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Title: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 8th, 2003, 1:56am Okay, people seemed to actually want more of this, and I don't want you to have to hunt through pages of yibbles, so I'll put new parts here. Several weeks later, the girls left for Oberammergau. Jo had drawn a very tall, slim person with a mass of fair hair, which she wore in a coronal of plaits around her head, and dark eyes off to the side, and as none of Jo’s particular friends interfered, Mary didn’t feel that she could butt in either. “Doesn’t it seem wonderful that we’re going to see the Passion Play?” Marie asked in tones that seemed to reflect the awe she felt. “Yes, it does,” agreed Frieda softly. “I have longed to see it ever since I first heard about it, and it seems amazing to think that we will be going to it.” “I’d never heard of it until the Head mentioned it at the start of term,” Mary admitted. “I did some reading about it, though, and now I’m longing to see it.” “We’re going to be arriving at Oberammergau soon,” Simone, who had been quiet for the journey, remarked, jumping to her feet. “Shall we go and check on the Middles?” “Don’t they have mistresses with them?” Carla von Flügen. “So they’ll be looked after all right.” “We should be getting out own things together,” Frieda suggested. “If we’re ready, then we can at least watch them when we get there.” As this made sense to the others, they hurried to get down the cases they shared between two of them. Soon after this, the train pulled into the station and the girls hurried out of their compartments, lining up on the platform and being divided into groups for the various houses that would accommodate them during their stay. Mary was awed by the little town, so different from the town of which her family estate was the main property. There was something peaceful in the air, and in the faces of the people they passed, and who their guide pointed out as having various roles in the play they would see later in their visit. Many of the girls purchased small mementos of their visit, mostly woodcarvings and lace made in intricate patterns, but Mary saved her money. She had no one to buy things for, as Doreen was here with the other Juniors and Mary had no fondness for her uncle and his family. Suddenly, Mary stopped short, staring at the ground in front of her, her face contorted into an expression of pain that revealed her inner feelings. The others in her group, not noticing that she was no longer with them, continued without her. This was the first time Mary had considered the complete situation in which she had found herself, now that her parents were gone. She was still under-age, and so would need to have a guardian to look after both her and Doreen. The only possible person was her Uncle Bill, but how on earth was she ever going to be accepted into his family. Mary knew only too well that her uncle resented her father and his whole family for what Sir Anthony had inherited. She guessed that he would resent having to take care of the people who had prevented him from being the next lord of the O’Connor property. In spite of the warm sunshine, Mary shivered. She had read books about jealous people who murdered others in various nasty ways, and although she was sensible enough to realise that it was unlikely to happen to herself or Dorry, Uncle Bill, who always came out with what was foremost in his mind, and Aunty Ivy, who was possessed of a nasty tongue when she was unhappy about something, would certainly make their lives miserable. Sitting down on a nearby bench, Mary rapidly calculated that there was only seven weeks of term remaining. Daddy’s lawyer, Mr. Williams, had told Mary that they were to come back to O’Connor Hall at the end of the term, and he had requested an interview with her at some time during the first few days. She hadn’t given it another thought, but now she dreaded it and the possible news that she and Dorry must go and live with Uncle Bill and his family. “Mary, my dear,” a voice exclaimed. “What are you doing here? Where are the others?” The girl looked up to find Miss Annersley, Miss Wilson and Matron standing in front of her and she swallowed an inexplicable lump in her throat before replying. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachel on Nov 8th, 2003, 2:02am This is great KB, and I would greatly appreciate more story and much less of those dreadful yibblers on the old thread. When is the next bit going to be posted? | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Nov 8th, 2003, 2:09am yes, and..? Come on, KB! pretty pretty pretty please! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Esmeralda on Nov 8th, 2003, 2:09am If only Mary tells them what's wrong, it will give Matey the opportunity to reveal the truth, but I've got a nasty feeling that Mary will want to keep her problems to herself. Please prove me wrong. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 8th, 2003, 2:21am KB!!! *wails* don't leave us hanging like that, please!!! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lesley on Nov 8th, 2003, 8:24am Also thinks Mary likely to keep it to herself - please prove me wrong KB! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 8th, 2003, 10:13am Would you be able to keep something back if both Hilda and Nell were asking you? ;) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Nov 8th, 2003, 10:34am *howls* Now you're just being aggravating KB! Having said that, at this stage of the series neither mistress has the iconic status they would later attain so if you were *really* determined, you *might* be able to keep quiet... *just to be awkward* *More please KB!!!!!!* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 8th, 2003, 10:45am Me, aggravating?! *shocked and insulted* Oh, all right, here, read it for yourselves! “I was… thinking,” she admitted. “I suppose the others got ahead without me noticing.” Hilda sat on the bench beside her and slid an arm around her shoulder, giving her a gentle squeeze. “We don’t want you girls being unhappy during this holiday,” she said with a laugh that brought a faint smile to Mary’s face. “Why don’t you come along with us and have some coffee and maybe we can help you through whatever the problem is?” Even if she had wanted to, Mary didn’t feel that she could refuse this offer, but truthfully it seemed like a relief to tell grown-ups, who might be able to come up with a solution to the problem that seemed almost insurmountable to her. She accompanied them to one of the many cafes that had chairs and tables set up on the streets, many of which were full of the tourists who had come to see the play. Miss Wilson managed to get the group a table tucked away in the corner of a café and the group settled themselves around it. Several minutes later, coffee had been brought to the table, along with a small selection of cakes, and Miss Annersley made up a cup of strong, sweet coffee, pushing it into Mary’s hands. “You drink that,” she ordered, “and then tell us what’s wrong.” Mary sipped the drink and found its warmth and sweetness comforting. The worse of her panic faded and she was able to explain her concerns to the listening women. “So you see,” she finished, “I know Uncle Bill and Aunty Ivy won’t want Dorry and me to stay with them, but I don’t know what else we can do.” “My dear, you simply mustn’t borrow trouble,” Miss Wilson said airily. “You don’t know for sure that your father will leave you in his brother’s care. Was your father aware of your uncle’s feeling about him?” “I think so,” Mary told her. “I remember them barneying almost every time they came to see us.” Miss Annersley eyed her, and in spite of herself, Mary went red. “I know it’s the half-term holiday,” the English mistress said, “but watch your language, please. I’m sure you don’t want a fine.” Mary murmured an apology and Miss Wilson jumped in. “Considering your father would have been well aware of your uncle’s feelings, if that was the case,” she began, shooting a glance at the small woman opposite her before returning her full attention to the girl beside her, “it’s possible that he might have found someone else who was willing to take care of you.” “Or else,” Miss Annersley offered cheerfully, “your father might just find someone to look after the finances of the property and leave you in the hands of your Nanny and the other staff at O’Connor Hall. Didn’t you say they’d always looked after your day-to-day things?” “Yes,” Mary agreed, feeling more cheerful. “Nanny always looked after Dorry and Mrs. Peters did the housekeeping.” “Well, then,” Miss Wilson told her brightly, “I think that’s likely to continue, if you’re to go home at the end of term. After all, as your uncle and his wife have a baby, they might not have time to spend with you.” Mary was much happier by now, thanks to the advice of the two mistresses, and when the four people left the café, Mary was pounced upon by the rest of her group and taken off to be shown some of the sights they had found while the three women exchanged glances. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lesley on Nov 8th, 2003, 11:08am Thank you for proving me wrong KB! More please - feeling very sorry for Matey - it's not like me! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 8th, 2003, 11:12am Well, I had to do something to rescue Matey from the black pits into which you and other had flung her! And Lesley, I'm always glad to prove you wrong. How about I write some gloomy prognoses for the characters in Real CS and you can prove me wrong? *hopeful* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 8th, 2003, 9:26pm Don't do that KB!! Lesley might be inspired to fulfil some of your gloomy prognoses!!! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lesley on Nov 8th, 2003, 9:33pm You can write them if you want KB - I already know everything left to tell in the story so I'll not be changing my mind though! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Nov 8th, 2003, 9:38pm Glad to know that, Lesley. Does that mean you'll be posting more tonight? ;D Where's KB? KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY-BEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! Have you many more of this? | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 8th, 2003, 9:56pm Many more? Goodness, no, I've only got one story underway at this time, thank you for much. But as for ANY more, hmm, let's see... “Now what?” Nell asked anxiously. “Nothing,” Hilda said firmly, with one eye on Matey, who had remained silent during the entire interview and showed no sign of wanting to break that now. “We don’t know what the lawyer was going to tell Mary, and we can’t very well barge in on him and demand to know. Nor, in the middle of term, can Matey go haring off to Ireland would arousing suspicion.” “Mary’s going to have to know the truth at some point,” Nell began. “Well, I’m not going to tell her,” Matey exclaimed in such loud tones that the other two hushed her. She continued rather more quietly, “If her father didn’t tell her the truth, why should I have to do it? Why can’t she just go on believing that she’s the daughter of Anthony and his wife, and Doreen’s full sister, and leave it at that?” “And you’d have her miserable, living with her uncle and aunt?” Hilda asked quietly, but with such an edge in her voice that even Matey went slightly pink and her eyes fell under that woman’s critical gaze. “You didn’t tell her that,” Nell protested. “What would you have rather I said?” Hilda demanded. “That of course she was going to have to live wit them?! If that’s what her parents want – and I’m not sure her father wasn’t more concerned with his own position than hers by not telling her the truth about her mother – then she won’t have any choice, at least until she turns eighteen. If she’s correct, that seems to be the age when she’ll inherit her father’s lands and wealth, instead of waiting until she’s older – twenty-one or twenty-five or whatever age is the most used these days.” “She’s too young to be thinking anything of the sort,” Nell complained. “Why, she’s still a schoolgirl! Imagine any of our other Seniors – Joey, for instance – having to think of things like that.” “But then, my dear Nell, Jo is not nearly as grown up as Mary in many ways,” Hilda told her. “The loss of her parents has matured Mary beyond her years. How many other seventeen-year-olds would have thought of things like that?” “True,” Nell admitted. “You’re right, none of the other Sixth Formers would have thought of such a thing. However, I get the feeling that Mary has been responsible for her sister for many years, and no doubt that has helped her grow up faster.” | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 8th, 2003, 10:23pm *starting a chant* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Esmeralda on Nov 8th, 2003, 10:30pm *joins in with the chant Glad you proved me wrong about Mary, but it doesn't seem to have done much good so far...... | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lesley on Nov 8th, 2003, 10:50pm Adding to chant - now a MEGA-CHANT that can be heard all the way over in Oz! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by PatW on Nov 8th, 2003, 10:53pm Reckon you need help from as many aspossible for the chant to reach that far! Joining in!!! *Where's the chanting icon?! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Trish on Nov 8th, 2003, 11:11pm *begins a chant in Oz itself* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Nov 8th, 2003, 11:41pm *joining the world wide chant chain* MOORE KB! And any more cracks about innocent little typos and I'll leave you with Rachel to eat (again) with her favourite asides!! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 8th, 2003, 11:55pm *wibbles in fear at being left to Rachel's mercy (or lack thereof)* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachel on Nov 8th, 2003, 11:58pm Hey! I can do mercy (charity, generositity, pity, quarter, sautee) And if you wibble, it will put me in mind of jelly, wibble wobbling on plates . . . . | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 9th, 2003, 12:05am *doesn't believe that Rachel's definition of mercy would correspond with my definition of mercy, particularly considering the words she has accompanying it* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:00am *points out that maybe Rachel's definition of mercy includes the word 'justice' in which case it's probably not very pleasant, but not as bad as it could have been!* *then again, seeing it's Rachel...* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachel on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:01am ** Simply SMILES at Lisa ** ** And then smiles some more ** | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:04am *uses turpentine to wipe the smile of Rachel's face, leaving her skin with a parboiled appearance* Oh, dear, and I dropped a hint about the next part of this story. What a pity! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachel on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:06am ** gets her revenge by swiping the turps and later on when KB has forgotten all about it, substitutes the turps for the water in KBs kettle ** | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:07am *is pleased, as now her kettle is clean* My nasal passages are working perfectly, my dear Rachel, and I know what turpentine smells like! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachel on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:08am ** Considers KBs nasal passages and wonders how to work them into another drabble ** | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:16am Oh, ew! Gross! Rachel, you are to leave my nasal passages alone. Head Girl's orders. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:33am *starts to wibble in her turn as she considers what may lie behind Rachel's smiles* *starting to find the thought of rachel's smiles SERIOUSLY scary* *runs offline screaming to do some reading* ;) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:36am *begs Lisa to come back as I don't want to be left here alone with Rachel and her ideas* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachel on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:36am Don't be afraid, I only want to be your friend. I'm your number one fan. Oooops, slipped into stalker mode again! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:37am *understands why Lisa is running and screaming* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachel on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:38am Why? What did you do to her KB? Tsk tsk, shocking behaviour from our HG! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:45am *shocked by Rachel's cheek and goes off to comfort Lisa* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachel on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:53am ** Asks KB to let Lisa know I am still here and just waiting to see how life develops ** ;D | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 9th, 2003, 1:56am *annoyed at having missed the yibbling fun!!* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 9th, 2003, 11:02am To appease Vikki for missing the yibbling, I'm posting more of this story. I know this is a popular scene, so I hope you all enjoy it. Their talk was interrupted at this point by the sound of pounding feet behind them, and the trio turned to find Joey and Simone bearing down on them so quickly that Hilda had to put out an arm to stop Jo running out onto the road. “What is the meaning of this disgraceful behaviour?” Nell demanded, her eyes flashing. “Do you girls happen to remember that you are in a public place, and representing your school?” “Nous sommes très désolés, Mlle Wilson,” Simone panted. (No idea if this is the correct French for ‘We’re very sorry, Miss Wilson’, but it’s the best Babel Fish could come up with.) “Then don’t let me see you doing it again,” Miss Wilson snapped. “What on earth is the matter with you, that you come tearing along at this rate, endangering innocent bystanders?” “We… we came for Matron,” Jo gasped out. “It’s the Quintette! They’ve painted themselves all over with oil paints and things, and we can’t get it off. Charlie sent us to see if Matey had any idea of what we could use,” she finished, sublimely indifferent to the use of staff nicknames. None of the women, however, wasted time in reminding her of the fact that it wasn’t the done thing. “Turpentine,” Matey exclaimed. “It’s the only thing to remove oils. Simone,” turning to the French girl, who had managed to regain her breath, “hurry around the shops and see what you can buy. Josephine, you come with me so that I can see what these girls have been up to.” The transformation from the anxious, silent woman to the brisk, snappy head of domestic affairs was almost startling, and Hilda and Nell remained silent as they were abandoned in the middle of the street. “Matey might not think so,” Hilda said softly, “but I believe she’d be an excellent mother to those two girls.” “For heaven’s sake, don’t let her hear you say it,” Nell exclaimed. “She’d never agree to it. Oh,” she groaned, “I wish we could talk this over with other people! I don’t believe for one moment that Madame would agree to letting Matey go, even if she was told the truth about Mary. We all make mistakes, and surely it’s not Matey’s fault that Sir Anthony wasn’t being loyal to his wife.” “I don’t think society much cares about the sins of the man,” Hilda remarked as the pair turned back to their hotel. “It’s always the fault of the woman, or that’s what it seems like, so everyone would blame Matey, no matter what.” | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by PatW on Nov 9th, 2003, 11:24am Well that makes up for *some* of the time spent yibbling last night, but not *all* of it. Starting the chant again!! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Esmeralda on Nov 9th, 2003, 12:09pm Thanks KB, I've been looking forward to that scene, it is one of my favourites in the whole series. It's so unfair that Matey should be blamed when she was the victim of Sir Anthony's lust, but very sadly true. This is brilliant, please post more soon. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lesley on Nov 9th, 2003, 12:12pm Thank you KB - it's always good to see favourite scenes from a slightly different perspective. BTW - what Hilda said about everyone blaming Matey isn't strictly true is it? Neither she nor Nell does! More please. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 9th, 2003, 4:56pm Thank you KB!! Now where's the next bit? ;) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Carolyn P on Nov 9th, 2003, 5:06pm Presume you are fast asleep at the moment, hope you are dreaming more of this story to post as soon as you wake up. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachel on Nov 9th, 2003, 7:16pm KBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB. MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE. (Do you need a hand with any of it? I have one or two plot bunnies wandering around just ripe for the slaughter, and don't mind sacrificing them to help you out) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 9th, 2003, 9:58pm Lesley, you're right, but I think Hilda was generalising. And there is more of that scene to come, as I know people like it so much. ;D Oh, and Rachel, your offer is very generous, but I don't think my PB would tolerate any interlopers on his territory, and I hate to see PBs fighting... | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachel on Nov 9th, 2003, 10:18pm No probs KB, my plot bunnies have decided to unite for once, and have come up with some really interesting ideas for a little drabble I'm working on at the minute. (They tell me there is a way to separate a character from the person playing that role! Isn't that exciting news?) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 9th, 2003, 10:33pm I'm so very relieved to hear that! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Susan on Nov 10th, 2003, 12:34am Wonderful KB - love the different side to the 'face-painting' scene. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 10th, 2003, 12:41am Thank you, Susan. And for everyone, here's a bit more. Nell’s response to this was never known. As the two women entered the foyer of their pension, they were accosted by the sight of Jo escorting Evadne Lannis down the hallway. The girl’s face was coloured in lurid shades and her hair hung loose around her shoulders. “What on earth…?” Hilda gasped. “That is what happens,” Con Stewart’s voice announced from behind them, “when five little girls are allowed to go around by themselves.” “But what on earth were they doing?” Nell demanded. “Playing at Red Indians?” “Apparently, that is exactly what they were doing,” Con replied coldly. “Excuse me, I have to go and see how Frieda is doing with Ilonka Barcokz and the turpentine.” “Sounds like the latest thriller,” Hilda murmured to her friend, and Nell had to smother her giggles until Con was out of hearing. As they were about to go along to their own rooms, Mary appeared from one of the bathrooms, carrying an empty bottle of turpentine, her dark eyes, which had been full of tragedy only an hour ago, now alight with laughter. “What is it, Mary?” Hilda asked. The girl managed to swallow her next attack of giggles, although the facial contortions she made to achieve this nearly finished the two mistresses, and managed to speak without her voice shaking too much. “I just finished cleaning most of the cobalt off the captain’s face,” she choked out. “She still has a grey look, even now, but I’ve done by best.” “Wha-at?” Hilda exclaimed, and made a lunge for the bathroom. There, as Mary had said, was Elsie Carr, a towel tied around her neck and a rag that reeked of turpentine in her hand as she rubbed disconsolately at her forehead. The sight of the two mistresses brought a flush of colour to her cheeks, and the queer assortment of colours made Nell clutch at Hilda’s arm, in an effort to prevent herself from laughing, and Hilda only just restrained a squawk at the pain. “You’re very naughty girls,” Hilda said severely, when she felt that she could talk without her voice trembling. “You’ve disgraced yourselves and your school. I can’t think what on earth possessed you all. I wonder that we ever trusted you girls, considering what happens the moment you are out from under the eye of someone in authority.” Tears were already swimming in Elsie’s eyes from the harsh rubbing to which she had been subjected, but this scolding finished her and she began to sob bitterly, ruing her actions even more than she had done heretofore. Before Hilda could continue, however, Nell poked her gently. “Mlle will tell them off well enough,” she murmured, stepping aside to let Mary back into the room before continuing. “Leave it, Hilda, won’t you?” Recognising the sense in the science mistress’s argument, Hilda turned away and closed the bathroom door. “Shall we view the other culprits?” she asked, her eyes dancing. “Oh, yes, please,” Nell retorted. “Judging by Jo’s descriptions, they were all manner of lurid colours. I just hope Matey hasn’t been too successful with the turpentine before we get to see them.” Laughing, the two women headed down the hallway to the other bathrooms where the four other members of the Quintette were miserably being scrubbed until, as Jo later remarked in a letter to her sister, their skins looked positively parboiled! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Esmeralda on Nov 10th, 2003, 12:47am Thanks KB, loved that. More please..... | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 10th, 2003, 12:47am Oh, oh, oh, howling with laughter again!! More please KB! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachel on Nov 10th, 2003, 12:49am I would like to politely request that, if you have the time and inclination, you could see your way clear to providing us with further episodes of this entertaining story. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 10th, 2003, 12:50am I've posted everything I've written, except for the final scene, which is done, so you'll have to wait until I get more written. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Nov 10th, 2003, 1:20am *growling at these people who tell us this!* KB, I loved that. Oh, and just to annoy everyone else, 'Peace' is really something else, and I will definitely be buying a copy when it's published! ;D | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 10th, 2003, 1:30am *heartily agrees with Lisa about Peace!* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 10th, 2003, 3:37am Tiny, itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny little bit more to finish off Oberammergau and the Passion Play. The girls returned to the school greatly sobered after the play. Jo was quieter than usual after her faint, although she seemed to have had no lasting effects from it. The members of the Quintette, of course, were additionally suppressed by the punishment that had continued until they left Oberammergau. “It will never last,” Nell warning darkly in the staff room. “And goodness knows what they will get up to when it does wear off!” “Something original and wicked, of course,” Hilda smiled as she hunted for her copy of “As You Like It”, which was the Fifth Form text. “They always do.” “Thank you, Job’s comforter,” Nell snorted, settling down to her marking, as this was a free period for her, and wondering why Bianca di Ferrara had such trouble with contour lines. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Esmeralda on Nov 10th, 2003, 3:43am Grateful for tiny itsy bitsy post but wishes it had been longer, | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 10th, 2003, 4:00am A longer bit soon to come, I promise. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachel on Nov 10th, 2003, 9:10am Would you mind defining your definition of "soon" please? | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 10th, 2003, 8:22pm Um, less than 24 hours....? :-/ As soon as the clock struck eleven, Mary capped her pen and threw it and her books into her desk, only just restraining herself from running out of the room. Never seeing the sympathetic smiles shot at her from other members of the Sixth, she collected the picnic basket from Cook and took a picnic blanket and sunshade from the storage space near the back door before making her way across the grounds to Le Petit Chalet. Miss Phipps greeted Mary eagerly as the girl appeared at the entrance to the Junior school and put the large sunshade she carried down. “Doreen is waiting for you,” she told her with a smile. “She’s very excited about having the whole afternoon with her sister. “I’m looking forward to it, too,” Mary replied with an answering smile. “I left the baskets with the picnic blanket in the shade.” “I’ll go and get your sister, then,” Miss Phipps said. “I wouldn’t want any of it to go to waste.” She disappeared into the small chalet and left Mary on the sunny doorstep. The girl went over to a small bench and sat down to enjoy the sunshine and the scent of the flowers that had been planted along the front of the house, as well as in the boxes at every window. A moment later, a small whirlwind shot out of the front door and Doreen threw herself at her sister. “Mary,” she shrieked in excitement. “Ooh, goody!” Laughing, her sister placed a hand on either shoulder and carefully studied the small features. Doreen was an attractive sight. Her light brown hair gleamed in the sunlight, and her blue eyes shone, her excitement obvious in them. “Come along, darling,” Mary said affectionately, slinging her arm around her little sister’s shoulders. “We’ve got a lovely Mittagessen to have, and you can tell me all about what you do at school, and all your friends.” Chattering eagerly, the girls made their way across the grass to the place Mary had chosen, where the basket waited on the blanket. Mary was puzzled to see that one side of the lid was open, but she chose to ignore the fact and pulled her sister down to sit under the shade of the tree and the sunshade while she unpacked the food. An empty wrapper, identical to one that was around a mince pie, increased her curiosity, but she said nothing, merely giving Doreen the extra pie and getting out a sandwich for herself. Although she had said nothing to anyone, Mary had missed the games she had played with Doreen every day until they went to school. Her tutor had, of course, insisted that Mary’s schoolwork came before everything, but Mary had always managed to finish it in time to have a few hours with her sister, and she had missed that daily recreational period. She felt a small pang at the realisation that Doreen seemed to have adjusted to this change in her routine without hesitation, but then scolded herself for being so silly and sensitive. They would have plenty of time together during the holidays, and it was good for Doreen to make friends her own age, just as Mary was doing. A bell rang across the grounds as Mary was packing the basket and she escorted Doreen to Le Petit Chalet before heading back to the school. As she neared the building, Mary was startled by the sight of a young girl, a little older than Doreen, who was visible near the far fence. Her thick black hair hung down to her waist in two pigtails and her clothes were in rags. Mary raced over to find out what she was doing there, but the girl saw her and was gone by the time Mary arrived, out of breath, at the place where she had been. The only sign that she had been there was a crumpled piece of paper, stuck in the fence, which Mary recognised as the same as that which had been around the mince pie. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachel on Nov 10th, 2003, 9:58pm lolol - I wondered when she was going to pop up ;) And I feel so sorry for Mary - she's got a pretty rough deal hasn't she? Not only has she lost her "parents", she has an evil uncle and aunty, and to all intents and purposes, she's lost her sister too! Trying to see where the happily ever after ending is coming, but can't quite see it yet. So . . . More please? (I hope you have ALL noticed that I have discovered the word "please" :P ) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by PatW on Nov 10th, 2003, 10:01pm Is that because you've got rid of your evil, mad plot bunnies? Be careful, I won't let them stay with me!!! :P | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachel on Nov 10th, 2003, 10:17pm I only sent you my surplus evil mad plot bunnies, and only the ones that didn't quite make the evil/mad grade and meet the exceedingly high standards I lay down for my plot bunnies! You mainly got the "annoyingly cute/ditzy" ones. Think "Xanthe in floaty yellow chiffon" and you'll understand which batch you got. ;) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lesley on Nov 10th, 2003, 11:33pm Excellent - I'd forgotten about Biddy! More please KB! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 11th, 2003, 12:45am I'm very impressed that you discovered that word, Rachel, but are you using it because you know what it means, or because you just thought it sounded nice...? And being at Uni, more is hard, but when I get home, then I'll post another part. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 11th, 2003, 1:53am *wondering what time KB gets home?* ;) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Kathryn on Nov 11th, 2003, 2:13am She's in the library at uni doing some work at the moment, so you need to be patient! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 11th, 2003, 2:20am on 11/11/03 at 02:13:05, Kathryn wrote:
patient? patient? I have the feeling I should know that word, but somehow, I just can't put my finger on it!! ;) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Kathryn on Nov 11th, 2003, 2:24am I know, I tend to forget the meaning of it at some point too, but it is something we can work on! Don't know how successfully though.... | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 11th, 2003, 2:47am *off to the shops to try and buy two penn'orth of patience* ;) ;D | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Esmeralda on Nov 11th, 2003, 3:03am Looking forward to reading more in the morning - I'd forgotten quite how many incidents were in that book. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Susan on Nov 12th, 2003, 12:45am Looking forward to more - and it is nice to feel I am catching up. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 12th, 2003, 12:48am Well, it's been about 29 hours since the last installment..... ..........KB? Where are you? | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Kathryn on Nov 12th, 2003, 12:54am Probably frantically finishing something for her supervisors as she has a meeting with them tomorrow. So you'll have to go and find more patience!! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 12th, 2003, 12:57am But I spent my last two penn'orth on last night's batch!!! :o :o :o | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Kathryn on Nov 12th, 2003, 1:01am *Express-posts some more to Vikki* Argh, gotta get off here and do some work. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 12th, 2003, 1:03am *thanks Kathryn, and hopes it'll be enough!!* ;) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 12th, 2003, 4:53am Well, I have been home in between times, even though it didn't feel like it (I had to go out for dinner with my Dad to his Rotary Club last night and then I went out for coffee/lunch with some friends today), but I've only just found time to do more of this, so here it is: Several days later, Mary had forgotten all about the stranger, so she was as startled as the others when a rumour began circulating in the school that a small girl had been found in the games shed. Jo, who seemed to know the most about it, refused to say anything until she had had time to discuss it with the prefects. Anne Seymour was said to have seen the girl, but Jo had impressed on her the need for secrecy, so she was as mute as a sphinx when questioned on the subject by her curious form-mates. It was only that evening, when the group who had been involved – Evadne, Elise, Ilonka, Maria, Cornelia and Margia – had been called in front of the prefects and told off, in addition to a stern lecture from the Head, and received their punishments, the Prefects returned to their form-mates and told the story of Biddy O’Ryan. The decision for the Guide companies to look after the little orphan was greeted with enthusiasm by the Sixth Form girls, who applauded Frieda for it, and the Seniors sat down to plan out a way by which they could cover all the many things she would need. Jo presented the proposal to the various members of authority that night, The various mistresses involved greeted the plan eagerly and during the following weekend got together with their colleagues from St. Scholastika’s to plan it all out. By this time, Biddy was settled at Le Petit Chalet and so the school was able to turn its attention to the next item in its program for the term – the boat race against the opposing school. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Trish on Nov 12th, 2003, 6:09am This book was always my favourite CS book so I'm enjoying this new look at it very much. And I too had forgotten this was the one that introduced Biddy. *begins the chant* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 12th, 2003, 6:13am What, another part already?! :o | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Trish on Nov 12th, 2003, 6:57am Yep! And that wasn't fair, fooling me into thinking you'd posted another part either! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Esmeralda on Nov 12th, 2003, 12:39pm *Fervently hopes not to have quite such a long wait for the next part. I am so impressed with the way in which you are developing the new story line alongside the existing book, and the different points of view you are giving us. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 12th, 2003, 5:11pm Please carry on KB! This really is good!! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 12th, 2003, 9:38pm Okay, here's another part to make you all happy. And I apologise for tricking you into thinking there was more. ;D Earlier in the term, the school had held their House rowing cup, and from this a team was selected to compete against St. Scholastika’s. For Mary, however, this time was the least enjoyable she had spent at the school, for she had a weakness and fear that she had thus far managed to keep from everyone, and the idea of having to get into the water, even in a boat, left her pale and trembling. Nanny had remembered to mention this on the forms she had filled in for the school, and had emphasised her fear to the point that the staff had felt it wiser to indulge Mary. Thus far, therefore, she had managed to avoid telling anyone about it, and most people had been too polite to ask. Only to Joey and Frieda had Mary confessed the secret, and although both girls had immediately offered to take her to a shallow part of the bay and show her that swimming and water could be fun, but her reaction had silenced them both immediately. However, she found a place a safe distance from the water to watch the race and joined in the cheering when the Chalet School finally emerged victorious. She hadn’t been permitted to join in with the other members of the Sixth Forms in helping the exhausted rowers, the staff fearing a tragedy if she fell in, but she had been given responsibility for keeping an eye on the rowing cup that had been presented to the school by the King of Belsornia. In doing so, she had a chance to talk with the Baron von und zu Wertheimer, and wasn’t slow to notice his interest in Marie. A glance around at the nearby girls showed that she was, or seemed to be, the only one who had noticed it. Perhaps it was the society in which she had grown up, which was so different from the innocence that seemed to surround the girls here at the school. At home, girls became women early and were married quickly. Fortunately for Mary, her father had determined to let her enjoy her childhood. Having had a chance to see both sides, Mary had decided that, if the choice was left in her hands, Doreen would remain a child for as young as possible. She had no wish to push the girl into a life that she would tire of being she turned 25, as so many of Mary’s acquaintances had done. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 12th, 2003, 10:00pm More soon please KB! *wondering when there's going to be an accident that necessitates Mary going into/onto the water?* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Carolyn P on Nov 12th, 2003, 10:07pm Lovely KB. Mary is so thoughtful isn't she. Now when will a naughty middle push her in, or begin drowing with nobody else around so Mary has to jump in despite her fears? | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 12th, 2003, 10:07pm Now what on earth makes you think there will be? ::) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 12th, 2003, 10:20pm Ooooh, just a sneaky little suspicion, KB!! ;) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 12th, 2003, 10:26pm *wonders whether to tell Vikki if she's right or not* *decides not to* *enjoys tormenting people who think I'm posting a new part* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 12th, 2003, 10:33pm And you have the cheek to nag me about NF!!!! :o :o :o | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 12th, 2003, 10:35pm Hey, in the time it's taken you to post New Family, I've done nearly a whole story! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 12th, 2003, 10:45pm Yes, but you're a much more experienced writer than I am!! I've never attempted to write anything before, and certainly nothing of this length!! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 12th, 2003, 11:44pm Practice makes perfect, my dear! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 12th, 2003, 11:49pm hmmmmmm... *is not convinced!* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Esmeralda on Nov 12th, 2003, 11:55pm If Mary has to rescue someone from a watery grave, it might be some one a little bit older........... Sorry, just thinking out loud. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 13th, 2003, 4:55am Because I'm so nice (and I'm loving the speculation) I'm going to post another part of this: Term fairly flew by after this. Two days before it ended, a cable arrived at the school to say that the Housekeeper at O’Connor Hall had to go and take care of her sister. After a quick discussion among the staff who were staying Mlle Lepattre sent for Mary to inform her of the details. “You wanted to see me, Mlle?” Mary asked as she entered the Head’s study, speaking in French, which was now much more fluent than it had been when she began the term. “Yes, Mary,” Mlle Lepattre smiled as she put down her pen. “Sit down, my dear. Now,” as the girl obeyed the direction, “I have just received a message from your butler. He tells me that your housekeeper has had to go home to care for her sister, who is unwell.” “Oh, poor Susan,” Mary said sympathetically. “How awful for her. She and her sister are very close.” The Head smiled before continuing. “The problem, my dear, is that that will mean there is no one who can cook or clean for you, and so Mrs. Smith – I believe you call her Nanny, don’t you? – suggested that you and Doreen stay here at the school for a week or so until your housekeeper returns.” Mary’s face fell, but she nodded. “I understand, Mlle.” “Is there anything you would like?” the kindly French woman asked. “Well…” Mary asked hesitantly, before falling silent. “What is it?” Mlle Lepattre prompted. “Come, Mary, tell me and I will see if I can help.” Her cheeks flushing red, Mary raised her head to meet the woman’s gaze. “I… I wondered if maybe Dorry could come and stay over here in the Chalet with me? Or could I go over to Le Petit Chalet to be with her?” “But of course, my dear,” the Head exclaimed, smiling. “After the others leave, Le Petit Chalet will be cleaned and then closed for the holiday. Would it please you if I was to ask for a room for yourself and your sister?” “Oh, yes, please, Mlle!” Mary cried, her eyes glowing. “That would be wonderful! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Esmeralda on Nov 13th, 2003, 11:33am Mary is still showing herself to be a really nice girl - her first thoughts were for her housekeeper, not the impact this would have on herself. I'm glad that she is going to be rewarded by spending time with her sister - whatever it is you're planning KB, please let them have a few days of happiness first! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Nov 13th, 2003, 12:41pm *wishing Esmeralda wouldn't be so pessmistic but inclined to agree with her* *wondering if Mary is going to have to rescue Matey, although the mind boggles at the idea!* More please KB! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachael P on Nov 13th, 2003, 4:24pm Ooh, I've just caught up on a large chunk of this after being engrossed with Thekla ... It's wonderful KB - I love the way you're weaving Mary's story in to the real happenings ... *slightly worried by own inability to identify difference between real life, real CS, real EBD books and drabbles* *happy sigh - having too much fun to care :D* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 13th, 2003, 10:09pm *hopes KB plans to post more tonight* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lesley on Nov 13th, 2003, 10:12pm More Please KB - Mary is a wonderful character! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 13th, 2003, 11:03pm on 11/13/03 at 22:09:15, Vikki wrote:
I wish I could, but first I need to catch up on the board and then I need to write more. However, as I have a free day today and tomorrow, I should have it all written by then. No promises as to when it will all be posted, though... ;D | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 13th, 2003, 11:16pm *mutters about tantalising Aussie HGs* >:( | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 13th, 2003, 11:42pm *queries whether British one would necessarily be any better* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 13th, 2003, 11:45pm *has no ambition to be HG, if that's what KB's getting at!!* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 13th, 2003, 11:51pm Actually, I wasn't. I was just wondering whether, if all Aussie HGs are so bad, there was anyone who might be better... | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 14th, 2003, 12:01am Well, since you're the only Aussie HG I know, I can't really comment on that one!! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 12:06am Ah, so you're generalising, assuming that everyone will be just like me? Oh, boy, that's dangerous! Nobody else in this country would want to be like me! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 14th, 2003, 12:11am *finds that hard to believe* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 12:14am *can't imagine why they would* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 14th, 2003, 12:18am *tells KB to stop putting herself down!* (after all, that's what we're here for!!) ;) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 12:21am Silly me! How could I have forgotten? | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 14th, 2003, 12:27am I guess you were just too busy yibbling..... ;) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 12:31am And writing at the same time. ;) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 14th, 2003, 12:37am *will believe that when she sees proof!!* *wonders how KB manages to yibble and write at the same time?* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 12:39am *smiles smugly* Skill, my dear. Sheer skill... | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Nov 14th, 2003, 1:21am *points out that if KB is so skillful at this form of multi tasking, the next installment should be up about.................................................................now!* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 1:24am Mary was almost beside herself with joy when she returned to the Sixth Form Common-room to join her classmates. Jo laughed as she saw the expression on Mary’s face and came over to tuck her arm through that of the other girl. “Good news?” she asked. “Well, Dorry and I can’t go home at the end of term, because our housekeeper’s sick,” Mary told her, before briefly recounting what the Head had told her. By the time she had finished, many of the others in the form had gathered around them. “But won’t you be lonely at home with just the servants there?” Bianca di Ferrara asked in awestruck tones. Mary looked puzzled. “No, of course not. Why should I be?” “Well, it’s just that we barely see the servants at home,” Bianca replied somewhat hesitantly, having heard the astonishment in Mary’s voice. “But I grew up spending more time with the servants than with my parents,” Mary told her in a voice that only just didn’t tremble. “If they weren’t there, I wouldn’t want to go home, but whenever Susan’s back, as long as Nanny and Paul are there, it will still feel like home, I hope,” she added in a low tone that was only heard by Jo, who squeezed her arm before guiding her over to a table on which was spread out a large jigsaw puzzle. “Room for two more little ‘uns?” she asked cheerfully and squeezed onto the bench as several of the girls moved over to make room for them. “Come along, Mary,” she said, turning to smile at the other girl. “Let’s see if we can get this done by Kaffee.” Wanting something to distract her from the thought that, in spite of her attempts to remain cheerful, the house still would feel empty when she returned home, Mary sat down and was soon immersed in hunting for the right pieces to fill the various spaces. By the time the bell rang, she was almost back to her usual self, although perhaps a little quieter than usual. Jo seemed to understand something of what she was feeling and kept the girl with her during the rest of the afternoon, joining up with various groups to discuss the events of the term and plans for summer holidays. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Nov 14th, 2003, 1:26am Isn't it wonderful what a little flattery can do? ;D Well KB, since you are OBVIOUSLY so multi-talented at multi tasking, you'll have written more of this, as well as yibbling and doing your thesis. So where's the next bit? :P | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 1:29am *doesn't want to fulfil Lisa's every wish, as that would make her too demanding and give her a skewed idea of the world* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 14th, 2003, 1:35am *thinks KB is shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted!* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Nov 14th, 2003, 1:36am My dear KB, it's nowt to do with wish fulfilment. You were the one who said you were skilled enough to yibble and write simultaneously. I am simply giving you the opportunity to prove the veracity of that! After all, that last post could have been sitting around all day. We need more than that as proof.... | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 1:40am And how will posting any more prove that I haven't already written it and been sitting on it for weeks? :-/ | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Nov 14th, 2003, 1:42am H'mm. There you 'ave me! *too tired and confuzzled to logicate around this* I think I'm gonna give up on the chapter for tonight. It's not 'going' and I dont want to write several pages of rubbish. I'll just join in the yibbling for a time instead! ;D Isn't that nice of me?!!! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 1:45am *chuckles aggravatingly* Glad to see you can see sense when it's pushed under your nose. And I honestly had written only that far. I wrote the last word and posted it when I saw your message. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Nov 14th, 2003, 1:48am *wonders if KB is being deliberately insulting* Oh well. You don't know what's coming next for you on Tara, KB! ::) ::) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 1:51am *reminds Lisa that she's declared herself too tired to write anymore* And I'm at the point where I refuse to get worried about it and will only enjoy it when it comes. I think I'm desensitised to threats after having received so many. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 14th, 2003, 1:51am Well, she would do if you posted it Lisa!!! (was that a subtle enough hint?) ;) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 1:54am I won't be worried then either - just amused! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Esmeralda on Nov 14th, 2003, 4:10am *Makes note to print this out and keep with book. As far as I'm concerned this is now part of the real story, Mary is so well developed. Please don't make us wait too long for more. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 4:32am Thank you, Esmeralda! I'm very flattered by that! And I promise that just as soon as I get a decent part done, it will be up! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 10:54am Here is the aforementioned 'decent part': The following morning was filled with frantic activity as the girls packed and prepared to leave for the long summer holiday. Mary put aside the feelings of longing she was unable to fully ignore and threw herself into helping her friends and others in her Form. The usual activities of the day were as new to her as many of the other events of the term had been, but she enjoyed the change from the school’s strict routine as she raced around, trying to find the various odds and ends that people had lost. Several of the older girls, for whom this was their last term, were mournful and disappeared as soon as their things were ready, to wander around the garden and look at all of the familiar sights, but for most girls, even the older ones, that thought was far from their minds as they exchanged addresses and promised to write. Half-way through the morning, one of the Middles came in search of Mary, finding her in the middle of Joey’s cubey and trying to find the items of clothing that appeared on her itinerary, most of which were in a huge pile on the bed. “Well, Gertrude,” Carla asked, being the first to notice the girl, who had been one of the two new Middles that term, “what can we do for you?” “If you please,” the young German girl stammered, overwhelmed by the prefects, who all stopped their work at the sound of Carla’s voice and turned to look, “Matron has asked that Mary come to her room.” “Oh, very well,” Mary exclaimed, dropping the shirt she had been holding and turning to her friend. “Jo, you’ll have to find it on your own. Dr. Jem will be here soon and he’ll want you to be ready, and goodness only knows how long I’ll be.” “What have you done?” Carla asked teasingly. “I’ve no idea,” Mary retorted. “Nothing, as far as I know. But she might have something for me to do.” Not wanting to delay any longer, she draped the shirt on the bed and left the dormy. The long corridor was full of girls popping in and out of various dormitories, shouting for friends and lost belongings. Finally she arrived at the door of the San and knocked. A voice called her to enter and she did as she had been directed. Matron was sitting at her table and looked up as the girl came in. Had Mary known Matey longer, she would have seen that there was a strained appearance in the smile she received from the woman, but as it was, the girl noticed nothing amiss and returned the smile. “You wanted to see me, Matron?” “Yes, Mary,” Matey replied. “I have set up a room for you downstairs. Do you know the little corridor down near the Prefects’ room? You do? Excellent. Well, beyond the door of the Prefects’ room is a little room into which I’ve put two beds for you and your sister. However, I don’t have time now to make the beds for you both.” “Oh, I’ll do it,” Mary said eagerly. “Thank you.” Matey smiled and went over to the cupboard in which the spare bed linen was kept. “Here you are, then. And don’t forget to move your things out of your dormitory so that the staff can clean it once all the others have done.” “Yes, Matron,” Mary agreed, taking the sheets and quickly leaving the room. Following the directions she had been given, she entered the small room with a cry of delight at the sight of the lake stretched out in front of the window. Eagerly, she turned to and made the two beds, smoothing the pillows of the smaller one and rejoicing in the thought that her sister would be there the following night to share it with her. Hurrying back to her dormitory, she began to pack her things into the trunk that stood at the foot of her bed, entreating Jo, who had come to see what Matron had said, to help her carry it down to her small room. “Have a little sense,” Jo exclaimed, looking at the pile of things that overtopped the edge of the trunk by several inches. “You’re still going to be here tonight, remember, so you just pack that again and think a little. What were you planning to sleep in?” she went on in a meaningful tone, pulling out Mary’s nightgown, which had been thrown anyhow into the trunk. “And how were you planning to keep yourself neat?” she went on, pulling out Mary’s brush and tossing it onto the bed. Shame-faced, Mary took hold of herself and turned to unpacking and repacking her trunk. When Jo was satisfied, she helped Mary carry it down to the small room and settled on the larger bed as Mary begun to place her things in the cupboard. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 10:55am Bleagh! Stupid 'too long' posts! “You must come and spend a few days up with us,” she declared. “The Robin would love to have Doreen as company, and I can show you some of the other places up there that we didn’t get to see during the weekends we were there.” “As long as it’s not going to cause any trouble for Madame,” Mary replied, “we’d love to.” “How long do you think you’ll have to stay here?” “I don’t know.” Mary put the last thing away and then came to sit on the other bed. “It all depends how long Susan stays away for. Hopefully not long. I don’t want to miss summer at home. It’s such a wonderful time of year. And Jo, if we do go home, you must come and visit for a few weeks. I’d love to show you around.” “If Madge says I may then I’d love to,” Jo smiled. “I haven’t been to Ireland for years.” “Jolly good,” Mary exclaimed, before leaping to her feet as the bell rang for Mittagessen. “Goodness, where has the morning gone?” “Where it usually goes, I suppose,” Jo replied philosophically, slinging her arm through that of the other girl and, as they came up to Jo’s other three close friends, sliding her free arm through that of Simone. “Last meal at school for the term, you folk. Hasn’t it gone awfully fast?” | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Nov 14th, 2003, 11:07am Lovely, KB. Have you got the rest of it? And will Mary find out......? *enjoying this but very intrigued about Hildegarde's antics* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 11:15am *checks that Hildegard is still locked in her box, with her favourite toys and a paper and pen* I'm hoping she'll write it for my while I finish Matey. As for whether she'll find out... ......um, maybe................ ..........or maybe not............. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Esmeralda on Nov 14th, 2003, 12:30pm That was a nice big chunk. Thank you, KB. *Wonders if she would be pushing her luck to ask for more this soon. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Rachael P on Nov 14th, 2003, 1:03pm LOL, Esmeralda - I think, yes! That was lovely, KB - reassuringly Chalet School-esque I shall look forward to chunks and chunks to catch up on when I get back on Wed! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 8:36pm Maybe I should wait until you get back before I post any more, Rachael..... | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 14th, 2003, 8:41pm That was great KB!! Looking forward to the next bit! (being patient, and not nagging at all) ;) | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 9:23pm *begs Liss's forgiveness for a single-word post* Quote:
Much!!! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Nov 14th, 2003, 9:36pm Hey!!!! I'm not nagging, or chanting, or demanding, just sitting patiently!! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 9:44pm *waits for the aforementioned nagging, chanting and demanding to begin, as I know they will* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Ghost Gigagal on Nov 14th, 2003, 10:28pm *decides to relieve KB of her waiting* *nags, chants and demands all at once* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by PatW on Nov 14th, 2003, 10:33pm on 11/14/03 at 21:44:21, KB wrote:
which means that there's no more written yet! ::) ;D | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Nov 14th, 2003, 11:59pm *tells Pat she's incorrect and there is a great deal more written, but I shall only be serving it out in small(ish) doses* What, you want it now?! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Today at 12:03am Yes please, KB!!! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Today at 12:30am Oh, all right, as you asked so nicely, a lovely long bit... Two hours later, Mary and Dorry stood in the doorway of the building, waving goodbye to the lines of girls as they croc’d down the path. When they were out of sight, Mary turned to her sister. “Come along, darling,” she said warmly. “Let’s get you settled in.” Clutching her sister’s hand, Dorry chattered eagerly about her friends and her position in the class while Mary unpacked the small trunk that had been purchased for Doreen to take to school. That was done just in time for the girls to go and collect Kaffee from cook and take it out into the garden, in a far corner of which, those staff who were staying, including Mlles de Lachennais and Lepattre, Miss Annersley, Miss Wilson and Matron, had already foregathered with their own Kaffee. Mary was relieved to find, as they settled on the grass, both unaware that they were the subject of a number of pairs of eyes from the staff, that Dorry was the same loving, affectionate little sister she had always been. There had been a secret fear in Mary that one or both of them would be changed by this abrupt wrenching away from everything they had known for their whole lives, apart from the annual visits to London for Christmas. It was with a sense of relief, mixed with gratitude, that she found the feeling of being with her sister as familiar as a comfortable coat. Smiling at her, she pressed the best cakes and sweetest, juiciest pieces of fruit onto the girl, just as she always had, and was rewarded with a wet, sticky kiss and a warm, loving embrace. “The poor children,” Therese Lepattre murmured as she watched the sisters. “So young, to have lost both father and mother.” Hilda only just prevented herself from glancing at Matey. “Unless I’m much mistaken,” she said softly, “Doreen will never want for love and affection. In a way, it reminds me of Madge and Joey, the first time I met them. Madge expressed her love for Jo in her concerns, just as Mary does for Doreen.” “I only hope that Mary can provide as good a home for her sister as Madge does for Jo,” Nell commented. “In a way, it will be better,” Hilda replied. “Mary has financial security which Madge did not. If I remember rightly, wasn’t that the reason Madge started the Chalet School in the first place?” “We will have to hope Mary isn’t forced to go to that extent,” Jeanne de Lachennais put in. “Absolutely not,” Nell laughed. “If she did, we would lose Doreen to another school.” The mistresses joined in her laughter. “I cannot imagine it, ma chére Nell,” Therese said. “For one thing, our Mary is only eighteen – in fact, I believe she is only seventeen, n’est ce pas? So she is six years younger than our dear Madame was when she began the school. And second, Mary has shown no interest in teaching, as I understand it.” She looked around at her colleagues. “What is it that she desires to do for a career?” The women exchanged glances. “I don’t know,” Hilda admitted. “I’ve never spoken to her about it. Have any of the rest of you?” Everyone else shook their heads. “But she’s almost eighteen,” Nell exclaimed, managing to keep her voice low enough that it didn’t carry across the grass. “Surely she must have some idea.” “Not necessarily,” Jeanne retorted. “You forget that the life she has lived until now has not presented her with the idea of a career. Her mother, from what she told Madame, who said some things to me about it, wanted her to come out into society and find an eligible mate as quickly as possible. If that was to be her fate, she would not have a chance to think of a career.” “Well, she has another year with us,” Nell reflected. “We’ll have to talk to her about it, perhaps early next term, and see what her ideas are, if she has any. Certainly her grasp of Mathematics is excellent. She could easily teach if that was what she wanted to do.” “Her English is above average, but not excellent,” Hilda added. “She shows signs of being drilled in the rules of grammar, and her language is picturesque, but she isn’t nearly as imaginative as Joey, for instance.” “Few people are,” Nell reminded her friend. “True,” Hilda conceded. “But as I was saying, I’m sure her language was perfectly fine for the future her mother intended, but if she proposed working as a teacher, I’m not sure it would be sufficient.” “Well, we don’t know what Mary herself wants,” Nell added. “We can’t go imagining a future for her and saying that it would or wouldn’t work if she isn’t interested in it.” Laughing and admitting this was true, the staff changed the subject and turned their attention from the two sisters. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Today at 12:36am Thank you very very much KB!! | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Today at 1:47am *reiterates thanks and begs for more soon!* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Today at 1:49am *offers the last part before British readers go to bed, in the hope it will leave them with unanswered questions to annoy them all night, as they frequently do to me* That night, Mary opened the window of the room she was sharing with her sister, listening to the nighttime sounds of the Tiernsee. Doreen was already sound asleep in her little bed, and Mary leaned over to gently kiss the girl’s round, rosy cheek before crossing the room to her own bed and getting in between the sheets. Settling in, with the small light over her head switched on, she picked up her book and settled back against the pillows to read. It was amazingly quiet with only a dozen people in the entire massive building, that Mary was soon distracted from her book and put it aside. The moon, a massive silver disc, was visible on the horizon and Mary switched off the light so that she could see it better before hugging her knees. Any urge she had had to sleep was gone now, so Mary threw back the covers and got up, changing quickly into the clothes she had worn that day. When it had first been realised that the two girls would remain at the school, Nanny had sent some everyday clothes to the school for them to wear, so that they would not have to wear their uniforms every day. Now Mary put on her riding breeches and a thick jumper, for the nights were not warm. Sitting down on her bed, she fished out a piece of paper and the stub of a pencil, writing a note to anyone who might miss her to say that she was going out for a walk. Pinning it prominently to her pyjamas, which she folded on her pillow, she put away the pencil and quietly left the room. She left the door slightly ajar so that it wouldn’t creak when she returned and moved down the empty hallway to the large door that led out into the garden. Only one person watched her progress down the garden path to the gate, and that person made no protest. Mary was considered old enough to look after herself, and so had been given the freedom of the grounds whenever she wanted them, although she would first have to take care of her sister. Matron sighed as she faintly heard the squeak of the gate, before the woman turned away from the window and continued to sort the bed linen that had come up from the laundry that evening. Meanwhile, unaware that she had been spotted, Mary hesitated briefly at the gate before turning in the direction of a ramble she had taken with her form several times during the term. It was only a fairly short walk to the Dripping Rock, and that, Mary decided, would be her destination. The world seemed very strange at night, with all the colour drained out of it. A few golden lights glimmered in the buildings on the lakeside, but for the most part the world was silent and silver. A more imaginative person than Mary might have become frightened by the almost oppressive stillness, but Mary had no such concerns and only looked forward to the walk. Eventually she reached the railing that divided Briesau and Geisalm, swinging herself over it with ease and pursing her lips in a soft whistle as she continued up the mountain slope, her hands in the waistband of her breeches in a posture that had earned her more than one scolding from Nanny. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Vikki on Today at 2:03am *grumbles at KB!!* >:( | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by KB on Today at 2:08am Oh, all right then, as you insisted... And today's catchword - be careful what you wish for. ;D Matey finally finished sorting the linen and folded the last sheet according to her own strict standards, stacking the piles into the cupboard and covering them in paper to protect them from dust. Looking around, she realised that she was finished and turned to the book in which she recorded the numbers of sheets she received, to ensure that they would all be there when the school finally returned for the next new term. Putting away her pen and shutting the book, she turned to the window and looked out at the dark world outside. It was then, and for the first time, that she realised she hadn’t heard Mary come back. Although Matey couldn’t be sure exactly how much time had passed, her instincts told her that it was too long. Despite somehow knowing instinctively that she hadn’t returned, Matey still went down to the room the two sisters shared to check. Doreen was sound asleep, but the other bed was empty. Matey espied the note that had been pinned to the pyjamas and picked it up, reading it quickly and discovering that Mary had planned to go to the Dripping Rock. Her worry increasing in leaps and bounds, Matey quickly left the room, knowing that, no matter how long it had been, there had been enough time pass now for her to have gone and come back twice over. Every instinct she possessed told Matey that something had happened that might put the life of her daughter in danger. As she hurried back to her room to change into clothes more appropriate for nighttime exploration, Gwynneth was suddenly reminded of Mary’s fear of water. Her heart stopped as she pictured the girl’s terror if she was in some way trapped or… “Matey?” Hilda’s voice demanded from the doorway as that woman was pulling on one of her thickest sweaters. “What are you doing?” “Mary’s out there, at the Dripping Rock,” Gwynneth said curtly. “I’m going to find her.” She thrust the note at the English mistress and grabbed a bag, tossing bandages and a flask of spirits into it, preparing for the possibility that Mary might be injured. “Do you want me to go…?” “No!” Matey’s eyes blazed as she turned on the younger woman. “She’s my daughter and I’m going to find her!” “If you aren’t back in thirty minutes, I’ll arrange a search party,” Hilda replied, quelled by the other woman’s tone. Snatching up one of the large flashlights that were de rigeur for anyone walking at night, Matey was quickly out of the building and hurrying down the path Mary had taken more than two hours earlier, swinging her flashlight from side to side in the hope of seeing something. The world was almost silent, apart from the sound of Matey’s footsteps and the distant cry of a bird returning to its nest. The walk to the Dripping Rock was one of the most popular among all levels of the school and Matey had frequently accompanied girls on various rambles, so she had no difficulty in quickly making her way along the path to the railing and over it. The cries she had heard were closer now, and seemed to be less birdlike and more human. Matey froze for a moment to listen to them, and realised that it was a female voice crying ‘help’ and interspersed with frantic bursts of crying. “Mary!” she called desperately. “Is that you? Where are you?” “Here,” the panic-stricken voice called back. “I’m here! The path collapsed. Oh, help me, please! Please help me!” “I’m coming,” Matey cried, following the path of friable rock. “Hold on, dear. Just a few seconds – ah!” this last as she spotted the break in the path. Matey approached it gingerly, knowing that an unwary movement could send them both down the mountainside and into the lake, if Mary wasn’t already there. Lowering herself to her hands and knees, she warily moved forward, looking down to see Mary just below her, the girl’s fingers clinging to a piece of rock that was jutting out, and her white face turned up to the woman. | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Lisa_T on Today at 2:12am C'mon c'mon Come On COME ON KB! *wondering who KB is gonna knobble* *cannot remember wishing for either Mary or Matey to die/ be horribly injured (not in this story, anyway! ;))* | ||
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Title: Re: Matey's Secret #3b Post by Trish on Today at 2:12am How wonderful to find so much of this waiting for me to read today! However that's not going to stop me asking (very nicely!) for some more soon please. | ||
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