, I feel the school has let her down badly. We pride ourselves on building character in our girls, and yet we let Mary-Lou develop in the wrong direction. I think she and Felicity are headed over to you now. Please see what you can do for the girl, I don't want to let her go as I feel a responsibility towards her, but I see no other option at the moment."
"Hilda, the fault is no more with you than it is with me and Jack, we saw Mary-Lou's interference and cheek first hand and never realised what was happening, let me talk to her and then we will get our heads together and look for a solution" said Joey.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ianswythe on Aug 9th, 2003, 11:19pm
Jo was standing at the front door of Freudishime (sp?), as Felicity and Mary-Lou came up the steps she was secretly shocked to see how depressed Mary-Lou looked. "Well, my lambs tea is ready so come along and tuck in." Joey tried to keep her tone bright and breezy but she caught the concerned look which Felicity gave her. During tea the conversation was kept to general gossip but as soon as Anna had wheeled the trolley back to the kitchen Mary-Lou took a deep breath and sliding from her chair to sit by Jo's knees said " Aunty Jo, I need to confess"
"Yes darling, what is wrong?" all Joey's warm heart was in her voice as she said it and this compassion broke down the last piece of arrogance in Mary-Lou's character. Between sobs m
Mary-Lou confessed all her sins, how she felt that as an old pupil she knew better than a mistress who had a relatively short history with the school and how she had felt she could automatically resume her old position in the school.
"Oh Mary-Lou. I'm so sorry. I feel that the school let you down and most of all I let you down. If only we had treated you more equally as a child then this would not have happened."
"But I don't understand. How did you let me down?" Mary-Lou sounded puzzled.
Jo for once was lost for an explanation. How exactly did you explain to a grown woman the difference between her conduct then and now. Most supprisingly it was Felicity who came up with the answer.
"Don't you see Mary-Lou, when you were at school it was funny or..or endearing when you came out with certain remarks and people knew you. But now, well you are grown up, you're supposed to think before you speak or act and to most people you are just another legend! It is also girls are older for their age than they were in your day, you can't give girls of 14 and 15 star charts and expect them to like it! Oh, I'm sorry I know I'm sounding horribly rude but I can't explain it any better."
Jo threw a grateful look at her daughter and said "why don't you go and help Anna for a few moments."
Once Felicity had gone Jo continued " Felicity has got it right you know. Oh I'm not saying it was the most tactful way of putting it but the gist of it was all there. We should have seen it and pointed you in a better direction."
"Then what can I do to put it right Aunty Jo?" Mary-Lou had a plaintive note in her question
"Well.......
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 10th, 2003, 12:03am
"...I think the first thing you should do is apologise to Miss Charlesworth.  You were horribly rude in intimating that you could control her form better than she could herself.  Yes," Joey continued as the girl looked up in dismay, "I know you didn't mean it that way, but that's how it would have seemed to her.  You're not a child any more, Mary-Lou. You have to take responsibility for your behaviour."

Mary-Lou nodded slowly.  Saying sorry to Miss Charlesworth might begin to make amends for her thoughtlessness.  Joey gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, then rose to her feet.  
"Felicity!"
"Yes, Mama?"  Her daughter had not been far away.
"Would you get Auntie Hilda on the telephone, please?  I'd like to have a word."
"Of course" replied Felicity at once, going straight to do her mother's bidding.  
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 10th, 2003, 12:07am
[May I just say that this Drabble is putting me through the mill!!  But as long as she comes out OK in the end (*look of menace at ill-wishers and grateful glance at Carolyn P*) I suppose I may yet recover from the trauma!]
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by xanthe on Aug 10th, 2003, 12:44am
this is superb... i am NOT a fan of OOAOML and this is most gratifying!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Aug 10th, 2003, 11:34am
This drabble wasn't supposed to be anti -ooao, because i actually do like her!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by keren on Aug 10th, 2003, 11:47am
I am enjoying this very much.
at one point i was afraid that you werent going to put felicity in enought, but there she was, but what about phil and her friends?
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 10th, 2003, 6:53pm
Felicity heaved a sigh of relief as she passed the 'phone over.  She was sure that between Auntie Hilda and her mother, some way would be devised to help Mary-Lou.  After all, she was an Old Girl and Chalet School legend.  The school wouldn't let her down now.

Leaving Freudesheim, the Head Girl meditated on the other problem that had been troubling her.  She had noticed some time ago that Cecil and Phil were unhappy, and after observing them closely had come to the conclusion that the matter was more serious than simple adolescent growth pains.  Cecil had become increasingly snappish, and as for Phil - well! - she was constantly "agin' the government", becoming friends with trouble makers and rebelling against prefects and staff alike.  Not wanting to bother her mother or elder sister, Felicity had decided to write to her twin for advice.  This morning she had received a reply.

"...Flix, I'm sorry for you that this has come up on your 'watch', but I've been expecting it for some time.  I only wish I could be there to help out.  Being Head Girl must be much harder for you than Len - after all, she did have Con and Margot to lend a hand.  

Anyway, I think the problem with the kids is "Maynarditis", for want of a better word.  You and I know well enough what it's like trying to live up to the elder six -  especially the Trips, who got so much attention and praise.  Cecil and Phil must feel a mixture of pressure, resentment, and perhaps lack of attention from Pa and Ma.  By the way, I can tell you it's the same with Geoff - but even worse, because he's not even near home.  I know you girls have felt burdened sometimes at school with the legacy of Auntie Madge, our Mama, and the elder girls - but honestly, being sent away at the age of six wasn't easy either.  Thank goodness we'll be at Oxford together next year - twins shouldn't be so indecently far apart!..."
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 10th, 2003, 7:19pm
Felicity pondered this reply as she walked up the Chalet School's imposing front steps.  She thought her twin was right, but what could she do?  Making her way towards the Speissaal, she bumped into a miserable-looking Philippa.  

"Phil!  What's up, old thing?  You look like you've got the world upon your shoulders!"
Her youngest sister attempted a weak smile, then dissolved into tears.  
"Oh Flix - my life's a total mess!  My form mates were ragging me today about not being form pree 'despite being a Maynard'" - Phil imitated their sarcastic tones - "And then Georgiana said... things... about Mama.  It's all too much -I simply can't bear it any more!"

Felicity held her distraught sister tighly in her arms, and felt the sobbing gradually diminish.  This encounter had stregnthened her resolve, however.  She couldn't let matters go on like this.

"Phil - Phil?  Are you alright, sweetheart?"  The younger girl nodded slightly.  "I can hear what you're saying.  Your feelings are normal in the circumstances, but it doesn't have to be this way, honestly it doesn't.  Listen - let's go and wash your eyes, and then after Abendessen you and Cecil and I will all get together for a talk.  It's time we sorted these issues out."

Phil nodded again, and followed her sister slowly to the little private room Felicity possessed by virtue of being Head Girl.  .
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 10th, 2003, 8:10pm
Having dried her sister's tears and seen her on her way, Felicity headed determinedly for Miss Annersley's study.  At last she knew what she had to do.

"I need to see the Head, please.  Is she alone in her office?"  Miss Dene waved the girl through.  
"Auntie Hilda?  I'm sorry to disturb you, but - I need to talk to you this afternoon.  Is this a convenient time, or shall I come back later?"
The Head motioned to Felicity to sit down.  She could see the girl's anxiety, and knew that her Head Girl would not come to her for just any trifling matter.
"Go ahead, Felicity.  How can I help, my dear?"  Her tones were as beautiful and comforting as always.

"Well, Auntie Hilda... it's about Cecil and Phil.  And Geoff as well, though I know he's not your responsibility.  They've been having difficulties recently - or maybe for some time - and I have to help.  You see..." the girl paused, choosing her words carefully "...we all know what an honour it is to be associated with Auntie Madge, and Mama, and the Triplets - oh, and the cousins! - because of what they've done for the School.  But I think Cecil and Phil are having a hard time finding identities for themselves.  On the one hand, there are so many expectations placed upon them because they're Maynards.  On the other, they've never got as much attention as the elder ones, because they're the last of such a long family.  It's always been a challenge for them, but now they're at an age where it's starting to seem unbearable."

Miss Annersley nodded slowly.  She had seen signs of distress in the younger girls' behaviour, but had not guessed how deep the problem was.  Without intending it, she had treated the younger Maynards just as Felicity had described - yet more members of a seemingly perfect family.  She looked thoughtfully at her Head Girl.

"You have carried the same burden, have you not, Felicity?"
The Head Girl flushed.
"Auntie Hilda - I didn't come here to complain for myself.  It's true that I've struggled at times... but at least Felix and I have always had one another.  It's the younger ones that I'm really concerned about."
The Head noted inwardly what a fine young woman Felicity was turning out to be.  
"Very well, Felicity - and I give you credit for that answer.  Tell me, how do you wish me to help?"
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 10th, 2003, 8:12pm
(sorry folks - getting a bit carried away - but I think I'm going to run out of steam shortly! :))
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 10th, 2003, 8:48pm
"Auntie Hilda, I think that Phil, Cecil and I could do with some time together alone to discuss how we're feeling.  Of course we can't exactly stop being Maynards," she gave a slight laugh, "and nor would we want to.  But I know it would help each of them to talk about what she's going through, and to see that she's not alone."

Miss Annersley indicated her agreement.
"That sounds quite sensible, Felicity.  Do you think the girls can wait until next week?  If so, you could go away together for half term.  I am sure" she added unexpectedly, "that your Tante Simone would welcome you at her house.  She will understand quite well what you are experiencing, I think."
"Auntie Hilda, that would be marvellous" replied Felicity earnestly.  "I wonder..." Her voice trailed off.
"What is it, my dear?"  The Head had caught a fleeting glimpse of hope in the girl's eyes, followed all too quickly by despair..
"Well... I don't suppose it would be possible... but...  It's the boys' half term as well next week, and it would be  so nice to see them again." Felicity said wistfully.

The Abbess, as she was known to her pupils, paused for a moment, and her eyes softened.  
"Felicity, I can't make any promises.  That would depend upon your parents, and upon your brothers' Head Master.  But I will speak to them, if that is your wish?"
"Yes... please, Miss Annersley.  And...that is... I wouldn't want to worry Mama and Papa.  They're so busy with their work - Papa with the extension to the San, and Mama with her new historical novel..  I'm sure that we younger ones can sort things out for themselves, truly."  

The Head nodded, but thought to herself that it would do Felicity's parents good to be involved later.  When all was said and done, it had been their choice to have such a large family, and it was their responsibility now - as well as hers - to make sure that the girls were happy.  She dismissed Felicity gently, and picked up the telephone to call Jack Maynard.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ianswythe on Aug 10th, 2003, 8:52pm
At this Felicity was stumped, "I really don't know Auntie Hilda. After all you can't force the school to see them as individuals, really they have to assert their own independence and characters."
The head stopped herself from gasping at this, although Felicity was truly her mother's daughter Miss Annersley hadn't expected her to have quite such a grasp of the situation. "Well Felicity you really are quite right in what you say. I can and will talk to the staff about how the two girls are feeling, but for the school at large it really is up to Cecil and Phil to make the changes. Although you Maynard girls all share many characteristics, you are still all unique characters. Remember God makes us all unique! Also, nothing can change the fact that you are all Maynards and that your family history is closely interwoven with that of the school. Does your mother know how Cecil and Phil feel?"
" No, I don't think she does." Felicity replied, "she should be told shouldn't she?"
"Yes my dear, she would hate to think that she has inadvertently caused problems for any of her girls." the head smiled to see the enlightenment dawn on Felicity's face." Why don't you go and visit her tomorrow, after all it is Saturday." the head smiled at her bevret niece.
"Thank you Auntie Hilda, I think I will." Felicity bobbed her curtsey and skipped to the door, a happier young woman than she was 20 minutes ago.

Edit:Sorry didn't get this posted in time. Feel free to ignore it.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 10th, 2003, 8:57pm
whoooops - great minds think alike (in part, anyway!)
choose your own adventure, folks :)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by KB on Aug 10th, 2003, 11:04pm
Catherine, you're doing wonderfully well with this! Fee free to continue it. And I don't think it's really a case of choosing one over the other - they both fit together very well!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Rachael P on Aug 11th, 2003, 10:27am
(This is great! More, please!)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 11th, 2003, 10:41am
Great stuff, I've just managed to nick my brother-in-laws computer for a few minutes to catch up, I'm loving what you are doing here, it's a proper chalet thread now with ooaoml being butted in on and Felicity sorting out the others. I'm not going to add to the story 'cos I'm enjoying it so much (and have to be quick! :D)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 11th, 2003, 7:58pm
Jack and Joey Maynard awaited their school-girl daughters with some concern the next day.  Jack had been startled by Hilda's phone call, and he and Joey had had a long conversation with the Head after her interview with Mary-Lou (who, incidentally, had returned to the Chalet School a humbler but much happier young woman).  

"Come on in, my darlings!" cried Jo, her golden voice welcoming the girls home.  "We're so pleased to have you to ourselves.  Phil, you must have grown an inch already this term!  Cecil, you do look well - is it all that lacrosse? And how is my biggest schoolgirl?" she turned to Felicity.  
"Not too bad" said Felicity, accepting a hug from her father.  Joey surveyed her quickly, and was dismayed to see traces of worry-lines on her middle daughter's brow, but said nothing. She hoped that a day at home without the cares of prefecthood would help Felicity relax.

"Come into the kitchen, then!" said Jack at length, when all the embraces had been exchanged.
"What?"
"Papa!"
The girls exclaimed in surprise.
"You heard me", answered their father with a grin.  "I'm cooking lunch today - and a jolly fine meal it's going to be too - but it's time I got back to the stove."  He laughed outright at their looks of astonishment.  "Well, you did know that Anna retired at the end of summer.  Seeing as your mother and I are equally busy during the day - she with her books and I with my patients - we decided it was only fair to take it in turns in the kitchen.  Aren't you coming?"
His daughters followed him laughingly, their cares forgotten for the time being.

Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ianswythe on Aug 11th, 2003, 8:16pm
Oh my God, I'm shocked, Joey without adequate househelp!  I'm off to lie down and recover! ;)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Vikki on Aug 11th, 2003, 8:20pm
I love the sexual equality bit of Jack doing his share in the kitchen ;D ;D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Aug 11th, 2003, 8:39pm
A lusicious meal followed Felicity was stunned to see that her father could cook. Joey could see something deep was troubling her fourth daughter and decided that the latest bombshell would cheer her up no end. Joey stood up and in dramatic style chinked her knife against her glass, 'I have some fabulous news!' said Joey and thoroughly enjoyed watching Phillipa's mouth drop open, 'Oh Mama your not having a baby are you?' she asked.
'Good gracious no, Phil, don't be silly, i'm far to old. The news is of a wonderful, family reunion!' finished Joey before sitting down, 'well arn't you pleased?' asked Joey of her daughters, she had good reason to ask for Felicity looked as if she might jump up and have a tantrum, Phil's eyes were quickly welling and Cecil looked near to fainting.
'Yes, i mean no, i mean - Mama, i need to talk to  you.' stammered Felicity recovering.
'Oh, right, come on, right now, i must sort this out! siad Joey briskly.
The pair rose from the table and moved from the room quicky into the speisall where a conversation took place,
'Now Felicity, spill!' ordered Joey when they were both sitting comfortably.
'Mama, i feel so horrible saying this but yesterday i found poor Phillipa crying, she was most awfully distressed and Cecil feels the same.' began Felicity.
'Crying, oh my poor baby, what was wrong?' enquired Jo further.
'Its just that, we, mainly Cecil and Phil feel the pressure of being Maynards and related to the Russels and the Bettanys. Auntie Madge, started the school, you were a brilliant head girl and a school ledgend. Its an awfully hard thing to live up to. I'm alright coz i'm head girl but the other two don't seem to be able to form their own identities!' Felicity finished and surveyed her mothers face anxiously.
'Flix, i had no idea, i'll talk to them and Hilda...' Jo moved to get up but was stopped.
'No mama, i've spoken to Aunt Hilda, this weekend i wanted to ask you if we three and Felix and Geoff could go away, mabey to Simones for half term?' said Felicity asserting herself, even against Joeys strong will.
'But my darling, thats when the reunion is, the boys are coming, even Madge and her clan are coming, Len is bringing her four and Reg, Con's bringing Roger and their three, Margots coming, the three boys are coming, everyone is! I'm just dying to see Peggys and Brides young families! Please be happy Flix!' Felicity was diappointed at her mothers possibly predictable reaction.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 11th, 2003, 8:51pm
Marianne's bit:
'Mama, i'm a little confused, when did you decide about the reunion? Didn't Auntie Hilda speak to you?' asked Felicity.
'Oh darling, i'm sorry i was cross, i dodn't mind anymore, everyone is going to be around and visit in spates for half term and the week after, the final party will be the final weekend, you can be here for the second week. That way we are all happy, i think, dies that suit you?' asked Joey concerned.
'Oh Mama, thankyou ever so!' cried Felicity.

My bit:
"Now then," said Jo, when she and Felicity had returned to the kitchen, "there's something we'd like to talk to you about.  You see... your father and I had a visit from Auntie Hilda yesterday."
Phil gave a little jump.  Had the Head come to complain about her wickedness this term?
Jack sent his youngest daughter a quick smile.  
"No, none of you are in trouble.  In fact, she said very complementary things about you all.  We know you're doing well in class and at games."
"Actually" continued his wife, with a hint of mischievousness in her eyes, "it was us she came to tell off."
The girls looked at her in surprise.
"Why, Mama, whatever do you mean?" demanded Cecil.

"Well, it's true in a way," Joey spoke more seriously.  "She said that you girls had been having a hard time at school, and we hadn't noticed.  And that having such a long family didn't mean we should pay you less attention.."
Jack looked at his daughters thoughtfully.
"We'd never want you to think that we didn't care.  You lot have always been so good at standing on your own two feet - and copying your elder siblings, which has made you more mature than your ages in some respects - that we've rarely felt that we had to interfere.  But that doesn't mean we don't care."  He paused, then smiled.  "We certainly wouldn't have had such a large family if we didn't love and appreciate each and every one of you!"
Phil hiccoughed quietly.
"And" continued Joey, giving her youngest daughter a gentle hug, "remember that God loves you too - and He created you both as Maynard girls and as unique individuals.  Your father and I would never forget that."

As her mother unconsciously echoed Miss Annersley's.words of the night before, Felicity felt a wave of relief wash over her.  The next moment she gave a cry of delight as her father said,
"We thought you might like some time away together with the boys for half term.  How would you feel about spending the week - with Felix and Geoff too - at Tante Simone and Oncle Andre's chateau?"
Phil and Felicity jumped up and down in happiness at the thought of seeing their twins again, and Cecil - who was close to both her brothers - was hardly any less excited.  
"Super!" they cried in unison.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 11th, 2003, 8:54pm
lol.  another possible divergence :)  sorry marianne, i got greedy and couldn't stop typing.  hmmm....  let's try and find a happy middle ground!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 11th, 2003, 8:57pm
ummm.... how about we go with your version and then have jack stepping in to overrule the tyrannical joey?  (i see you're eager to trash her motherly skills!)  :)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Aug 11th, 2003, 9:06pm
not at all, i'm actually quite a Joey fan, yours can follow mine quite easily i think, can't it continue like this,

'Mama, i'm a little confused, what about the reunion? When did Auntie Hilda speak to you?' asked Felicity.
'After you did darling, i'm sorry i was cross, i dodn't mind anymore, everyone is going to be around and visit in spates for half term and the week after, the final party will be the final weekend, you can be here for the second week. That way we are all happy, i think, dies that suit you?' asked Joey concerned.
'Oh Mama, thankyou ever so!' cried Felicity, the other two looking excited.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 11th, 2003, 9:13pm
cunning!!

hmm, i wonder if there's any way of jigging the order of the postings around... *goes to look*... ahah, well, if you don't mind my copy-pasting that last snippet of yours....  now it follows quite nicely  8)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 11th, 2003, 9:23pm
seeing as we're going to have a legion of russells, bettanys and maynards around, how about we have them all reflecting on their experiences of being members of such a large and important clan?  especially those who haven't had much of a say so far (i think we've done the trips to death!!)  

it would be interesting e.g. to hear sybil (never made it to HG despite peggy / bride / being madame's eldest daughter); maeve (what pressure to be HG!!); josette (pressure to marry?  why didn't she work, the clever woman? - or maybe she did, and faced the disapproval of happily-married aunts)... oh, and where is daphne bettany in all this?  did she opt out of the CS?

and the boys - i want to know how they felt about being sent away and their mother being so engrossed in the girls' lives...
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Aug 11th, 2003, 9:59pm
That is a great idea, lets skip forward then to half term, the and the five at Simones house...

The next few weeks of half term went smoothly for the younger Maynards, the gread of the reunion was counter- balanced for Phil by the joy of the reunion with Geoff. At the very beginning of Half term the girls traveld separatley from the boys to Simone and Andre's house, they were given all the space they could desire and the greeting between the five were raptuous.
'Flix, My own twin, how glad i am to see you!' yelled Felix at the top of his voice, his obvious joy brought tears to Felicitys eyes. The pair embraced, then Felix moved onto Cecil not wanting to leave the singleton out.
'My biggest little sister!' Felix said softly, looking lovingly into the eyes of Cecil.
The rejoycing between Phil and Geoff was equally touching, Geoff was far more aware that your average 14 year old of other peoples feelings and he knew the anxiety that had been over Phils health. Phil caught the concerned face of her twin,
'Oh Geoff, i'm fine you silly man, thats one thing the family does well - Health!' cried Phil.

After the various greetings the five wandered into the garden and Felicty told the boys the story of the recent events and rellayed their feelings to the boys.Felix nodded, 'I know how you feel, i followed David, stephen, Charles, Mike, Rix and then Geoff follwed yours truly. All the masters new the Bettany, Maynard and Russell clan, its been hard to live up to. Its easier for me, but then i'm a little louder, more confident that Geoff - sorry mate.' he said for Geoff was going red st his feelings being aired so readily, he had the teenage boy fear of such things. 'I'm a little like Stephen but i'm not sure i want to be a doc you know.' said Felix quite comfortably.The Geoff broke in,
'Its not that i hate this family but i'm not into science, i love English, i mean to be a literature teacher one day, i do detest Rugby its so violent, crickets alright i suppose. I'm a little squirt so the other fellows rag me about it no end, Ma and Pa tell me to buck up and get on in their letters, but i can't!' Phil saw her twin close to tears, she alone knew how Geoff was feeling, 'ragging' hadn't been a strong enough word, Geoff had been bullied almost to breakdown,he hadn't told anyone bar Phil!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 11th, 2003, 10:30pm
oooh, good stuff.  surely jack and joey will understand their youngest son's ambitions eventually - won't they?  
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Kathryn on Aug 11th, 2003, 11:38pm
Wouldn't bet on it, considering he's not going to be a doctor or some other masculine pursuit such as Forestry work.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 11th, 2003, 11:51pm
ye-es.  they did accept margot studying medicine. but i guess that's still a 'caring' profession, suitable for women.  and people are (still) even stupider about "men being real men", i think, than women being feminine.  NOT to detract from any feminist critiques because i agree wholeheartedly with most of them, and having lived in a developing country i am unbelievably grateful for what the women's liberation movement did for us... but i think men these days have a much narrower range of choices open to them.  so maybe that was true for geoff's generation too..

i was on holiday this summer, camping with a bunch of people i'd never met before. so one night we were singing around a campfire, and i asked if anyone knew songs from musicals - one of the (grown up!!  in his 30s!!!) blokes gave a raucus laugh and said "ooh - you'll never catch any men admitting to knowing musical songs - what kind of men would they be? hur hur hur HUR HUR"
?!?!?!?!   was NOT impressed.  think women are much cooler about sexuality/ies.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Vikki on Aug 12th, 2003, 12:18am
The thing that never fails to amaze me is the way that most men find the thought of two guys together, sexually, repulsive. And yet, these same men find the idea of two women together,sexually, to be a turn on. ??? ???
How does the male mind work? ::)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Kathryn on Aug 12th, 2003, 2:16am

Quote:
Posted by: Vikki
The thing that never fails to amaze me is the way that most men find the thought of two guys together, sexually, repulsive. And yet, these same men find the idea of two women together,sexually, to be a turn on. How does the male mind work?  


Does anyone have time to discover the answer to that? It is a question that has been baffling all scientists (female!) for decades ::)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by keren on Aug 12th, 2003, 7:24am
just on the way to work I was thinking that I would like to hear more of the boys and their experiences carrying on after their cousins and here you have written this.
carry on, it will  be really interesting to hear how the maynard boys feel about all this, as well as about their mothers obsession with the school, being sent away early and separated from their twins (as well as seeing their realtionships.)
keep up the good and intersting work!  :) :)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Aug 12th, 2003, 2:35pm
The conversation went deeper into the feelings of all of the five, Phillipa resolved to tell her older siblings of Geoffs trouble, she was very worried about him. Cecil came next,
'Everyone expects us three to be like the trips, Mama and all the cousins, i love them dearly but they are a hard act to follow. They'll never let me be an actress, i want to leave next year to go to RADA or somewhere but they will never let me!' declared Cecil, voicing her ambition for the first time.
'Cecil, i never realised you felt so strongly about it, i'll have a chat to Len and see if she can persuade Mama, you really were marvelous as 'Daisy' in 'Daisy pulls it off' last term, everyone says so!' said Felicity, glad to know she could try something to help one of her siblings.
'Its all right for you lot, but i have no talents at all!' declared Phil, who between her twins capacity for English, Cecils ability as an actress, Felicity as head girl and Felix's general prowess, she felt thoroghly miserable. 'I'm not even clever, i'm a year below what i'm supposed to be for Languages and English and Literature, i can't do music and acting, its all hopeless!' continued Phil, it was Geoffs turn to comfort his twin.

Conversations such as this went on for a while and by the end the first twins had resolved to sort life out for their younger siblings, this wish was strengthened when Phil later described to them the awful time Geoff had been having. This conversation had taken place much later when they had all retired to bed. Phil had crept into the room Felix and Felicity were sharing, they were still up, reminicing about times gone by,
'Whats up young Philipa, someone sick?' asked Felix, the first to sit up in bed.
'No, nothing like that, there is just something i have to tell you. I knew you were going to speak to Len or mama so i want you to tell them something else.'
Seeing the terrible trouble etched upon the forehead of her young sisters face Felicity spoke with concern, 'What is it Phil? Jump up in bed, Mama will slaughter me if you catch a cold!' said Felicity quietly, using slang not normally used by the headgirl.
'It's Geoff.' began Phil once she was sat beside Felicity. 'He's so miserable at that school you know, terribly, terribly miserable.'
'Go on Pip.' said Felix, paling at the thought, he knew his younger brother got 'ragged' for his smaller stature and sensitive ways but he didn't know the true extent of the bullying.
'He tells me of it in his letters but i've been talking to him, he was crying you know, really crying. The other chaps in his dormy poor water on his bed and then hit him in turn for being a 'baby wet bed' when he gets so upset he has nightmares and really wets the bed!' said Phil, tears welling in her eyes as she thought of her brothers agony. 'Then on the rugger feild he gets shoved over and hurt coz he's smaller than the others and they laugh at him for that. Also he dosn't like maths and science and stuff, he likes Literature, the literature masters the only one that's nice to him, then he gets called teachers pet! Its awful Felix!' she finished turning to her big brother who was head boy at the same school as Stephen had been and the one where Geoff was having an awful time. Felix let out a long, low whistle,
'Right-o Pip, listen, i'll sought it out, i know i can but i must have a chat to Pa and see what he says. Hop back to bed Phil, don't worry you'll get sick!' Felix ordered, more sounding much more jovial than he now felt. Phil left, her heart lighter than it had been.
'Felix, on friday when we go home to face the crowd we have to tell the parents and sought this lot out. Geoff needs comfort and to be told its ok for him to teach Literature, Phil needs to be found a talent, Cecil needs to be allowed to act! Looks like you and i are pretty well off!' declared Felicity, finally having the various problems sorted out in her head.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 12th, 2003, 7:46pm
Felix gave his twin a grin.  "Oh, I daresay we'll find some problems for ourselves some time. But I really am worried about Geoff, you know" he continued more soberly.  Rugby is a great school for chaps like me, who like sports and all that, but it's not all that tolerant of so-called 'sensitive types'.  Even if I can look after him this year, what will happen to Geoff when I leave?"
Felicity frowned.  "I don't see why Mama and Papa should be down on him for liking literature.  After all, he must have inherited it from Mama - why should he be ashamed of that, just because he's a boy?"
Her twin sighed.  "It's all very well to say that, Flixy, but - it just is different somehow - I can't explain properly.  Look at all the men in our family - they're doctors, lawyers, good professional types - or in the Armed Forces.  Of course there's got to be a first who does something different, but whoever it is - and it seems that it'll probably be Geoff - it's not going to be easy for him."

Felicity looked at Felix thoughtfully. "I do see what you mean.  I'd always thought that we girls had the worst deal - having to do all that sewing, cooking and housework stuff - but it's not easy for you boys either."  They sat in silence for a moment.  "Of course, Felix, you fellows do at least get to work.  What about us, expected to follow in the aunts and cousins footsteps and get married?  I can't think of anything more deathly than sitting at home all day. Especially after such a busy time at school and uni.  Ugh!" she shuddered.
"Well, but you don't have to get married - or stay at home, even if you do.  Get married, I mean. Look at Margot - don't you call what she's doing work?"
"Felix!!  I don't want to be a nun, thank you very much" exclaimed Felicity indignantly, sitting up with a start.  Her brother chuckled and threw a pillow at her.  
"Honestly, Flix, you know what I mean.  Plenty of girls work these days - and not just before they get married," he searched his mind hurriedly for some examples close to home.  "What about Josette, fr'instance?  I always thought it was a waste that she married so young, but now she's got her qualifications and is working in - what is it? employment law? - as well as having little kiddies.  There's nothing to stop you following in her footsteps.  You've got most of the brains between us two, anyway!"
His sister grimaced back at him, comforted nonetheless by his words.  "Alright, alright - so we can all do whatever we want - boys or girls.  Now pipe down and let me get some sleep!"  
Felix caught his pillow with one hand, bowed to an imaginary audience, and settled down to sleep.  "Oomph!  I am tired.  'Night, Flixy."
Quiet descended.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 12th, 2003, 7:49pm
There's more on it's way!!  Watch this space!   ;D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 12th, 2003, 8:22pm
After the excitement of the previous day, the young Maynards were rather quiet the next morning.  Felicity in particular was still mulling over her brother's words of the night before.  It was a relief, therefore, when Simone turned to her over breakfast with a request.
"Felicity, cherie, would you and your siblings do me a favour this morning?  The post office just called to say that our postman is sick, and will not deliver the mail today.  It is just two miles to the village... would you in your energetic youth be so kind as to collect it for us?  We would be most grateful."
"Of course, Tante Simone!" exclaimed Felicity.  "It would be nice to have a walk.  And really it is we who are grateful for your hospitality this week. It's terribly kind of you and Oncle Andre to have us."
Her aunt smiled at her.  "It is our pleasure.  Very good, that is settled.  Andre will give you directions after breakfast.  Now, can I not tempt you to another croissant?" she proffered the basket of delicious french patisseries.

---
When the meal was finished and the dishes cleared away, Andre explained the directions to the eldest twins.  Then, exchanging glances with his wife, he turned to the youngest Maynard.  
"Geoff, would you mind staying at the chateau with your aunt and me?  Some assistance in the garden would help us old people."  
Geoff, who was still somewhat pale after the emotional reunion with his twin, nodded.   Phil gave him a quick hug before heading after her elder siblings, who were walking cheerfully down the driveway to the chateau's great gates.  

---
*still more in the pipeline!*
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 12th, 2003, 9:22pm
Watching her husband and their young companion wrestle with some unwanted brambles, Simone gave a slight smile.  Goeff was like his mother in so many ways.  He had inherited her delicate features and pale complexion, and his aunt rather suspected that the resemblance went beyond appearances.

"Do you know, Geoff" she began conversationally, "I was only just younger than you when I joined the Chalet School."
Geoff feigned a polite look of interest, but groaned inwardly.  He had heard the story of the school's founding far too many times.
Simone saw through his pretence and laughed.  "Oh don't worry, I'm not going to go on and on about how marvellous the school is.  I can do that with your mother.  Actually, I was going to tell you about how much I hated the school when I started."
"What?" Geoff was too surprised to be more polite.
"Yes, well.  Most people have forgotten that by now, but I cried myself to sleep for over a year."
"No way - why?"  The boy had never heard anyone speak of the Chalet School in this way before.

"Well, first of all, I was hundreds of miles away from my family.  Of course, I had my little sister there, and my cousin Mlle Lepattre was a mistress, but we hardly got to spend any time together - and it wasn't the same as being at home."
Geoff nodded.  
"Then, secondly, I found it so hard to make friends.  The other girls all seemed to chum up instantly, I have no idea how they did it."
"Oh, don't I know how that feels!" Geoff couldn't help the murmur escaping.
"And finally" continued Simone, though she had caught his words, "Everyone kept making out that I was over-emotional, how do you say it? A cry-baby!  But what did they expect if they treated me like I was an irrational child?"

Geoff sighed suddenly, and stared at the ground.  He could feel his aunt and uncle looking at him.  
"Tante Simone, I guess it's obvious that I'm not enjoying school much.  And I appreciate what you're telling me.  But - but - I know things got better for you over time, but I just can't see it happening at Rugby.  The set-up is pretty different from the Chalet School, you know."  
His aunt eyed him sympathetically.  "Geoff, I have no idea what Rugby is like.  Thank God, my sons never went to English boarding schools.  They always sounded horrendously stiff-upper-lip to me, although your father and uncles seemed to enjoy them!"
Geoff gave a weak smile.
"I didn't mean to suggest that your circumstances in England are the same as mine were in the Tyrol.  It's just that it seemed, yesterday, that your happiness at being here wasn't only due to seeing your family.  Am I right?"
Geoff nodded silently.

Andre spoke for the first time.  "Geoff, we'd never force a confidence from you.  But if you'd like to talk about anything, your aunt and I would be happy to listen.  And we'd give our word of honour that we wouldn't judge you in any way."
Geoff looked at his uncle for several seconds, as though making his mind up to a difficult task.  Then he heaved a deep sigh.  
"Oncle Andre, Tante Simone, I want to be a writer..."

***
(and yet more on the way!!!  creative fever has gripped me!!!)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 12th, 2003, 10:09pm
... As Geoff described his dreams, he was heartened to see that his mother's friends didn't look at all worried.

"Oncle Andre," he began eventually, having got everything off his chest, "Aren't you - I mean - don't you - aren't I - "
His uncle laughed at Geoff's confusion.
"Aren't I what?  Shocked that you love art and literature?"  He put a kindly hand on the boy's shoulder.  "Geoffrey, why should that shock me?  Many great men have been writers, and poets, and artists.  Weren't Victor Hugo and Charles Dickens men?  Wordsworth, Tennyson, Baudelaire?  Un homme de lettres is one of the highest accolades to which a man can aspire."
Geoff gasped in surprise and relief.  He had never heard a grown man tell him this other than his English Literature master at school.  
"But - but - then - why do the boys at school rag me for loving books?  They just don't understand!  Oh - oh, why did Papa and Mama send me there?" he gulped.

Simone chose her words carefully, for she had no intention of criticising her longest-standing friend.
"Geoff, as I said, I don't know what your school is like.  People tell me it's one of the best-respected schools in England, and your brothers and cousins seem to have done well there.  I am sure that your parents chose it to give you a first-class education.  But if you are really unhappy there, you should tell them.  They would understand, I am certain."
Geoff looked at her doubtingly.  

"Truly, Jack and Joey will listen to you.  In fact, I am sure that Joey will be proud of having a son who has inherited her gift."
The youngest Maynard still looked unconvinced.
"Geoff, we would never interfere without your permission. And, as I say, I think you should talk to your parents.  But, if you wish, Andre and I can write to them some explanation of how you are feeling.  If, as you believe, they entertain some prejudices against a boy having a creative career, it may help them to know that their close friends see no problem with it. And" added Simone with a firm nod, "I am sure that Joey will know better.  After all, she supported me entering the Sorbonne to study mathematics, back in the 1930s, when few people believed that a woman could solve a quadratic equation!  I shall remind her of that, if necessary," she concluded with a smile.

Geoff's relief showed clearly on his face.  "Tante Simone, Oncle Andre, thank you so much for your advice.  If it's OK by you, I'll take some time to think about your offer of writing to Papa and Mama.  But I do appreciate it, truly."
Andre nodded.  "Very well, Geoff.  But remember, the offer stands.  And now," he added in a completely different tone, "What about these brambles?  Let's get down to work!"

***
(one more post coming - phew!!)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ianswythe on Aug 12th, 2003, 10:42pm
This is great Catherine_B, I love seeing Simone coming out as a strong character and helping and understanding Geoff.
More, more!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 12th, 2003, 10:47pm
It's on its way - evil computer just crashed and ate what I was working on <grrr> - let's see how good my memory is...!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 12th, 2003, 11:18pm
An hour later, the trio heard merry sounds as the walking party returned from the village.  Cecil dashed up the driveway, quite refreshed from the walk in the beautiful french countryside.  

"Heaps of post!" she exclaimed.  "Here are yours, Oncle Andre - all official and businessy.  Two handwritten ones for you, Tante Simone - those look like proper letters, from friends, I mean.  And Geoff, guess what?  There's a parcel for us!  For us Maynards, that is. It's from Switzerland!"
"We haven't opened it yet" Phil chimed in.  "Felix said we should wait for you.  Do come on, I'm dying to see what's inside."
Andre surveyed his correspondence.  "Thanks for the post, kids.  Geoff, you've done sterling work with those brambles.  Go and enjoy yourself!"
The youngest Maynard needed no further prompting, jumping up to follow his twin as she whirled giddily across the lawn.

***
"Right then" said Felix, once the five were settled under a shady tree, "Let's see what we've got here."  He opened the parcel dramatically, and pulled out a bulky, padded package and several envelopes.  "What on earth is all this?"

Cecil took the package.  "This one's from Ailie.  Look, there's a note".  She read aloud:
Dear kids, I meant to give you this at the reunion next week, but it seemed appropriate to send it with the letters. It's one of my favourites.  Enjoy!  Ailie"  
"Curiouser and curiouser" Cecil remarked, as she unwrapped the padding carefully.  Then she gave a squeal. "Oooh, look!  It's a 7" record."
"Careful!" said Felix.  "What is it, anyway?"
"'A Change is Gonna Come'" read Cecil, puzzled.  "By someone called Sam Cooke.  Who's he?"
"Honestly, sis!  Hasn't the Chalet School entered the 60s yet?" her big brother teased her.  "He's only one of the best gospel singers in America.  One of the chaps at school has his records.  I've never heard this one, though."
Cecil stuck her tongue out at Felix.  "Aren't we smug?  Alright, alright.  We'll listen to it later, then I'll know him too.  What about the letters?  Who are they from?"

"This is the first one," giggled Felicity.  "Oh, I don't know what order they all go in, but this one has 'Open Me First' written on it in big red letters. Let's take a look."

"Dear Cousins," (she read) "It's Sybil here.  Word reached me that you've been a bit overwhelmed recently by the whole Being-Part-Of-A-Family-With-A-Glorious-Tradition-Especially-At-The-Chalet-School thing.  Well, all I can say is, what took you so long?  :)  OK, there's not much that can be done about having such a big family.  But at least I thought that we cousins and elder siblings might have some useful insights for you, seeing as we've all been in your shoes - and survived!  I couldn't get everyone to write in this short time, but here are our best efforts.  You do get the whole time span, anyway, from Peggy to Aile on the girls's side, and David to Kes on the boys' (with some inbetween!).  If any of it helps, great.  If not, please feel free to write us off as clueless grown-ups.  We're looking forward to seeing you next week at Freudesheim.  Much love, Sybil.  

The Maynards rocked with laughter at this screed.  
"Right!  I'm going first" declared Phil, brandishing an envelope.  "Let's see who this one's from..."

*****
(collapse!  going to bed!  anyone want to take over?)

 
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by keren on Aug 13th, 2003, 8:22am
I am not taking over, but you have done a great job deveoping this thread and the characters, and have even very cleverly left scope for everyone to carry on with all the cousins points of view in the letters
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Rachael P on Aug 13th, 2003, 9:48am
(What inspiration, Catherine - I love it!!)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Aug 13th, 2003, 9:59am
all over to you Catherine, its brilliant!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by KB on Aug 13th, 2003, 11:36am
Absolutely! Catherine, as soon as you have the energy, please do continue!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 13th, 2003, 2:42pm
Well, if you insist  :)

But to avoid EBDisms, can anyone remind me what happened to the elder Bettanys/Russells after they left school?  I know Peggy married Giles Winterton, and Bride married Simon Carrington (or was that Josette? <help>)... but did they have kids?  What about the boys?  Any details on their careers?  

Catherine *whose CS collection is in another city*
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by catherine on Aug 13th, 2003, 3:03pm
Bride married Simon Carrington.  Peggy had a little boy - Alan, I think, by the end of the series.  Rix and David both became doctors but neither was married.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Rachael P on Aug 13th, 2003, 3:26pm
And Josette has a daughter (probably in New Begs) and there was some controversy over her name which might have sounded silly but I can't remember what

I think Sybs was also married by then
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ellen on Aug 13th, 2003, 3:41pm
Hilary Anne Daphne

It goes like this:

Jo mused on this. "Hmm.  Hilary Anne Daphne. Sounds OK.  Oh no, Madge," she exclaimed, "she can't do that to the poor kid!"
"What?" queried Madge, puzzled.
"Why, her initials would be HAD! Ever been had!"

P130 New Beginnings
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 13th, 2003, 10:42pm
Wow, excellent stuff Catherine. :D :D :D I've been away for a few days and have just read the last few pages in one go, this board has some brilliant writers, I'll be scared to venture more than a sentence or two now!!!

I've just realised how many new threads there are, and I've only just got in and want to go to bed, luckily it is my turn for the computer tomorrow morning!! ;D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Clare on Aug 14th, 2003, 4:49pm
Phew! I've just read this all in one go. It's fantastic. It's nice to see the male Maynards getting a look in, and I like the way they're struggling to live up to the expectations that come with their family name. Well done  :D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Esmeralda on Aug 14th, 2003, 6:33pm
It is good to see the boys get a look in - more soon please.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 15th, 2003, 11:11am
ok - i'm going home for the weekend to collect my 60-odd chalet books and to do some research - then i shall deliver the goods  :)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Emily the Strange on Aug 15th, 2003, 7:35pm
Sorry to butt in, but if you feel like it Catherine, could you work in something about Felicity's ballet? That seems to have gone out of the window, and I'm sure she must be a little annoyed with that, as I was when I gave it up. Just a thought.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Susan on Aug 16th, 2003, 2:01am
Catherine this is brilliant.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by edith on Aug 16th, 2003, 4:02pm
WoW! Its great.

Also i know this is a bit late but i saw this a few pages back...

Quote:
and i asked if anyone knew songs from musicals - one of the (grown up!!  in his 30s!!!) blokes gave a raucus laugh and said "ooh - you'll never catch any men admitting to knowing musical songs - what kind of men would they be? hur hur hur HUR HUR"  
!!   was NOT impressed.  think women are much cooler about sexuality/ies.

How wrong he is. John Paul "sings" them all the time. Which would be OK cept he can't sing!!!
And I want to spend 10 days walking with him singing musicals the whole time!!!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Ally on Aug 16th, 2003, 5:13pm
This has become an epic since I went away, well done.

Don't forget Daphne Russell is the same age as Cecil, also with a lot to live up too, and Peggy was expecting another child in a later book.  I'm looking forward to the Reunion!

Btw I did laugh at the thought of 18 year olds Felix and Felicity sharing a room!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 18th, 2003, 11:29pm
Phil opened the envelope and extracted several sheets of creamy white paper.  Her brows knit for a moment as she scanned some untidy handwriting, then cleared again.  

"This one's from Maeve," she announced.

"Dear All," (read Phil)

"Greetings from London!  I hope you're having a lovely time in France, and I'm looking forward to catching up with all your news next week at the reunion.

Sybil got hold of me by 'phone yesterday, saying you folk could use some advice on surviving the family.  Well.  I'm not sure I've got the hang of it myself yet... but... I promised Sybs I'd write.  Please treat all this in confidence, though.  I wouldn't like the family gossiping about me.

So.  Where to begin?  At your age, I guess.  Well.  I suppose people saw me then as the cheerful, breezy type.  Ha!  I can tell you that my school years were really tough.  Imagine having Peg and Bride as elder sisters to live up to!  Perfect Peggy and Brainy Bride.  We're close enough now... but back in those days the relationships were a little strained.  Maurice and I had lived in India for years, you see, and then suddenly we were sent of to school - separated for the first time - and Peg & Bride came the officious grown-ups all over me.  Everyone at school worshipped them, of course.  

Anyway.  In some ways it did get better after they left.  It was easier to be my own person, and maybe also it was easier being a Bettany than a Maynard or a Russell.  At least I didn't have the long shadow of "Madame" hanging over me, or my mother having been "the very first pupil of the Chalet School"!  I guess that's a whole different privilege (or burden?) for you lot. But I can tell you that I felt the weight of expectations really heavily.  For five whole years after Bride left, students, staff and Old Girls alike would make little jokes about 'following in the family footsteps'.  Most of them weren't malicious, but they all combined to produce the most horrible pressure.  

Things only really got better when Vi Lucy found me throwing up in the Splasheries one day.  (Do you remember her?  Her two elder sisters were HGs in their day, but she 'only' made it to Second Pree).  Anyway, I was about 16 and as stressed out as was humanly possible.  I remember as though it was yesterday what she said: "What's the worst that can happen?  You just become an ordinary pree?  Sixth form isn't the end of your life, you know, it's the beginning. And it's those who think otherwise that will have the hardest time in the end." Those words stayed with me even when I did become Head Girl, and I hope I never behaved like school was the be-all and end-all.  Maurice helped me keep some perspective on things, too.  I hope you two have stayed close, Felix & Felicity.

That's almost it... although, of course, being part of such a big family doesn't end when you leave school.  I'm bringing my fiance to Freudesheim for the reunion next week, and I sincerely hope he survives.  He hasn't met my parents yet, and to be honest I'm dreading it!  He's an airline pilot - I met him at the holiday agency I work for - and An Eligible Young Man by any reasonable standard, but I think Daddy misunderstood me when I said he was from India.  Sridatta is really from India, not from our Forrestry or Colonial Office.  Goodness only knows what will happen when he meets my parents - if they treat him like a 'native' or he harangues them about British imperialism, all hell could break loose.  Oh well.  You can all look forward to fireworks next week, if nothing else!

Enough from me.  Take care & see you soon,

With love from your cousin,
Maeve."
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Vikki on Aug 18th, 2003, 11:39pm
Catherine, you are a genius! Ilove the idea of Maeve with an Indian fiance! That should throw a few spanners in the works at the family reunion!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Rachael P on Aug 19th, 2003, 9:44am
Wonderful!!

Looking forward to Ailie's letter ..............!!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 19th, 2003, 8:13pm
"Wow" said Cecil in the silence that followed this lengthy epistle.  
"I'd never have realised Maeve felt the pressure like that," said Felicity thoughtfully.  "She always did seem the cheerful type.  I wonder how much of it was an act."
Felix looked at her soberly.  "And what about this fiance of hers?  You must have heard Uncle Richard on the subject of 'native backwardness'.  Oh, I don't mean that he's more prejudiced than the average man of his generation," he added hastily, "but he was brought up believing in the British Empire, and all the recent decolonisation must have been a tremendous shock.  I do hope he doesn't take it out on this - what's his name? - Sridatta."

Geoff nodded.  "It's strange when you think about it.  Mama and co go on and on about understanding other cultures, but mostly they mean European.  I can't see why."
"Because of the wars, probably" said Phil.  "I mean, failing to understand our neighbours properly caused the last two wars, didn't it?"
"Yes, but still," mused her twin, "Surely not caring about what people in the colonies felt caused problems too.  Why else did they want independence, after all?"

Felicity shot her youngest brother a surprised look.  He'd always dug deep, but she was still startled that he could argue against the status quo so calmly. She couldn't think of many thirteen year olds who would put themselves in other peoples shoes like that.  Keeping that to herself, she said aloud,
"Enough history for a moment.  I'll take my turn in reading.  The handwriting on this letter seems familiar, somehow. Oh, look!" she added with a smile, "It's from Steve."  
The others settled themselves comfortably as Felicity began to read.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Tassie_Ellen on Aug 20th, 2003, 1:46pm
Hey, Catherine and others, this is great! I nearly didn't read any more of this thread since seeing the first few "chapters", but am really glad I did. It's wonderful - can't wait for the next few letters - especially from the little-heard-from boys in the various branches of the family.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 21st, 2003, 12:48am
Dear Folks,

Sorry for not writing in such a long time, and I hope this letter will go some way to making amends.  It's hard to keep up with all the members of the family, scattered as we are over the globe!  I'm glad you five have managed to get some time away together, anyway.  

So, I think I'll start by telling you what's been happening to me recently.  I know that Sybil told me to write about family life, and you're probably thinking that here in Edinburgh I'm hundreds of miles away from all that, but it will all fit together in the end - promise.

I suppose that Papa or Mama have mentioned to you that, after graduating from medical school here, I headed to the Hamilton Institute.  You probably haven't heard of the Institute - it's very specialised, but it's got a great reputation in its field, which is stress-related illnesses.  Anyway, I signed up in order to work with war veterans.  It seemed like a manly sort of occupation for a doctor, to be honest, and something that Papa and Uncle Jem would approve of.  Well. If I'd had any illusions about war, they were shot through (pardon the pun) within the first week.  If you've never seen it happen before, watching a grown man break down and cry is the most unnerving experience.  And it's not as if these men were cowards.  Most were officers, or have medals, or both.  It's unnerving, but also, in a strange way, liberating.  A soldier allowing himself to be absolutely vulnerable breaks all kinds of social taboos.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Aug 21st, 2003, 12:49am
(Humph!  The censor wants to shorten Steve's letter!  But Steve is going to have his say!!)

Thankfully, the Hamilton Institute isn't one of those fearsome places which gives patients electric shocks to force them back into their old ways of thinking and behaving.  Here, we're following some new theories that have come from America.  There's a man called Carl Rogers who has pioneered something called 'client-centred therapy'.  In simple terms, it means that you listen to your patients (or 'clients', as we call them), build a safe environment for them to talk without feeling judged, and then gradually they should be able to come to terms with their experiences and feelings.  Of course, this 'therapeutic' approach can apply to all sorts of people, not just war veterans.  There's a lot of work to be done on it still, but I think it's enormously exciting.  

What does this have to do with family?  I hear you asking.  Well, it's like this.  As doctors who practise client-centred therapy, we undergo therapeutic sessions ourselves, so we can understand the process from both sides.  Sometimes we do it as individuals, and other times in groups.  It's from this experience - as well as working with clients - that I know just how revealing therapy can be.  My revelation came somewhere in our sixth group session.  Up to that point I'd been kind of non-commital, keeping that stiff upper lip which school beat into us (literally).  

Anyway.  There I was, talking about my work with one of the patients, and how he'd been having repeated nightmares about being captured in Germany.  He didn't speak any German, and for some reason the thing which terrified him most in his dreams was being unable to understand what his captors were saying.  Not the POW camps themselves, you see, but the language.  It seemed strange to me, and I was talking about it.  Then, out of the blue (as far as I was concerned), one of my groupmates said to me, "Well, that wouldn't be a problem for you, would it Maynard, seeing as you grew up in Switzerland?"  And at that point I just hit the roof.  I'd never felt so angry in all my life.  I was shaking with rage.  

What the hell would he know about it?  All my life I'd felt guilty about not speaking languages properly.  I can remember every single time that Mama or Papa said "Really now, it's high time you boys spoke German properly."  I cried afterwards in private, every time, without exception.  What could possibly be more unfair than sending us away to school in England - as tiny kids, terrified and heart-broken at leaving our family - and then reproving us for being monolingual?  Rugby wasn't exactly conducive to speaking foreign languages.  I got beaten up by my form-mates for being a 'swot' after my first French class (the master had praised my accent).  After that I learned to keep quiet, and to forget as much as possible.  But going home to the Platz was horrible.  The girls could all chatter away in three or more languages, whereas I felt like a foreigner in what was supposedly my home environment.  And when our parents told us off for not speaking French, or German, or whatever language it was, I felt like a complete failure.  Sometimes, irrationally, it felt like they'd sent me away because I wasn't as good as the girls.  

That wasn't easy to write down.  It was even harder to say or understand, that first day when it all came pouring out.  Phew.  I've probably shocked you.  But then, I shocked myself too.  

After that pain, there was some good news.  It was a relief to let out something that had been pent up inside me for so long.  And, as I talked about it with other people, I realised that it was OK to come from a seemingly happy family, and still have problems.  Over time, I'm coming to a better understanding of how my childhood has affected me.  I still love Papa and Mama, but I don't think they're perfect any longer.  I doubt that anyone's parents are.  One day - not yet, but some time in the future - I hope I'll be able to sit down with them and talk about all this.

I hope all this isn't too much for you.  But it sounded, from what Sybil said, that you lot have been struggling with the family too.  Maybe it will help you to know that I have too, and that it can truly get better over time.

I can't make it to the reunion next week, due to work scheduling, but I'll be with you in thought.  And please, any time you need someone to talk to, feel free to call on me.  Our parents never drilled being 'the responsible eldest' into me quite as they did into Len, but I am still your eldest brother, and I'll always try to help.

All the best,
Steve.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Esmeralda on Aug 21st, 2003, 1:25am
Excellent Catherine, I'm really enjoying finding out more about the supporting cast, and it seems so realistic and consistent with what we do know about them.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Clare on Aug 21st, 2003, 7:48pm
Oh wow - that aspect of the boys and languages had never occured to me before. It's very realistic. Thank you!

*sits back and waits for more*  :D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ravenseyes on Aug 28th, 2003, 1:16am
Could one of yuo talented plot bunnies carry this one on - it is really good - thanks
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Vikki on Aug 28th, 2003, 1:22am
Well, I daren't try! Every drabble I try to contribute to seems to go crazy, and I don't want to spoil this one!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Lisa_T on Aug 28th, 2003, 1:26am
Ditto. I'm also *hugely* offended that ravenseyes doesn't think *our* masterpiece is any good...

*wails as hopeful dreams of becoming a famous CS style send upper go up in smoke*
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Vikki on Aug 28th, 2003, 1:30am
*suggests Lisa should pull herself together and not be a spineless jellyfish*
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 28th, 2003, 11:01am
Wow, this is really good stuff.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Chloe on Aug 28th, 2003, 11:31am
This is so good, i can't wait for the next letter
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Aug 28th, 2003, 3:27pm
Come on Catherine otherwise i shall be forced to re-butt in because i have some ideas forming...
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Aug 29th, 2003, 3:30pm
It's 24 hours since anything was posted on this thread. More please, more. I'm craving more.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by PatW on Aug 29th, 2003, 3:38pm
we've had no story for a week.  I don't like suffering withdrawal symptoms!!   More!  More!  More!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Jennie on Aug 29th, 2003, 3:48pm
This is really tormenting me, wanting to know what happens next. You'd need something good to read, if you were stuck with hemming sheets, as I am, so please cheer up my lonely sojourn in Matey's linen room.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Chloe on Sep 1st, 2003, 11:17pm
it's cruelty to dumb animals by not ahving a continuation for over a week :(
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Sep 2nd, 2003, 8:55am
OK OK, since there is such popular demand... :)

I moved house last week which was rather hectic, and I don't have internet access yet in my new home.  But I shall bow to pressure and come in to work early tomorrow just to keep going.

(Anything to stave off the plot bunnies!)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Chloe on Sep 2nd, 2003, 10:50am
thank you  :D ;D :), we are most grateful.
Hope you've no white hairs over the move though, i've seen how hectic it can be for some people, but luckily have never had to move myself ;)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Sep 2nd, 2003, 3:51pm
Thanks Catherine!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Sep 3rd, 2003, 8:31am
Felicity’s voice was getting hoarse as she reached the end of Steve’s letter.  She gave a sigh of relief as she read the last lines, then looked up in some apprehension at her brothers.  To her surprise it was Felix rather than Geoff who looked most upset.  

“Was it… was it really that bad?” she asked.
Her twin nodded miserably.  
“Flixy, it was just horrible.  I hated being sent away, and I’m pretty sure we all did.  There are good things about school, of course…  but it’s vile being so far away from home, and feeling like a stranger when you get back for the hols.”  He hesitated for a moment.  “Steve’s spot on about the languages thing, too.  I haven’t forgotten my French and German, but it’s only because I’ve swotted like anything in secret.  The chaps would rag me terribly if they knew I was trilingual.”

Geoff heaved a huge sigh.  
“Good on Steve, anyway, for telling us that.  Nice to know that even our successful eldest brother found it tough.”  He turned resolutely to the next letter.  “My turn to read”.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Sep 3rd, 2003, 8:42am
The five Maynards were somewhat relieved to see a single sheet of writing paper and a colourful leaflet fall out.  
“At least”, thought Felicity “this can’t be anything too traumatic!”   She craned her head along with her siblings to get a better view of the leaflet.  

“WE SHALL OVERCOME!” it read at the top, in big letters, followed by:

“Join the fight against sexism, racism and violence - the Notting Hill Women’s Commune is waiting for YOU!”

Cecil gasped as she recognised the young woman on the front.  Eyeing the short-haired, dungaree-wearing, banner-waving demonstrator with a mixture of amazement and admiration, she exclaimed,  ”Oh my goodness!  That’s Ailie!”  
Title: [i][/i]Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Sep 3rd, 2003, 8:51am
"No way!" protested Felix and Felicity, who remembered their cousin Aline better than the youngest twins did.  
"Ailie's hair was never that short!" snorted Felix, his cares forgotten.  
"What on earth would Matey say?" yelped his sister.

Their youngest brother grinned at them.  "'fraid Cecil's right, old things.  It's Ailie, and no mistake!"  He read the brief letter aloud.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Sep 3rd, 2003, 8:52am
[There!  Hope that keeps the plot bunnies away for the day!  I'll try to write more after work - the creative juices are flowing again now :D]
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Chloe on Sep 3rd, 2003, 9:20am
Yay thank you have a nice day at work :)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by LulieCat on Sep 3rd, 2003, 11:08am
And there was I getting all emotional over Maeve and Steve's letters  :'( :'( and then up pops Ailie, and cheers me up again!  ;D

Can't wait to see  what the others all think - especially the Russells (being the kids of Sir James and Madame must be a hard one to live up to)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Sep 3rd, 2003, 12:26pm
lol! :D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Jennie on Sep 3rd, 2003, 2:56pm
Which would you least like to be, a Russell, a Maynard, or a Bettany?

Besides that, anything else pales into insignificance.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by PatW on Sep 3rd, 2003, 3:02pm
A Maynard!!  I'd hate my Mum to be in and out of school all the time - so embarrassing!!!  Let's face it, teenagers find their parents' presence embarrassing, they don't have to *do* anything.  LOL!!!  Jo's so involved with everything that I feel really sorry for her kids.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Jennie on Sep 3rd, 2003, 3:10pm
I agree with you on that one, but I think I'd find it just as bad to be Russell (What would your mother say if she knew her daughter was behaving in this way?) or a Bettany (What would your aunt say if she knew you were behaving in this way?)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by PatW on Sep 3rd, 2003, 3:30pm
Let's face it, being a daughter in *any* of these families would be dire!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Sep 3rd, 2003, 3:46pm
I'm not embarrased by my parents presence, much more the other way round!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by PatW on Sep 3rd, 2003, 3:53pm

on 09/03/03 at 15:46:41, Marianne wrote:
I'm not embarrased by my parents presence, much more the other way round!

Are you sure??   :D :D

I was going by my own experience of seeing both sides!!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Sep 3rd, 2003, 3:58pm
Yep! I'm an honoury old person, often told to go away and be a proper teenager! :)
To be fair to them though they do appreciate being able to trust me and stuff!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by PatW on Sep 3rd, 2003, 4:24pm
Sounds to me as if you've made the sometimes difficult transition form a child/parent relationship to an adult/adult one.  Good for all of you.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Sep 3rd, 2003, 4:46pm
Catherine, thanks very much. This is brilliant. I am enjoying seeing what you have come up with for each character. You are managing to make them individuals, even the boys who sometimes tend to blur into one.

I think no matter how hard it would be being a girl in any of these families, it would be even worse to be a boy.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Marianne on Sep 3rd, 2003, 6:01pm
-Thanks Pat! ;)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by COS on Sep 5th, 2003, 2:41pm
It's great to see some other members of the Bettany/Russell/Maynard clan who are only mentioned in passing (if at all).  Can't wait to see Charles' letter.  I always felt sorry for him especially breaking Joey's Little Flower statue.

More Please!  ;D

Caroline
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Sep 5th, 2003, 3:04pm
Nyargh!  I'm writing a report  to show how much work I've (supposedly) done in the last month - in my new job - report due today - can't let those wretched plot bunnies out!  

Don't think I'm going to be able to write letters from all of the boys (would take me until Christmas at this rate!!) so I want a show of hands - who do you want to hear from most?  
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ElKel on Sep 5th, 2003, 3:26pm

on 09/05/03 at 14:41:57, COS wrote:
 Can't wait to see Charles' letter.  I always felt sorry for him especially breaking Joey's Little Flower statue.


Pity he didn't break the Infant of Prague statue - Jo would have been mightily pleased with him then!  (Apparently it brings good luck if the IoP is accidentally decapitated. . . Nowadays I think they make the statue with an inherent flaw in the neck so a breakage is bound to happen.  Not that I'm a cynic or anything. . . ;D)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by LulieCat on Sep 5th, 2003, 3:27pm
I'd like to hear from Charles, and then one each of the Russell and Bettany boys (not fussy which) :)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Esmeralda on Sep 5th, 2003, 3:46pm
I would quite like to hear from Mike, but I'm not that fussed as long as I hear from someone in the not to distant future....
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Sep 5th, 2003, 3:56pm
I think I would like Charles from the Maynards and am not as bothered about the ohers, maybe David Russell and Maurice Bettany? I appreciate the effort you have put into this, really it doesn't matter if it does take until christmas, just post a letter when you happen to have one ready.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Sugarplum on Sep 12th, 2003, 4:14am
this story is wonderful
I'm sooooooo glad I found the board!
is there any more due soon ?? please please please  :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Sep 12th, 2003, 1:58pm
<dissolves into tears>

my tale of woe is that i have been living for today when ntl were supposed to install a phone line & internet connection in my new house... last weekend i went home and collected my entire chalet school collection, didn't take anything useful like clothes or house furnishings (!!), carried 60 books on my back, since then have spent every evening going through the books with a fine-tooth comb, searching for clues as to what might have happened to the boys... and then today ntl, the scum, informed me that there are technical hitches and i'll have to wait another three weeks!!!!!!!!!!!  

which means that a) i can't read or post on the CBB except from work, which is cheating really (i work for oxfam and feel guilty about wasting people's kindly donated money by browsing the web when i'm supposed to be saving the world - like now, oops), and b) not having a landline, i can't call my family & friends who mostly live abroad.  how miserable is that??  :o  

and to add insult to injury, my boiler failed today, which means i'm having to take CS-style baths!

*wail*
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Jennie on Sep 12th, 2003, 3:25pm
Big consoling hug and giant size box of tissues for you Catherine.

Ntl are the pits, always promising, never fulfilling on time. It took three goes before my son's Ntl broadband was working properly. Oh dear, I hope that doesn't make you want to start crying again. Another box of tissues, and here's a chocolate cake to make you feel better.

:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Vikki on Sep 12th, 2003, 8:31pm
Catherine, do you have a mobile? 'Cos I found that it was actually cheaper to phone overseas from my mobile than from a landline! I'm not sure if this is still the case, but it'd be worth looking into.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Carolyn P on Sep 12th, 2003, 9:34pm
Catherine, have lots of virtual hugs from us all, and lots of whatever comfort thing you would like, it sounds like you deserve it.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Susan on Sep 13th, 2003, 12:43am
Poor Catherine I hate it when firms  don't do what they say when they say especially if you take time off work.

More hugs coming your way.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Vikki on Sep 13th, 2003, 12:46am
Vikki *realises she forgot to send a hug in her earlier post*
*sends one now!* :-[
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by KB on Sep 13th, 2003, 6:17am
*adds her own hugs and spits epithets aimed at the telecommunications industry as a whole, apart from any members of it that may frequent this board*
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Vikki on Sep 13th, 2003, 11:59am

on 09/13/03 at 06:17:37, KB wrote:
*adds her own hugs and spits epithets aimed at the telecommunications industry as a whole, apart from any members of it that may frequent this board*



Like the way you covered your back there KB! ;D ;)
Vikki *tried to get broadband, but was told she lived too far from the exchange!!* >:( >:(
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by KB on Sep 13th, 2003, 12:46pm
*lol* Yes, there might have been some serious backpedalling required otherwise.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Vikki on Sep 13th, 2003, 12:58pm
Out of curiosity, does anyone here work for one of the said companies? ???
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 1st, 2003, 4:07pm
so i just thought i'd update you the internet installation saga -

ntl, the SCUM, the *$%£&*@s, were supposed to come yesterday morning, i took the day off work to wait, they didn't come, and then after i spent ONE HOUR on hold today trying to find out why they hadn't come as promised (and i'd called the previous afternoon to confirm, just in case they'd forgotten), they told me the next available date was the 9th october!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i was soooooooooooooooooo angry that i argued & scolded for 15 minutes, and finally cancelled the contract.  so now i'm back to square one.  

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<RAGE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(there was a hushed silence in my office after the call.  think i scared my colleagues).
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Rachael P on Oct 1st, 2003, 4:39pm
Catherine,

That's terrible - I hate it when companies do that - absolutely no consideration, no explanations, no apologies and no compensation

Poor you!

I hope you get something sorted soon ... both for your sake and ours!)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Vikki on Oct 1st, 2003, 10:33pm
*Makes note to self not to use NTL, ever!!*
*hopes Catherine gets her internet sorted soon, with no hassle*
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Esmeralda on Oct 2nd, 2003, 12:36am
*Sends sympathy to Catharine
*Makes note to follow Vikki's example and boycott NTL

I have heard bad things about them from other people, but at least there troubles didn't start until after they got online.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 2nd, 2003, 2:11pm
oh no - please don't tell me it gets worse after installation!!

our campaigns team at oxfam organises boycotts of evil corporations - perhaps i could get them to put ntl on the list and thereby deprive them of thousands of customers  ;)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 2nd, 2003, 4:42pm
better news today.  called ntl again (putting mental health at risk of permanent damage) and asked ever-so sweetly to speak to the installation director.  inevitably was put through to customer complaints, but maintained my position with studied politeness, getting passed upwards three times until i came to a manager who bowed under the force of my logic, and agreed to install my connection tomorrow morning.  ah, the sweet, sweet taste of victory!!!  

assuming they actually come tomorrow
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Jennie on Oct 2nd, 2003, 5:05pm
If they don't, just phone the installation director again, and whisper these soft sweet words into his ears 'Breach of Contract'
That usually gets them going.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Vikki on Oct 2nd, 2003, 10:49pm
*crosses fingers for Catherine*
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 3rd, 2003, 3:35pm
on line!  in touch!  back in the real, virtual world!!  can communicate with friends & family again!!!   <collapses in relief>

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by PatW on Oct 3rd, 2003, 3:48pm
Wonderful.   ;D ;D ;D  Well done. ;D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Susan on Oct 4th, 2003, 1:16am
Well done Catherine - welcome back to the land of communication.
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by crashbb on Oct 4th, 2003, 1:20am
So, now that you are back.  When do we get to see the next installment?

Chelsea *asks the question everyone wanted to know but were to polite to ask*
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Vikki on Oct 4th, 2003, 2:36am
YAY Catherine!!! Congrats!!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Jennie on Oct 4th, 2003, 10:26am
Well done, Catherine, a real victory  over the evils of ntl.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 5th, 2003, 1:17am
Right!  Here goes!  (rubbing hands with glee). By the way, I've just skimmed rapidly through a month's worth of missed drabbles - I hope I'm not repeating anything that's already been dreamt up, but apologies in advance if so!!

***

Geoff's voice wobbled with laughter as he read out Ailie's brief epistle.

Hey folks

Thought you might like to see how three Chalet girls (Jan Chester, Judy Willoughby & me) are revolutionising London!  Yup, we're taking that school spirit of equality & independence to its logical conclusion, and the walls of Jericho are tumblin' down.  Girls, the commune would welcome you with open arms - you can't imagine how useful all the organisational skills you learn as prefects are!  Boys, we don't have anything against you, as long as you're prepared to join us on the front line :)  

Oops, just remembered Sybs told me to write about family.  Get a bit carried away with the political stuff sometimes.  Well, I know it isn't always easy (people still call me "Madame's daughter"  - uuurgh!) but look on the bright side - we've all done such different things, there's definitely no "typical" Bettany/Russell/Maynard kid.  No one who didn't know us would think that Lady Sybil Astley, owner of the chicest boutique in Kensington, Professor Josephine Walton, expert in employment law, and rebellious ME were related!  Though I guess we've all been struggling to justice, one way or another.  I'm so proud of Sybs divorcing that Astley - he wasn't nearly good enough for her, despite his riches - and making a success in business.  She always had a go-ahead outlook - some people who were envious of her at school called it selfishness, but really she's just turned out a shrewd negotiator.  And Jo with her legal work in Australia - we're all so excited by the "Prohibition of Discrimination Act" she's working on in South Australia that'll ban race discrimination - hopefully it won't take long before the UK catches on!  Anyway I guess we have something in common underneath.

Enough for now - got to get to my next demo.  We'll catch up properly at the reunion.  Hugs & much love,

Ailie xxx
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Vikki on Oct 5th, 2003, 4:05am
Yay!
*hopes Catherine has written lots while she's been off line!!*
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Esmeralda on Oct 5th, 2003, 4:11pm
Catharine, So glad you triumphed over evil NTL,  and hopefully you've had all the trouble you're going to get.
This was worth the wait - looking forward to more!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Chloe on Oct 5th, 2003, 10:28pm
YAY i hope there is more soon i'd really like another one of the boys letters please :)

i don't like ntl they've been mucking my best mate's family around with their internet and she needs the internet at home for coursework as with my school over half the web is filtered as in even some art galleries are filtered due to paintng of people in the nude which resulted with our head of art being band from the internet from trying to access the gallery sites too often ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by ravenseyes on Oct 15th, 2003, 3:03am
Is there MORE MORE of this story coming ?  It 's really enjoyable :)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Catherine_B on Oct 15th, 2003, 8:28am
<groan>
well, as soon as i have prepared for two classes, taught them, spent the evening running about on a football pitch, read all about debt forgiveness & the restructuring of iraq (something i know nothing about and my boss threw at me yesterday evening!) and gone from oxford to prague and back to speak at a conference on the subject, and taught another two tutorials, AND subdued the nancy & kathie thread sufficiently... then i'll try!  

that should be in about 48 hours time :)  (hectic week!!)

thanks for the flowers, anyway, raveneyes :)
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Rachael P on Oct 15th, 2003, 12:53pm
LOL, Catherine!!

Not sure whether to plead for this thread (which I love for catching up with the respective members of the clan) or Nancy and Kathie (who don't need subduing, just nurturing so they can grow!)

Either way, am looking forward to next instalments on both  ;D

May the bunnies of plot be with you!
Title: Re: Felicity as Head girl
Post by Vikki on Oct 15th, 2003, 5:22pm
Catherine, I hope your hectic week goes as smoothly as it's possible for a hectic week to go!!


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