The Chaletian Bulletin Board
        (http://www.chaletian.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl)
      

        Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >>  Margot Maynard
        
(Message started by: catherine on Dec 20th, 2003, 1:10pm)
Title: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Dec 20th, 2003, 1:10pm
Another drabble for you.  It's not very long and obviously it's not finished but anyone who wants to continue it feel free!  It's been sitting on a disc for ages and I've only just found out where I saved it!!!


Margot Maynard sat curled up on the window seat, staring miserably out at the dizzying dance of snowflakes falling.  The rest of the family were busy with their own concerns, Con was closeted in her room, busy with her writing and Len was out seeing Reg.  It was the end of her first term at Edinburgh University and it has to be confessed that the term had not been a success for her.  She had got in with the wrong crowd and quickly fallen into some bad habits, becoming increasingly lazy over her work until her tutor had given her a severe warning, telling her that she was perilously close to being thrown off her course, if not the University.  It had shocked Margot into taking a good long look at herself and she had realised that underneath it all, she was not happy at Edinburgh.  She was missing her triplet sisters, Len and Con badly and after the protective surroundings of the Chalet School, it had come as something of a shock to be out in the real world.  She thought about writing to her sisters to ask for their help but fear of what her parents would say if they got to hear of it, as they surely would if she confided in her sisters, stopped her.  In any case, her previous requests to meet up with them had gone unheeded, in fact beyond the letters they had written to each other during the first two or three weeks, none of her letters had been answered.  Ruey Richardson, one of the adoptees, was no good either, she lived very much on the surface of things and in any case, she too was enjoying herself far too much to help Margot who had felt increasingly lonely and isolated.  She had gradually pulled herself together and thrown herself into her work, avoiding the set she had previously spent so much time with, but her marks were nothing more than average and she had become increasingly unhappy.  The feeling she had always had of ‘two’s company, three’s a crowd’, regarding her tripletship and of being a failure and disappointment to her parents had only strengthened.  She survived to the end of term and still had her place on the course but her family were shocked by her appearance when she rejoined them at the start of the holidays.  She had lost far too much weight and was looking pale and thin, with dark circles under her eyes, which were no longer a brilliant blue, but dull and lifeless.  She had avoided all attempts at talking and avoided being with the family as much as possible but only felt more unhappy as she heard Len and Con chatter happily about Oxford.  As she reflected on the past, she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see her mother looking down at her.
“Won’t you tell me what’s wrong?”  Joey asked, very gently but the youngest triplet shook her head.
“The others need you.”  Margot mumbled.  “Go to them, forget about me.  They deserve you more than I do.”
“Margot, my darling girl, it’s you I want to talk to, not Len, not Con, not Stephen or any of them.”  Joey stroked Margot’s red gold hair.  “You’ve avoided me since the day you came home, you look pale, you’re not sleeping well, you’re not eating well and you’re on the verge of tears half the time.  What’s gone wrong with Edinburgh?”
“Please just leave me alone.”  Margot said unevenly.  “I’ve been such a failure and disappointment to you and Papa all my life.  Let the others have you, they won’t disappoint you like me, the black sheep of the family!”  She ended on a harsh laugh and her mother gave her a sharp look.
“Mary Margaret Maynard, you are not a disappointment to either of us!  We are so very proud of all you’ve achieved and even in your worst moments, we’ve never stopped loving you!”  Joey said severely and Margot burst into tears.
“Help me, Mamma!”  She sobbed, holding out her arms to her mother as though she were nine and not nineteen.  Joey sat down beside her, wrapping her arms round her and cuddling her as if she were only nine.  “I’m so lonely.”  Margot sobbed.  “I thought I’d made friends with people but all they wanted to do was drink and go out dancing all night and so I did too and then I could never do my work properly because I was tired and I kept missing lectures and then my tutor said I might not be able to stay on the course because my work wasn’t good enough.  I didn’t want that to happen and so I stopped going out and kept working and my work got better and I still have a place but I have no friends and I don’t like it very much.”  Margot buried her head in her mother’s shoulder and wept.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lesley on Dec 20th, 2003, 2:35pm
Oh Catherine - an excellent start but you can't leave it there! Please continue!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 20th, 2003, 2:44pm
I do hope you can manage some more of this Catharine, I've always thought Margot was one of the more interesting characters, so it's always good to read more about her.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by xanthe on Dec 20th, 2003, 3:40pm
Catherine please come back and write some more of this!  Pretty please?  ;D
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by LauraT on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:54pm
*smiles hopefully and adds to pretty pleases*  :)  :-*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Chloe on Dec 20th, 2003, 8:12pm
Catherine please write some more of this  :)
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:13am
Catherine, please come back and write lots more of this soon!! :-*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:50am
Oh, poor Margot! Please, Catherine, post more before we get too impatient!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Rachael on Dec 21st, 2003, 9:39pm
Catherine! *wails*

This is really good! Poor Margot! What happens next, please?
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Abi on Dec 21st, 2003, 11:42pm
*adds some very pretty pleases - all decorated with flowers and nice smiley faces like this  :) :) :) *
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Dec 22nd, 2003, 1:12am
*admires Abi's artistic presentation skills!*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:30am
*doesn't know how Catherine could possibly resist such pretty pleases*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Dec 22nd, 2003, 10:58am
*wonders where Catherine is!!*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Jennie on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:22pm
Cooeee, Catherine, we're all sitting here waiting for more of this.

We might as well be comfortable - installing large, cosy sofas, footstools, floor cushions, drinks cabinet, snack cupboard. Have I forgotten anything?
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lesley on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:28pm
Widescreen TV with Surround sound and Sky subscription. Giant refridgerator, half for drinks and half for chocolate cake...
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Cumbrian_Rachel on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:50pm
a large supply of jaffa cakes, a slidey floor (and mats) (might as well have some fun while we're here), a collection of board games...
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Jennie on Dec 22nd, 2003, 4:08pm
Consider them all added to our comforts. In fact, anyone, please feel free to add what you want.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Dec 22nd, 2003, 4:54pm
*produces CD player and big stack of Christmas carol CDs!*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Dec 22nd, 2003, 7:36pm
Eventually the sobs ceased and when Margot was lying quietly against her mother's shoulder, Joey ruminated on what she had heard, stuck for how best to help her daughter. She had no idea of Margot's feelings about her position in the family but she felt that was the least of their worries.  Her first instinct was 'typical Margot' when she had heard what her daughter had to say but she quickly suppressed that thought, after all, that was exactly what was at the bottom of it all.
"The fact of that matter is that we've all been too ready to believe the worst of Margot.  Her devil was nothing more than a source of amusement to us and then when it was time for her to pull up, we all rather left her to struggle through her problems by herself."  She thought guiltily.  "And now, when she really needs our help, she can't ask us for it!"  Margot sat up just then and she turned to smile at her.
"I'm sorry."  Margot murmured.  "I shouldn't have said that; I'll go and wash my face and let you get back to the others.   I'm sure they need you and I'll struggle through somehow, I always have!"  She gave a shaky laugh and pulled free of her mother's grasp, standing up.
"No you don't!"  Joey pulled her down again.  "Margot, please don't think your needs aren't as important as the others.  I know you've caused problems for us in the past but that's all over with now and we're all very proud of the way you've pulled yourself together and taken responsibilty for yourself.   To be honest, I'm really not very sure how to help you at the moment, it's not a situation I've ever been in but I do want to help you and I will, as far as in me lies.  At the moment though, I think you need to be tucked up in bed and left to have a good sleep.  When you wake up, we'll see if we can't find a way through this together."

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

That'll have to do for now guys, I really don't have anymore written and that was just off the top of my head.  I'm at my parents and don't have frequent access but will do my best for you all!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Chloe on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:29pm
Yay thank you catherine and we don't mind a wait espeacially as you've now got tow drabbles on the go!  :)
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lesley on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:56pm
Thank you Catherine - more please when you are able!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Abi on Dec 23rd, 2003, 12:31am
thank you Catherine! We can wait.......we can try to wait.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 23rd, 2003, 3:41am
To tired to say anything other than thank you Cathreine.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 23rd, 2003, 4:50am
An excellent and very realistic characterisation, Catherine. Thank you.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Susan on Dec 26th, 2003, 6:05pm
Nice story Catherine. Glad to see more of Margot and behaving just as one suspected she would.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by xanthe on Dec 26th, 2003, 7:19pm
Thank you Catherine!!!!!!!  ;D

*does the drabble-joy-dance*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:26pm
*wonders why nobody has begun to chant and does so myself*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:36pm
*takes the hint and joins the chant!*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:37pm
*wonders whether Vikki doesn't count chanting as singing  ::)*

*joins in with gusto*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:41pm
That's a very good point, Catherine! Well, Vikki?
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:51pm
No, no! Chanting does not require the ability to carry a tune!! ;)
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:55pm
*reminds Vikki that as all chants for more are now set to music, they are required to be sung, and thus you had better never chant again* 8oo
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:02pm
*thinks KB is mean and goes off to cry!*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:10pm
I'm not mean, I'm honest!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Angel on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:48pm
*tries to rescue Vikki*

Margot the red-nosed Maynard
Had a very shiny nose
Because she'd spent time crying
Cos she was all alone

Then one snowy christmas eve
Mamma came to stay
'Margot with your nose so bright -'
"Catherine - more tale tonight"

All of the other boarders
want to laugh and join in games
But until we have more story
The tale will all go up in flames....
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:54pm
*doesn't see how that will help Vikki, particularly if she's expected to sing it*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Angel on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:55pm
I was trying to distract her a little, and make her laugh...

Is that so bad? It is the season of good will, and all...
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:56pm
*thanks Angel for trying!* :-*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:56pm
Oh, I see. *wonders if it worked*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 26th, 2003, 11:00pm
I got my mother singing lessons for Christmas... (she asked for them, before anyone thinks that I'm a pressurising daughter!)... the nice teacher said that anyone could learn to sing...
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 11:01pm
Well, I'm not sobbing anymore! ;)
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 11:03pm
*glad Vikki is no longer sobbing*

And Catherine, I've heard that, too, but I don't necessarily believe it!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Angel on Dec 26th, 2003, 11:07pm
If you don't speak in a total monotone, then you can be taught to sing.

One of the ways i've improved my singing has been to work on modulating my voice better - I've got a fine speaking voice, according to the people who shove me on the lectionary rota as often as they can get away with - but actually controlling where I pitch it. It doesn't matter if I get it wrong, but the control helps. Learning to project my voice without straining to the back of old, drafty churches helped as well.

I'd been told for 20 years I couldn't sing (From age 4, would you believe) and yet, when I took lessons, discovered that, with some effort, I could, and quite nicely.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Pat on Dec 27th, 2003, 12:24am
Angel, don't any of your churches have a loop system?!!  Steve's a local preacher, and guess who has to read *every* time he'splanned at our church!!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Abi on Dec 27th, 2003, 12:29am
If I can sing, anyone can sing - and I sang in my School choir for five years!!

The only time I've ever read at a service was a Christmas one and I got the exciting bit about the shepherds and the angels and read it like you would a story (not all sing-songey like usual) and got a round of applause afterwards  ::)
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Angel on Dec 27th, 2003, 8:19am
I don't like loops, although I understand why we have them. I just don't like microphones much, although it was useful at Midget Mass...
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Dec 27th, 2003, 8:44am
Midget mass?
*confused!*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lesley on Dec 27th, 2003, 2:16pm
I don't know if anyone can be taught to sing - had a friend at school who I'm sure sang in exactly the same way as Jessica Wayne from CS - two notes and dirge! Problem was she wasn't aware of it and resisted all attempts at us telling her - in the nicest possible way!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Angel on Dec 27th, 2003, 6:15pm
OOOPS

Midnight Mass, I mean.

And yes, as a story is basically how I read, but more so than any other story...
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 12:01am
Angel, Midget Mass is obviously your pet name for that event. ;)
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Angel on Dec 28th, 2003, 11:50am
;D

It was a braino, but I rather like it....

Anyway, catherine, wasn't more in the offing?
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 8:12pm
*hopes more is in the offing!!*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:15pm
*definitely hopes more is in the offing*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Dec 30th, 2003, 6:27pm
*giggles wickedly*

*reminds KB that hope is not always fruitful*

Sorry!  Between planning, Emily and family I have no time!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lesley on Dec 30th, 2003, 6:30pm
*Sulks!*

Thought you'd posted more story catherine! :(
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 30th, 2003, 8:56pm

on 12/30/03 at 18:27:44, catherine wrote:
*reminds KB that hope is not always fruitful*


But if we don't have hope, what do we have?
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Dec 30th, 2003, 9:30pm
Reality?
Depression?
Sadness?
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 30th, 2003, 9:31pm

on 12/30/03 at 20:56:30, KB wrote:
But if we don't have hope, what do we have?


Love?


Sorry for the one word reply, but it was what dropped into my mind. Probably because of '...and the greatest of these is love'
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 30th, 2003, 9:44pm
*thinks Vikki is a pessimist and Carolyn is lovely*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Dec 30th, 2003, 9:46pm
*admits to pessimism!! And agrees about Carolyn's loveliness!*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 30th, 2003, 9:50pm
:-[ :-[

*blushes a vivid red*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Dec 30th, 2003, 9:52pm
*huggles Carolyn* :-*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Jan 13th, 2004, 2:43am
Just bumping this up to bring it back to Catherine's attention!!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Jan 13th, 2004, 3:11am
Excellent idea, Vikki! More please, Catherine!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lesley on Jan 13th, 2004, 8:59am
Good idea Vikki - Catherine please post more - it'll take your mind of your assignment!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Chloe on Jan 13th, 2004, 4:48pm
Please may we have some more Catherine :)
Title: ! Re: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Jan 13th, 2004, 7:44pm
*wonders how some people can possibly think they're subtle*
*sighs resignedly and wonders what possessed her to begin this*

Margot duly went to bed, tucked in by a motherly hand and with a motherly kiss but she didn't sleep for all that.  She was relieved that she no longer had to keep it bottled up but she couldn't help but feel that all she had done was prove to her parents that even at nineteen, she couldn't be trusted to behave herself and act responsibly and that all she had done was to live up to everybody's low expectations of her.
"Bad Margot!" She laughed harshly to herself.  "That's what everybody expects me to be, of course and I've just proved them right!  But it wasn't planned!  I didn't know that the people I'd chosen for my friends were just there to drink and party and make the most of having no parents there!  And when I really realised what I was doing, I pulled up!  At least I still have my place!  It wouldn't be so bad if the rest of this family weren't so perfect!  Mike can be even worse than me in some ways but nine times out of ten, they just say "he's a boy" but I'm the black sheep of the family.  And yet, I'm no worse than half a dozen others at Uni - better, even!  The fact of the matter is that this place is so secluded and the only people who go to the Chalet are 'nice girls' from 'nice families' so anything anyone does that is even slightly rebellious is a big deal even though it would only be minor thing in a state school in England."  She thought resentfully.

Happy now, people?  There may be more later but at the mo, I'm going off to get my supper and then catch up on some of the drabbles!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Chloe on Jan 13th, 2004, 8:13pm
*applauds*

Thank you Catherine  :)
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Carolyn P on Jan 13th, 2004, 8:21pm
Thank-you Catherine. Hope there's lots more where that came from.
Title: Re: ! Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Jan 13th, 2004, 9:51pm

on 01/13/04 at 19:44:37, catherine wrote:
*wonders how some people can possibly think they're subtle*


Didn't think I never was! Na-ah! Not me!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Jan 13th, 2004, 9:56pm
KB, as a fellow prefect, I suggest you take more care over your English in front of the Juniors!  We wouldn't want Miss Annersley to find out where the little dears get their bad English from, now, would we?
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Jan 13th, 2004, 10:13pm
:-[ It's just that I was so overwhelmed by such false accusations that I couldn't help but be affronted, and it's not fair, 'cos I never did, and I never could, 'cos I'm not just made in a subtle way, and it's unfair, and... *trails off* :-[
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 1:11am
*huggles KB soothingly, and thanks Catherine for posting more!!*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 1:15am
*thanks Vikki and loudly blows nose*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lisa_T on Jan 14th, 2004, 1:48am
More please Catherine when you have the time! *reminds everyone Catherine has started TP. Show a little tolerance and PATIENCE  ;D ;D*
*produces dictionary*

I'm intrigued by the discussion of loop systems. Are you telling me they help hearing people? They supposedly help HA wearers but you can nearly always guarantee that a)they'll be broken b) the best reception is in a position that makes lipreading difficult if not impossible c) the people you complain to don't know the first thing about them (I'll never forget watching the special needs guy in the cinema try to plug the phone line into a portable loop system. Don't ask me why! The openings obviously did not match!)
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 1:51am

on 01/14/04 at 01:48:40, Lisa_T wrote:
More please Catherine when you have the time! *reminds everyone Catherine has started TP. Show a little tolerance and PATIENCE  ;D ;D*
*produces dictionary*


Lisa, I can't read Arabic!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Chloe on Jan 14th, 2004, 6:24pm
I'm looking forward to more of this when you get the chance Catherine  :)
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Pat on Jan 14th, 2004, 6:36pm

on 01/14/04 at 01:48:40, Lisa_T wrote:
I'm intrigued by the discussion of loop systems. Are you telling me they help hearing people? They supposedly help HA wearers but you can nearly always guarantee that a)they'll be broken b) the best reception is in a position that makes lipreading difficult if not impossible c) the people you complain to don't know the first thing about them (I'll never forget watching the special needs guy in the cinema try to plug the phone line into a portable loop system. Don't ask me why! The openings obviously did not match!)

The system in our church has speakers in the roof, which means that the preacher doesn't have to project his/her voice to the back, and those people who have a little hearing loss, but don't need aids, can hear better.  There is also a speaker in the porch, where we can have toys for very young kids in family services, but parents can still hear what's happening, and we can also use it as an overflow for the main church when necessary. (It's a large porch, specially built for the purpose!)
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 9:55pm
They are both excellent ideas, and I'm sure encourage more people to come to the church!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lesley on Jan 15th, 2004, 8:14pm
Thank you for your latest post, catherine!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Jan 15th, 2004, 9:44pm
Joey, meanwhile, knowing nothing of the inner thoughts of her youngest triplet, made her way downstairs with a heavy heart.  She did love Margot with the same whole hearted love she gave her other children but she couldn't help but reflect that it always Margot who caused heartache.  She was just wondering, for the umpteenth time, where exactly they had gone wrong with her when she was greeted by the sight of her friend and Margot's ex headmistress, Hilda Annersley, warming herself in front of the fire in the Saal.
"Hilda!  I never was more glad to see you!"  Joey cried and Hilda turned from the fire with raised eyebrows.
"I seem to remember you saying that to me on more than one occasion in the past, Joey."  She remarked.  "I assume your problem is Margot?"  She knew all about the Maynards' worry over Margot's state of health since she had returned from university, although she had yet to see the girl for herself since Margot had avoided her brevet aunt as much as she had avoided the company of everybody else.
"When isn't it?"  Joey sighed, dropping into a chair and Hilda, now warm, regarded her thoughtfully.
"Is that quite fair, Joey?  Margot has pulled up amazingly over the past few years and is a credit to herself, the School and her family."
"I wonder if you'll still think that when you've heard the latest?  Lend me your ears, my dear and you shall hear all!"
"Not until I have a cup of coffee in my hand."  Hilda Annersley said firmly.  "Really, Joey!  At times you are a most inhospitable hostess!"
"Give me a chance, Hilda!"  Joey protested.  "I've only just come down from talking to Margot; I had no idea you were here."
"But now you do and I'm waiting for my coffee."  Hilda was taking no nonsense and with a sigh, Joey went off to do her bidding.  She returned a few minutes later and once they were both settled, she poured out the story to her friend.  "Poor Margot."  Hilda was all sympathy.  "She sounds very unhappy, Joey."
"She is but I can't help but feel she's brought a lot of it on herself."
"I can't say I agree with you."  Hilda sipped her coffee thoughtfully.  "Joey, your girls were always at risk of finding it difficult once they went away.  I wonder if you realise just how protected and naive they are?  No!  Listen to me!  This is a secluded part of the world and your girls have spent their formative years here.  I am the first to admit that the Chalet School has a somewhat protective atmosphere about it and the girls' eyes are not opened to things they would otherwise be opened to.  For the most part, this makes no difference as they do encounter boys and the like when they go home.  They certainly see it all on the Television!  Your girls, however, have no Television and they've had a Catholic upbringing with little or no experience of some aspects of the real world.  The girls who they have chosen for their friends and indeed the girls who have been their companions throughout their lives come from decent backgrounds and not even Emerence or Ted when she first came to us, could be described as 'bad'.  We've not had teenage pregnancies, girls smoking or drinking, sneaking out to see boys, the problems that a typical English school may expect to encounter from time to time.  The girls that are your triplets' companions at university will be more worldy wise and more sophisticated.  Some of them will also, as Margot has found, be less thoughtful and intelligent.  She chose for herself, people who she thought were fun loving, as is her nature.  She was not experienced enough to recognise that these people only had one aim - that of making the most of their freedom - until it was almost too late and she found herself in danger of losing her place.  She did recognise it, however and she has pulled herself together and made good and this despite the fact that the people she most needed to encourage her were nowhere near her and were too wrapped up in their own doings to even heed her plea for help, her plea to meet.  No, I don't blame Len and Con but what I wonder if you realise just how much Margot has been, has always been, on her own?
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by LauraT on Jan 15th, 2004, 9:56pm
Yay! Go Miss Annersley! Poor Margot! This is so good Catherine!

More please!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Jan 15th, 2004, 10:10pm
Thank you Catherine!! It's good to have some insight into Margot's thoughts and feelings!!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Kathy_S on Jan 16th, 2004, 12:53am
Glad to see Hilda's insights here.  Hope they help Margot!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Susan on Jan 16th, 2004, 2:21am
Thank goodness for Hilda, what would have happened to poor Margot if Jo had not told her?  Let's hope Jo listens to Hilda.

Thanks for the posts Catherine.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Jan 16th, 2004, 2:26am
Good for Miss Annersley! And I can just imagine Joey not having a TV.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lesley on Jan 16th, 2004, 7:16am
Good for Hilda! Hopefully Jo will be a little more understanding now.

More please catherine!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by PatMac on Jan 16th, 2004, 7:37am
Wise words from Hilda!  It got me thinking that the mistresses have all been to college or university and so have encountered all that Margot is going through.  They have, presumably, decided that it is better for the girls to be protected and that it is up to the parents in the holidays to deal with teaching them about the 'real' world.  I think it does reflect how girls boarding schools were in the era the Trips grew up in.

thank you, Catherine.  Hope that helps Joey to understand  Margot.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Shander on Jan 16th, 2004, 3:57pm
Horray for Hilda! I'm glad Joey has someone to straighten her out.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Jennie on Jan 16th, 2004, 4:48pm
I agree with you, Shander. It must be hard to wear a label all your life.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Jan 16th, 2004, 8:02pm
"What on earth are you talking about Hilda?"  Joey stared.  "Margot's never been on her own!  She has Len and Con!  And she has plenty of brothers and sisters!"
"Joey, you can feel very alone no matter how big or small your family is."  Hilda said quietly.  "Perhaps more so in a big family like this.  Len and Con are very close.  They have come up the School side by side and had the same friends.  Margot struggled for most of her life to keep up with them, not because she wasn't clever enough but because persistent hard work was not in her nature.  She overcame that in the end but I don't think any of us, and I include myself, saw that for the big achievement it was.  We rather sat back and said, yes, that's as it should be.  You are proud of Con for her writing, you are proud of Len for all she achieved as Head Girl and her excellent work but what of Margot?  She made an excellent Games Prefect but did you tell her how proud you were of her?  You know, I often wondered if Margot knew she was loved as much as the others; I certainly felt that a lot of her actions were the result of wanting attention - wanting to be noticed for Margot, not just 'the bad triplet' or 'the youngest triplet' or 'one of Joey's triplets, Len's triplet' etc.  Her jealousy towards her triplet sisters was the natrual result of feeling that she was growing apart from them and wanting to do everything she could to stop it.  We're all agreed that your triplets have split your qualities among them - Len has your readiness to help others, Con has your gift of writing and imagination and Margot inherited your sense of mischief and heedlessness.  You gave us all, Madge especially, scares enough in the past and you are still heedless at times today.  Margot is no different there, but she has been criticised far more for it.  And then there was Canada.  It must have been ever so upsetting for her to be sent away from you for that time, even though it was for the best for her.  All I'm saying Joey, is that it seems to me that all through her life Margot has done anything and everything to get your attention and love but the mistakes she has made has meant that she now feels herself labelled as 'the bad triplet', a disappointment to her family. She daren't ask you for help for that very reason.  She's been brave enough to tell you why she's so unhappy, Joey, don't turn your back on her now when she needs your love and support more than she ever did, I beg you."  
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by LauraT on Jan 16th, 2004, 8:10pm
Catherine, I've just seen your tag line, its lovely  :-*

And you know, I never thought of the Maynards with a TV. I didnt even consider it!

And go Hilda!!  ;D
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Jan 16th, 2004, 9:26pm
I do hope Jo listens to Hilda, but I wouldn't be surprised if she blew up at her!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Jan 16th, 2004, 10:13pm
Well aware that she was in danger of overstepping the mark in their friendship, Hilda drained her coffee and stood up.
"I must go, Joey but I hope you'll work things out.  You know where I am if you need me."  With that she departed to seek her wraps and then set out on a brisk walk to clear her head before returning to the School and her apartment.  Her great friend and co-head, Nell Wilson, had gone to Interlaken for the day to do her Christmas Shopping and she was not expecting any visitors, so she lit the fire and sank down onto the settee with a sigh of relief, reaching for her book.  It was with an exclamation of annoyance that she heard a knock at the door but it melted away as no less a person than Margot appeared in the doorway, minus wraps of any kind.
"A-auntie H-hilda.  M-may I c-come in?"  The girl hiccuped and Hilda was shocked by the sight of the girl - one look was enough to tell her just how badly Margot was feeling.
"Margot my dear girl!  Of course!"  She took her brevet niece's freezing cold hand and led her over to the fire.  Instinctively, she placed her arm round Margot who cuddled down against her, laying her head on Hilda's shoulder.  The two sat like that in silence for some time and then Miss Annersley spoke.  "Margot, what are you doing here?"  She asked gently.  "It's lovely to see you but Mamma told me you were in bed and she wasn't expecting you to get up today."
"S-she's not there.  I-I heard your v-voice a-and s-suddenly I wanted to talk to you.  Y-you understand me so much better than Mamma b-but I must have fallen asleep as you weren't there when I woke up.  M-Mamma wasn't either s-so I-I th-thought I-I'd come a-and find y-you."
"I see."  Hilda Annersley decided against ringing Freudesheim, thinking it would do Joey good to have some worry over Margot's whereabouts.  "How can I help, Margot?"  She continued gently.  "I don't think I've ever seen you look so unhappy.  What's wrong?"  
"I-I've let M-Mamma down again."  Margot said, with a sob.  It never crossed her mind that her ex-headmistress would have been told all about it and that lady certainly wasn't about to enlighten her.
"There is only one occasion on which I can remember you letting your parents down, Margot and you are a different person to who you were then.  I won't believe that you have let your parents down again, even if you do feel you're in a difficulty."  She said firmly.  "Suppose you tell me about it and if I can help you put it right, I will."
"Y-you won't scold?"  Margot was suddenly fearful but her aunt laughed.
"Margot, my dear girl, you're no longer under my jurisdiction!  You have come to me for advice and if I can give it, you shall have it, but I certainly shan't scold or feel disappointed in you.  Tell me what's made you so miserable and let me help you."  Her tones were comforting and as she was meant to, Margot felt it.  She haltingly told her ex-Head the tale she had told her mother and was met with a ready sympathy and understanding that was far more comforting than her mother's well meant affirmations of love.  "Well, Margot, if that is the sum total of your indiscretion, I hardly think you have let your parents down!"  The Head considered.  "In fact, I would say you have proved yourself a credit to yourself, them and your upbringing.  As soon as you realised what type of people your friends were and the effect they were having on you and your work, you took steps to change it.  You realised for yourself that they were having a bad influence over you and took the brave step of severing your links with them.  You concentrated on what you considered to be important and what you knew your parents would consider to be important and put that before all other wishes and needs.  In short, Margot, you came to the conclusion that this was not the way you wanted or would be expected to live your life, and that these were not the friends you wanted nor were expected to have and you acted upon that realisation.  You would have let yourself and your parents down if you had ignored the conclusion you came to and continued acting in a way that you knew was not in keeping with the ideals and expectations of your life."  She paused there for Margot had been overtaken by sobs of relief and she took the girl in her arms, holding her as she sobbed.  "I'm so sorry you feel so lonely, Margot my dear, but all it proves to me is that you have the strength of character to realise where you are going wrong and solve your problems for yourself.  Those people are not the only people who are doing your course, of that I am sure.  I'm equally sure there are some lovely people who are just waiting to be your friend and that you will find them."
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lesley on Jan 16th, 2004, 10:31pm
Oh catherine - that was wonderful - bless Hilda for being so understanding! Now if only Joey could get to hear the same thing.

Lots more please when you have time!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Jan 16th, 2004, 10:34pm
"Take the time to talk to people you have hitherto had little or nothing to do with and before you decide to spend all your time with them, really get to know them.  There is no need to rush into your friendships; you will find yourself making closer and better friends for taking the time to get to know people first   University is not just about furthering your studies; it is about broadening your horizons socially as well as otherwise and you will meet people who you would not otherwise have met or wished to meet.  Choose your friends with care and never be afraid to move on from them if you feel that you are suffering because of them.  That is all the advice I can give you at the moment. You have told me you have spoken to Mamma and I'm sure she is appalled to think you believe, wrongly, by the way, that you are not loved but that is something for the two of you.  In the meantime, Margot, I am here and willing to listen anytime but next time, please take the time to dress yourself properly!  You certainly won't be popular if you come down with a cold!"  She gave Margot time to recover herself whilst she prepared some coffee for her, intent on warming the girl up thoroughly before she suggested she went home and whilst Margot was drinking it, she went to find some warm wraps for the girl to see her across the gardens, returning only to find that Margot was curled up on the settee, sleeping like a baby.  She threw a light rug over the girl and then went to place the long overdue call to Freudesheim.

Joey had gone out for a walk, intent on thinking through everything her friend had said to her and blithely assuming Margot was fast asleep.  She had been shocked to the core by some of Hilda's speech and had been inclined to be angry but after a brisk walk had calmed some of her rage, she had to admit that her friend was right.  It appalled her to find these weaknesses in her motherhood and for the first time, she began to doubt the wisdom of having such a long family, as she reflected that perhaps she didn't know her children sufficiently well as individuals.  She vowed from that moment, to start spending more time with them and paying more attention to their thoughts and feelings, starting with Margot.  Her mind made up, Joey had returned swiftly to her home, intent on making up for lost time but only to find her attempt thwarted when she realised that Margot was nowhere to be seen.   She had just started to panic when Hilda's call came through, her imagination causing her to arrive at all sorts of wildly improbable conclusions but far from relieving her mind, it only made her feel more guilty than ever when she found out that Margot had felt she could only seek comfort from her ex-headmistress and brevet aunt.  "What sort of a mother was she, that her own daughter could not come to her when she was miserable, lonely and in need of help?"   She thought guiltily.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Pat on Jan 16th, 2004, 10:37pm
Good for Hilda!  Poor Margot and her label.  It's easy to see how she got suc a low level of self-esteem.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Carolyn P on Jan 16th, 2004, 11:46pm
Thank you so much for such good long postings.

Hilda is wonderful isn't she.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Kathy_S on Jan 17th, 2004, 1:19am
Agrees again that Hilda is perfectly wonderful !!
(but still hopes for a reconciliation with Joey)
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Susan on Jan 17th, 2004, 2:37am
Hilda to the fore!!   Poor Margot, hope Jo keeps to her decision to get to know her children better.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Jan 17th, 2004, 3:37am
Oh, golly, what a mess! I'm glad Joey could see sense, though.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Shander on Jan 17th, 2004, 4:09am
I feel sorry for Joey too now. She must be feeling awful. It's never nice seeing where you've failed, and to think you've failed your children must really hurt. I hope things get better for them both.
Thank you Catherine. This is lovely.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by PatMac on Jan 17th, 2004, 8:08am
Thanks for that.  It was nice to get up to more of this!  I feel sorry for Margot feeling alone and unloved and also for Jo, it's not always easy to understand your children as individuals instead of in their role within the family.  I think the situation is sad for both of them but would have been worse if they were not facing up to it - thanks to Hilda.

I will be watching for more of this with eagerness.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lesley on Jan 17th, 2004, 9:05am
Thank you catherine - I do love Hilda!!! Hopefully Joey and Margot can make a fresh start now - Joey is honest enough to admit to mistakes. Hope Margot can deal with university now.

*Lesley really wishing she were like Hilda!*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Jan 17th, 2004, 10:43am
*begins to chant for more*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Jennie on Jan 17th, 2004, 1:21pm
Hurrah, Hilda's talked some sense into Joey, it was long overdue. More please.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by LauraT on Jan 17th, 2004, 3:51pm
Yay! Oh, I'm so glad Hilda's drilled some sense into Joey and that Joey's feeling guilty. Poor Margot and her label!

I'm really hoping for a reconciliation, but with drabbler's reputations I don't trust there not to be any deaths/tragic occurences! I'm now almost fully expecting Margot to catch pneumonia and die!  ::)

More please!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Kat on Jan 17th, 2004, 4:40pm
Wow Catherine - this is amazing!

You've put your finger on exactly how I personally have expected Margot to feel since she came back from Canada.  This is really really good, please keep going!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Jan 17th, 2004, 8:17pm
Catherine, this is wonderful!! I hope Margot and Joey will reconcile soon!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lisa_T on Jan 17th, 2004, 9:17pm
Catherine, this is brilliant! It makes sense that Margot would want to talk to Hilda- there's a comfort in spilling the beans to the person who knows every detail of the worst thing you've ever done, but has still stood by you. As I remember, Hilda and Co bent over backwards to avoid telling Joey the full tale of the Ted debacle, and I wonder how much Joey was ever told about incidents like Betty getting brained. It's also nice to see Margot treated sympathetically- I think for one reason or another she often gets left out of the drabbles. Maybe it's time to rethink the 'neglected triplet'..after all, there's more than one form of neglect! ;D
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Jan 17th, 2004, 9:41pm
Aw, isn't there more?
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Jan 17th, 2004, 9:44pm
Thank you for all your nice comments, people!  I'm feeling a little unsure about things at the moment so it's lovely to feel I'm not bad at something, at least!!  

Laura, please don't worry, I'm not intending to kill anyone off at all!  

I'm really not sure how much more of this you'll get for a while, as RL is taking over in quite a big way!  I'll do what I can and please don't lose interest but please don't expect a huge amount!  
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by PatMac on Jan 17th, 2004, 9:55pm
If RL needs you, we do understand.  It happens to us all and this is not a story to rush. If we seem impatient, it's only because we are following it with intense interest and enjoyment.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Jan 17th, 2004, 10:21pm
Joey felt thankful that her husband had taken the rest of their long family, apart from, Cecil, Phil, Geoff and Claire, the youngest four who were all out with Rosli, to Berne for the day.  She need not fear any interruptions when Margot returned to her and she fully intended to start putting right what had gone wrong that very day.  She loved Margot with all her heart and in some ways, she identified with her far more than the other members of the family.
"People talk about my ability to see and give help before most people have time to realise it's needed and they talk about my writing but they forget, for the most part, that I was a heedless creature who often didn't trouble to think before I said and did things.  In some ways, Margot is exactly like me - she even had my tendency to colds and coughs, but she's kept her distance from me all these years and it's as though I don't even know her."  She reflected.  "I know the entire family thinks I'm closest to Len but only because she can sense how I'm feeling and as I do, at times, I suppose, she sees things before the others do, and does what she can to help.  She's also by far the most responsible of the lot and I suppose I instinctively turn to her when I need things done.  She doesn't trouble to hide things from me and Con still tends to blurt out her innermost thoughts to me but Margot hasn't done that for years.  Hilda's right, I suppose.  The signs were there, Margot's been craving love and attention for years and if I hadn't been so interested in getting those quads and giving everyone a shock and generally extending the family, I might have seen that.  Well, Josephine, my girl, it's time you started to show Margot what you feel instead of just thinking it."  Joey, alone with her thoughts, waited with what patience she could muster for Margot's return.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Jan 17th, 2004, 10:35pm
*hopes Margot will be receptive*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Jan 17th, 2004, 10:36pm
Goodness, is Jo close to any of her children?
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Jan 17th, 2004, 10:46pm
She did not have to wait too long for Margot to return but it almost broke her heart to see the way Margot clung to her brevet aunt and her obvious reluctance to enter her family home.
"Go on, darling."  Auntie Hilda said softly - more softly than Margot had ever heard her speak. "Talk to Mamma; she's waiting for you and she loves you; let her help you put things right."  She released herself from Margot's hold, pushing her gently towards Joey before turning and leaving.
"Come inside, my darling.  It's far too cold to stand on the doorstep."  Joey took Margot's hands and drew her gently to the Saal and settling her in front of the fire.  "Don't be scared, Margot.  I'm not disappointed in you; I couldn't be more proud of you if I tried.  I'm not angry either.  I just wish I knew you better and knew how to help.  You're my daughter but I don't know you.  In fact, I don't think I've ever really known you."  Joey had decided that it was time to be straight with Margot.  "I've always loved you, Margot but I realise now that your Papa and I have never really told you or shown you that.  You've needed our love and attention at more than one point in your life but we were too busy with the others or with our own lives, to realise and for that, I'm more sorry than I can say.  Oh Margot!  I've failed you badly but if you will but give me the chance, I'd like to put it right.  Will you let me try?"  Joey's soft black eyes were pleading with Margot and Margot suddenly capitulated, throwing herself into Joey's arms and begging through her sobs, for Joey to never let her go.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Jan 17th, 2004, 10:50pm
Oh, golly, poor Jo and poor Margot!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Pat on Jan 17th, 2004, 10:52pm
That's really lovely Catherine.  If RL is calling you must deal with it, but if you need to escape for a little while, come here, won't you?
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by PatMac on Jan 17th, 2004, 10:54pm
*sobs*  Good for Joey!  It' very true to life.  the things that annoy me most about my own children are my own faults and weaknesses!  You hit the nail right on the head for me.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lesley on Jan 17th, 2004, 11:57pm
Thank you catherine - that was wonderful - prepared to wait however long it takes for you to write the next bit - hope RL doesn't cause you any problems.

(catherine - sending 10 ton of self belief down the modem for you - we all believe in you.)
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Jan 18th, 2004, 12:40am
*sending a big huggle to Catherine to say thank you!*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by KB on Jan 18th, 2004, 1:16am
*hauls over the Tissue Box* Stupid remote control isn't working...
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Susan on Jan 18th, 2004, 2:04am
Thank you Catherine that was lovely.  RL can be a pain, sending love and hugs and prayers for it.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Jan 18th, 2004, 2:13am
*calls out an engineer to sort out the remote control on the tissue box*
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Shander on Jan 18th, 2004, 2:18am
Thanks Catherine. This is a very well told story. Very well done.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Jan 18th, 2004, 9:01pm
:-[

Joey held Margot in her arms for more than an hour, petting her and murmuring soothingly and comfortingly to her until the girl eventually released herself and sat up.  Margot was feeling rather a fool again for getting upset in front of people, especially her parents, was not something she was accustomed to doing and she knew she was supposed to be the sophisticated one of the triplets.  She opened her mouth to apologise but Joey, with the uncanny knack of sensing other people's feelings, got in first.
"Don't apologise, my darling."  She said tenderly.  "I'm so glad you feel you can show me how unhappy you are.  I've failed you so badly, my Margot.  I always thought you knew how much I loved you, we loved you, if I'd known how much you worried over it, I'd have made sure you knew it.  I know I've not given you the attention I've given the others and perhaps, I've not been as encouraging as I could have been, but I've always loved you.  I know, better than anyone in this family, except perhaps Mike," she paused to give a chuckle, "what it's like to find yourself in trouble for a heedless remark or action or for playing tricks, disobeying orders.  Papa and I have always felt that although we may not be able to cure ourselves of our own faults, we can stop our children from succumbing to the same faults and that's why it might seem as though we've come down hard on you.  You see, Margot, you've got so much good in you and while you were young, we were very afraid that the bad in you would take over so we thought by coming down hard on you, you'd realise it didn't pay.  You did in the end, but I have a feeling it was more to do with the way you felt about your actions than it was about anything else and I also now realise that perhaps if Papa and I had given you the love and attention you needed, you wouldn't have got yourself into so many scrapes."
"I-it was so hard."  Margot volunteered.  "B-before I went away to Canada, I w-was just naughty at times and no one was too bothered.  I was a triplet and I felt like you all loved me but then you sent me away and even though I knew it was because I kept being ill and it would be better to be in Canada as it would make me better, I couldn't help thinking you just didn't love me enough to keep me with you.  I know it isn't true but I was so little and Auntie Madge is lovely but she wasn't you or Len or Con.  They were my friends, my playmates, my sisters.  We did almost everything together and suddenly, I had to do everything by myself.  Josette was fun but it's not the same as having two other people on all your adventures and being able to compare notes and share memories.  They would make me feel strong when I was nervous and happy when I was sad and I did it for them.  I had just started to get used to and enjoy finding things out on my own and being Margot, not one of the trips, when you all came out.  It was great to see you but it was hard.  Len and Con weren't my triplet sisters anymore; it was like they were twins and I was just the extra one.  I had to share my life with them and it didn't feel right.  Suddenly, all my friends were their friends, everything I did, they did too and I didn't like it.  I had been doing things on my own and I would be proud when I managed something because I'd done it on my own and then they came and I could never be sure whether I'd done something or they'd done it for me.  I wanted to share things with them but not everything, all of the time and everyone started comparing me with Len and Con, saying how Len was so much cleverer and how Con could write such good stories and what was I good at? whereas, before, no one had said anything.  They knew I was a triplet but they didn't keep wanting to know why I couldn't do the same things as them and why we weren't in the same form.  They just accepted me for me and were friends with me because they liked me.  I've always felt that some of my 'friends' were only friends because they were friends of Len and Con and because I was their sister they had to be friendly to me even though they didn't really like me."      
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Catherine_B on Jan 18th, 2004, 9:07pm
Oh!  Poor, poor Margot!  It's all so plausible  :'(  

Can't help thinking it was rather irresponsible of Jack & Joey to keep on having children instead of looking after their firstborn properly!  
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lesley on Jan 18th, 2004, 9:14pm
Feel desperately sorry for Margot - wonder why Joey - with her supposed skill at 'getting under the skin' of others - can have missed it. Hope she is properly repentant. At least she has apologised to Margot.

catherine - this is wonderful - more please when RL allows.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Jan 18th, 2004, 9:21pm
Margot paused to draw breath but Joey made no movement, merely waiting for her to continue.
"You see, the only difference for Len and Con was that suddenly there was just two of them.  But even then, it didn't matter that much.  They were in the same form and had the same friends and it wasn't as though they saw that much of me, even out of lessons.  They kept on at the same school, with the same people, in the same country and they still had you and Papa and Steve, Chas and Mike.  Of course they became closer to each other, I know they missed me at times and they hung together as a way of getting over the split.  But I had to go to what felt like the other side of the world without them by my side and like I said, it was hard to be without them when we'd done so much together.  I didn't know when I'd see them again and I didn't really understand why I was being sent away from you and why if I had to go, you couldn't come with me.  It hurt dreadfully and I was so upset for ages.  I used to cry myself to sleep and Auntie Madge even said to Uncle Jem at one point that perhaps it would be better if I was at home as Canada would be no good for me if I made myself ill by being unhappy.  But she talked to me and made me see that I'd worry you even more if I went home and that the best way I could please you would be to be happy and enjoy Canada.  I wanted to please you more than anything so I did it but it wasn't for a while that I really enjoyed it.  I did get used to it and enjoy it but it meant I had to grow up fast; I wasn't a little girl anymore, I had to do things Canadian children did to fit in and some of it was fun.  But you came out and Len and Con just seemed like little kids; they wanted to talk about everything I'd missed in England and dolls' houses and I was so excited to be with them, I didn't mind to start with.  But then I began to feel that I had more in common with my Canadian friends than my sisters and I didn't know how to handle this.  I felt guilty so I dragged them along when I went to see my friends and I kept hoping that we'd be close again but it never happened.  They started to make their own friends and hang out together with them, leaving me to do whatever I wanted with my friends.  I thought about talking to you about it but you had the boys to see to and then you had to be kept quiet and not worried because of the two Fs and you saw more of Len and Con as they all thought I'd be too boisterous for you.  Also, I tried to keep away as I knew you'd know I was worried about something and want to know what it was but how could I tell you when I knew it would mean you'd worry?  And I couldn't lie to you.  The two Fs came and we were boarding at the convent so we hardly saw you.  It didn't matter to Len and Con but I'd had so little of you and I wanted to be with you but I couldn't be.  I-it was then that I started to feel like I had to make you notice me and I had to try to stop the others from getting huge amounts of pals so that they'd still have time for me.  I know now, of course, that we three are triplets and will always be closer to each other than we can be to anybody else, no matter who they are or how many of them there are but I didn't at the time and I had no one I felt I could talk to about it - without them thinking I was just selfish.  Anyway, then we came back to England and I thought we'd be placed in the same form and things would be OK but we weren't."    
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by catherine on Jan 18th, 2004, 9:23pm
I have a horrid feeling I'm going to start another drabble about Margot's time in Canada when this is finished!  The PBs are at me already!  HELP!!   :o  :-/
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Lesley on Jan 18th, 2004, 9:32pm
catherine that sounds like a wonderful idea - you do know that, now you've mentioned it on the board, you'll be hounded until you produce? ;D

Thank you for the last part - still so realistic - exactly how poor Margot would feel - she was only 8 or 9 when they sent her to Canada - no wonder she felt abandoned!
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by crashbb on Jan 18th, 2004, 9:40pm
Wow, Catherine those two sections were great.  We never get to see Margot's view point of the Canada trip.  Yours is very realistic.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by PatMac on Jan 18th, 2004, 9:42pm
Called at the tissue box en route to this thread as I KNEW it would be a. sad if Margot got out all her worries or b. d****d annoying if Jo didn't listen.

So glad it was a.

that was really good and explains a lot about Margot that was not clear in the original books.  I'd certainly love to hear about Margot in Canada - when this is finished, of course.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 18th, 2004, 9:53pm
Wow, this is amazing Catherine, I'm sure that that must have been exactly how Margot felt.  And hurrah for Hilda too, I can't imaine how everybody would have managed without her words of wisdom.
Looking forward to more when you can manage it.
Title: Re: Margot Maynard
Post by Vikki on Today at 12:27am
Catherine, this is wonderful, but poor little Margot!!
*heading off to the tissue box*


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