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Title: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 18th, 2003, 1:53pm Joy Markham walked across the great concourse of Victoria Station beside her father, who was carrying her overnight case. To this was strapped a travelling rug and her umbrella. Joy knew that the smart uniform of gentian blue suited her, for she had rather a sallow complexion, and the bright colour lifted her skin tones. She looked very like her father. Both were tall, with very dark, almost black hair, which had no trace of a wave to it. Her father’s was, of course, kept short, though a rebellious lock fell over his eyes. Joy wore hers long, in two plaits which hung down her back under her hat. She was rather nervous, for this was to be her first term at the Chalet School, and the first time away from her family. She had already bade farewell to her mother, who was obliged to remain at home with the latest addition to the family, baby Stuart. As they walked down the long platform beside the boat train, she could see a group of girls of all ages milling around beside the train. A pretty woman, who must be one of the teaching staff, was marshalling them into some sort of order, and directing them onto the train. She looked up as joy and her father approached, and smiled at them. “Hello, you must be one of the new girls we are expecting this term. I’m Miss Andrews, one of the Chalet School teachers. If you will give me your name, we can see which coach you will be in and get you settled with girls your own age. I’ll find someone to sheepdog you until you settle in.” “I’m Joy Markham, and please, what is a sheepdog?” Joy had a confused mental picture of the beautiful border collie left behind at home. Miss Andrews laughed gently. “Don’t look so confused, Joy. A sheepdog is a girl of your own age who has been at the school for a while. She is assigned to make sure that you settle down quickly, and know what to do and where to go.” “Oh I see. That seems a very good idea.” Joy turned to take her case from her father, and say goodbye, but before she could do either, she saw a couple of people walking towards them, evidently intending to join them, for the girl was dressed in the Chalet School uniform. She stopped in utter amazement, for the girl could have been her sister, and her father – well only uncle Peter could have looked as similar in feature to her own father as this man was! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Katarzyna on Dec 18th, 2003, 1:58pm Intriguing start Pat and so nice to see a new drabble as all the others have been eaten Please keep going |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 18th, 2003, 2:04pm *squeaks* ooh! ooh! ooh! new drabble! thank you Pat ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 18th, 2003, 2:33pm She could see the surprise on his face as he took in the little group ahead of him, and looked up at her father. The surprise on his face completely matched the others in every detail, and the girl’s face had a strange mixture of shock and puzzlement. Probably much the same as her own, thought Joy to herself. Miss Andrews looked up from her lists at the approach of the couple, and stared in astonishment, for the two new comers were the mirror image of the pair she had been talking to. She looked from one to the other. “Are you related?” she asked. “Not so far as I know,” replied Mr Markham. “I certainly don’t blame you for asking though, for as far as I know, the only other person who looks like me is my twin brother.” By this time the new arrivals had come up with the little group by the train. “Good morning. My name’s Johnston, and this is my daughter Susan. I assume you are a member of the school staff?” “Good morning, Mr Johnston. My name’s Miss Andrews, and I’m one of the escort mistresses. We have one other new girl to account for and then everyone is here. I was just telling Mr Markham and Joy about sheepdogs. Susan will be assigned a girl who has been at school before to help her settle in and find her way about.” “An excellent idea, Miss Andrews.” Then he turned towards Joy and her father. “Excuse me for being so rude, but I simply cannot understand how our two families could look so similar. I think you said you have a twin brother? As far as I know, I am an only child. It is patently obvious that we must be related in some way, for our daughters look like sisters, in addition to our own remarkable similarity. I suggest that when the train has departed, we indulge ourselves in a refreshment break at my Club and try to work out where the relationship lies. It won’t be easy, I can tell you, for I was adopted when a baby, and never knew my own parents.” “That seems eminently sensible Mr Johnston. Now Joy, let’s get you onto the train. You can discuss all this to your hearts content once you’re on your way.” He could see the two girls eying each other curiously. Joy was clearly intrigued, but Susan didn’t seem too pleased to have someone else around looking so like herself. He thought that she was probably an only child, and therefore likely to be a little more indulged than his own family, and in this he was correct. Miss Johnston was used to being the centre of attention in her little world, and had been none too keen on the idea of boarding school, rightly surmising that she would have to give way to others to a great extent. That there was another child who looked like herself just added fuel to the fire. No one could call either of them pretty, but their looks were arresting for all that. The black hair, cut with a straight fringe across the forehead, the black plaits framing the face, had an attraction of their own. Sharlie Andrews, looking form one to another, felt that she knew someone else with similar features. It was not so clear in the two men, for the masculine version was stronger; therefore, she reasoned, the one she was thinking of must surely be a woman. There her musings had to stop, for the train would depart within a few minutes, and there were still a number of girls on the platform. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 18th, 2003, 2:37pm *thinking about something* interesting... very very interesting... *strokes imaginary beard* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 18th, 2003, 2:44pm *Think I'm probably thinking about the same thing as Xanthe. *Wonders who's beard Xanthe is stroking? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 18th, 2003, 2:50pm It is an imaginary beard! Hence it is mine... an imaginary beard being (thankfully) the only sort available to me! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by NickiL on Dec 18th, 2003, 2:50pm *Think I may be thinking the same thing too...* *Trying to work out how it might be and why* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Katarzyna on Dec 18th, 2003, 2:56pm *wondering when the 4th quad is going to make an appearance* presuming of course that i haven't got my wires crossed (which in itself can be very painful) and that in fact Pat is "borrowing" Robin's story of Jo and her adopted quads |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 18th, 2003, 3:07pm on 12/18/03 at 14:50:24, xanthe wrote:
Sorry - missed the word imaginary, thought you might be sitting on Santa's knee. ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 18th, 2003, 3:16pm Also she still had one more arrival to account for on her list. She managed to get everyone settled, and the two new girls a sheepdog each, and descended to the platform, to see if she could see her last lamb. Just as she was thinking that they would have to leave without her, the sound of running footsteps echoed down the platform. A woman towing a girl behind her, came flying up to the young mistress. “I’m so sorry we’re late,” she gasped. “The train broke down, and I thought we’d never get here in time. This is Rachel Masters. I’m Mrs masters, by the way.” “Hello Rachel,” said Sharlie. “We’ll get you settled into a compartment. I’m afraid you’ll have to say goodbye straight away, for the train is about to leave.” Rachel gave her mother a quick hug, and leapt onto the train, followed by Sharlie Andrews, who leaned out of the window to call to Mrs Masters “Don’t worry about Rachel. She’ll soon settle in. We have a few other new girls this term, so she won’t feel left out.” Then she turned to the girl beside her, who was panting slightly with the rush. She was thankful to see that this girl had brown wavy hair and brown eyes, nothing like the disconcertingly similar girls in the nearby compartment. She had a lovely clear complexion and a sweet smile, though her eyes held a steady gaze that spoke of strength of character. “Come along Rachel. There’s room in the end compartment, where Susan and Joy are sitting. They are new too, and it’s always nice for the new girls to be together. There are some old girls in there too, and I’ll ask one of them to look after you on the journey.” She ushered Rachel into the compartment, noting that Susan had placed herself as far away from Joy as possible. There was a space in the middle of the seat for Rachel, and she swung her case up onto the overhead rack to join the others, before plumping herself down, and looking around herself. She saw three ordinary school girls of more or less her own age, and two other girls that she took to be twin sisters. The mistress was speaking, however, so she looked up at her. “These are Margaret Wade, Lesley Thomson, and Linda Arkwright. Linda, will you do sheepdog for Rachel, at least until we get to school, since Margaret and Lesley are both doing it already.” “Yes, of course, Miss Andrews,” replied Linda. “Hello, Rachel. You’ll love the Chalet School.” “These others are Susan Johnston and Joy Markham, and they are new too.” “Aren’t you sisters?” asked Rachel in surprise. “No, we’re not,” snapped Susan, and Joy grinned. “We only just met, “ she explained. I don’t know why we look so alike, and Susan won’t speak about it.” Sharlie left them to it, and walked up the coach to the mistresses compartment, knowing that her news would cause a good deal of chatter. Rachel looked at the two girls, sitting on opposite sides of the compartment, and grinned. “You two look so alike, “she said. “Not only that, but you look like my kid sister, too.” Joy giggled, and Margaret, Lesley and Linda joined in, though Susan scowled even harder. “Everyone says that Isobel takes after Dad, so that means you tow must look rather like him too.” *This has been bouncing around my head all night, and if I don't get it down, I won't get any sleep tonight, either!* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 18th, 2003, 4:18pm “This is enough!” The voice echoed around the compartment. “I am sick and tired of seeing or hearing of other girls who look like me! I never wanted to come to this school, anyway. I was happy at home. But Daddy thought it would be good for me, so I was forced to come. And now I find that there are a whole lot of other girls who look like my family.” “I think it’s funny,” said Joy, giggling. “I suppose it’s different for me. I’ve grown up knowing that Dad had a twin, though Uncle Peter isn’t married, so there’s no one my age to look like me. There’s a mystery here too, you know. How can people from three different families look so much alike? My Dad and yours could be twins themselves, you know.” “I’d noticed! Couldn’t help it, could I? What about your Dad, Rachel? Does he look as much alike as ours?” “Yes and no. It’s difficult to say without being able to compare. More like a brother than a twin I would think.” Susan turned her head away in disgust, and the other five looked at each other. They could all see that there was going to be trouble with this girl, and Joy was a little afraid that she would get caught up in it too, as she looked so like Susan. In the compartment at the other end of the carriage, Sharlie Andrews sat herself down and looked around at her fellow mistresses, with a grin on her face. “We’re in for fun this term,” she announced brightly. “Howe do you make that out?” asked Nancy Wilmot. “It hasn’t really started yet.” “It’s the new girls. Two of them look so alike they could be sisters. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by crashbb on Dec 18th, 2003, 4:31pm Oh neat. The quads will be together again. Looks like at least two of them were adopted together. Great Idea Pat! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by LulieCat on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:38pm I'm glad that my mind seemed to be running on the same lines as everybody elses. It makes a pleasant change ;D With regard to the baby brother, Pat. Must he be Mark Markham? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 18th, 2003, 6:46pm thanks Lulie - I didn't realise what I'd done!! Changed it to Stuart! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by catherine on Dec 18th, 2003, 8:52pm Interesting idea, Pat. I'm intrigued to see how this is going to develop. Lovely to have a new drabble to read but I do hope the TEM leaves it alone! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Rachael on Dec 18th, 2003, 9:35pm This is brilliant, Pat - looking forward to lots more soon! And hurrah for Robin for being such a great source of inspiration! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 18th, 2003, 9:38pm Yay Pat!! Thank you! Guessed what it would be from the first post, and very glad you're writing it!! Looking forward to Jo's reaction! Can't wait till the new girls tea party!! ;) *hopes Pat has Robin's consent to do a spin off!!* ;) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 18th, 2003, 10:25pm Thank you Pat ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 18th, 2003, 10:51pm Very interesting. I wonder who will spot the likeness to Joey? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Angel on Dec 18th, 2003, 10:51pm More to the point, I want to see Robin's response, and the letters that Joey writes to her about it... This is great - confusing, but great.... Brilliant. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 18th, 2003, 11:30pm Confusing, Angel? Isn't that a case of the opt calling the kettle?!!! ::) :P ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Abi on Dec 18th, 2003, 11:36pm You don't by any chance live in a glass house, Angel...? I like this, Pat - i wonder how Joey will react to having her quads found again? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Susan on Dec 19th, 2003, 1:07am Pat this is brilliant, Like everyone else can't wait to see all the reactions. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 2:53am *suddenly horrified by an unspeakable possibility and hoping it is just because Jo is their grandmother than Susan and Joy look so like her* :-/ |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 19th, 2003, 2:57am *wonders what the unspeakable possibility is!!* :o |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:02am *refuses, point-blank, to explain, except to say that perhaps Jo wanted a little experimentation and got confused...* *waits for the shrieks of horror* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:04am *wonders if it's because it's so late that KB's meaning is going straight over her head?* ??? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Kathryn on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:06am on 12/19/03 at 03:02:25, KB wrote:
What sort of experimentation did you have in mind? *aghast at the possibilities* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:07am *shocked at Vikki's blindness* Oh, all right, to clarify: Joey decides to have an affair with a younger man (as one does) and ends up, by chance, choosing one of her quads. She arranges a meeting, but bumps into another by mistake, falling pregnant to one or both. When the babies are born (who's to say she didn't have quads again in Canada?) she ships the girls off to their fathers, who bring them up as their own and send them to the CS. Or have I been spending too much time around Rachel...? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:10am KB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think you have been spending too much time with Rachel!!! :o :o :o |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 3:12am Well, I'm sorry! It was just an idea!!!! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 8:37am I think you're listening to the wrong plot bunnies, KB!!! Send them back to Rachel, where they belong!! The other alternative is that you've been infected by TEM, which has done funny things to you, since it can't actually delete threads in a human! *Has horrid thought, quickly suppressed!* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:39am *refuses to be deleted, packs up whatever it was and sends it off to Santa, who might know what to do with it, as he has a lot to do with naughty things at this time of year* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:00am Horrid thought keeps resurfacing. Perhaps KB is virtual?! ;) No of course she isn't! :D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:08am *shrieks at the thought of being virtual and checks myself in the mirror* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:12am Trouble is that no one can tell when your the other side of the world, so we have to go by the postings!!!! :P :P :P |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:14am *begs someone who's met me to bag up my non-virtualness* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:18am But KB, they might be virtual too!! How can we tell? ;) ;) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:21am *thinking up seriously horrible things to do in March to prove to Pat that I'm not virtual* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:26am Help!!! Runs away and hides, chortling at the yibbling boosting my total higher!!! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:32am *suggests Pat try logging in at the top of the page, as Jennie suggested* *sharpens easily-concealable weapons for March and goes to find out what's available in the UK* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:34am on 12/19/03 at 11:32:13, KB wrote:
I always do! Also stay logged in!! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:36am Okay, it was just an idea. *contines sharpening* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:43am Um, KB, my daddy does anti-terrorist policy at the moment... he will not be a happy bunny if people start bringing weapons into the country left-right and centre... |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:45am Oh, all right! *explores avenues for purchasing weapons once I'm in the UK* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:48am Help, it's this thread that's cloned! We seem to have a serious problem with the monster, don't we? Surely it can be sorted by someone at the hosting site (or whatever it's called) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:51am Yes, dear. One of the mods will delete the clone later - if it's anyone but Vikki (who knows how to do it) the directions are in the Moderators' Thread. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 4:01pm Not only that, but they remind me of somebody, and its really niggling me that I can’t identify who it is. By the way, I don’t think that they are any relation, as their fathers didn’t seem to know each other. They were equally flabbergasted when they saw each other.” “Really, Sharlie, your language is as bad as a Middles!” “They can’t hear me, so it doesn’t matter. I watch myself when there’s any of them around, I assure you.” Meanwhile, at Victoria Station, the two men walked from the platform together as the train disappeared down the line. Mr Johnston’s Club was just round the corner, and they were soon settled in the bar, coffee and cake beside them. After a few minutes of polite conversation, Mr Markham turned to his companion. “We need to get to the bottom of this.“ he said. “We must be related somewhere, but it beats me where. If it helps, I was born in India, and lived there till ’49, when the family came home, due to Independence. We lived in South India, just south of a place called Indukki. I have one brother, a twin, and we were both adopted pretty well straight after we were born. I suspect that our mother was unmarried, or couldn’t keep us for some other reason, but my parents won’t confirm this.” “How strange. We lived about two hours drive north of Indukki, and came home for the same reason. I too was adopted very early on. For the record I was born on June 30th 1937.” “I think we may have solved it. So were my brother and myself. You don’t suppose the poor girl had triplets, do you? I’ve often wondered who she was, and why she had to give us up as she did. It must have been dreadful for her - I know how I would feel if I lost mine.” “There is no way to find these things out. As you say, I’ve wondered myself, but the whole point of giving a child up like that is that no one knows there is one. The records being in India won’t help either. Our only chance is if we found out by accident, just as you and I found each other. How odd to have two brothers I knew nothing about.” |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 19th, 2003, 5:36pm *chants at Pat for more story please!!* ;) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by NickiL on Dec 19th, 2003, 6:51pm Yes please! Although they seem very calm about the fact that they've just discovered each other! I know there's the British 'stiff upper lip', but even for men this seems very cool and collected ;) (Not that I'm critical, it's a great story Pat, just thought I'd say and speaking from experience. Adoption's an emotional thing... ;D ) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Abi on Dec 19th, 2003, 7:14pm Ooooooh, oooh, ooooooh, oooh!!!!! *realises she is beginning to sound like an owl* I LOVE this, Pat. Please post more soon! Tell us what happens - how do they find out? Do the girls? What will Joey say when she sees them?.......................&c |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:01pm *thinks Vikki could give a compliment before demanding more* I'm glad they're so determined to get to the bottom of things, though. How old must Jo be at this point, though?! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:34pm Probably Jo is in her mid 50s? She'd be 18 or so in India. If the quads were in their mid 20s when they married, their kids would be 11/12 when they went to the school. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:39pm Thank you Pat *joins Vikki's chant* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:47pm Thank you! *likes to have all the loose ends tied up* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:55pm I'd noticed that! Funny the things you *do* notice, isn't it?!! ;) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 9:59pm Very strange! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:01pm That was too few words, you wicked thing! Funny the things that get ignored, too!! 8) 8) 8) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:04pm I know, but I couldn't think of anything to add! :'( |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:08pm That's not like you, KB!! You're usually the champion yibbler!! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:19pm Pat, this is for you! KB, please take note of the minimum word limit for posting or I will have to report you to the study. If you do this again you will be sent to Miss Fluffy! >:( (Will that entice you to post more of this wonderful story Pat.) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:22pm Lovely, thank you. ;D ;D ;D Let me catch up with everything and I'll have a go. Nothing else written yet, you see. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:55pm Suddenly Mr Johnston looked at his new friend and laughed, rather shakily. “Look at us,” he said, “We’re playing the typical British stiff upper lip characters, when I know I’m all shaken inside. It’s not every day you find out you’ve got a brother you never knew existed, and I’ve found out I have two! We haven’t even exchanged Christian names, even though I know your brother is Peter. My name is Edward, but my friends and family call me Ed.” “I’m James, or rather Jim. You’re right, Ed, the whole thing is mind-blowing. I’m wondering how the girls are going to take it, too. They’re going to work it out for themselves, just like we did. Joy has a younger sister, Wendy, and a new brother called Stuart.” “We only have Susan, and I’m afraid she’s become a bit spoilt. That’s one reason we’ve sent her to boarding school. She needs to learn to get on with other girls. In fact, we may have a problem there, as she’s a self opinionated little thing, and generally likes to be the centre of attention. How she’ll deal with someone else who looks the same as she does, I don’t know.” “If that’s the case, they won’t be playing on the likeness, then. Not like Peter and I did when we were at school. None of the masters could tell the difference.” Ed Johnston chuckled. “That must have been fun. No, Susan won’t indulge in anything like that - unfortunately.” The two men parted soon after that, both needing time to themselves to come to terms with their discoveries. However, Ed had accepted an invitation to dinner from Jim, and both men knew that they were well on the way to becoming friends. As the train carrying their respective daughter neared Dover, Nancy Wilmot rose to her feet. “My turn to get them all together,” she laughed, and left the compartment, knowing her friends would see to her belongings for her. She made her way down the corridor, stopping briefly at each compartment to warn the girls to gather everything together. At length she reached the end one, where the new girls were sitting, and opened the door. Then she stared in amazement. Unlike her friend Kathie, she saw immediately who the two girls looked like, and furthermore, saw a marked resemblance to another well known face in that of Rachel. She almost gasped aloud, but managed to pull herself together sufficiently to tell them to get their things together, before she withdrew to the corridor. There she moved round to the doorway instead of going back to the rest of the staff, and stood gazing into space, wondering how two new girls could look so much like Jo Maynard, and another like her sister Madge. She was also trying to work out Jo’s reaction, and there she had to acknowledge herself beaten, for there was no way that she could anticipate that. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 19th, 2003, 10:58pm Good stuff Pat. *Sets up camp and begins chanting* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:01pm I notice KB didn't rise!! ;) Do you think you struck her dumb with shock!! :D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:03pm I'd guess she hasn't seen yet. ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by catherine on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:06pm Liking this, Pat! More please! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Abi on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:06pm *Pitches tent in Chanting Camp and chants around the camp fire whilst toasting marchmallows* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Angel on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:23pm Just as long as no one falls down a napoleonic thread-eating hole. *joins the camp* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Kathryn on Dec 19th, 2003, 11:39pm *joins the Chanting camp, bringing sleeping bag and the much-needed Baileys* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 20th, 2003, 1:08am Pat this istotally wonderful, and completely inspired!! Please write some more soon! Pretty please? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 20th, 2003, 1:11am Thank you Pat ;D :-* *joins chanting camp* *warps self in camp blanket and makes chocolate bananas for those who wish to partake* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:24am on 12/19/03 at 23:01:09, Pat wrote:
Not at all, although I have only just seen it. You were quite right, Pat, and I can hardly tick other people off for it if I do it myself. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:47am Well done KB, you are now fully a Chalet Girl! ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 20th, 2003, 9:18pm Pulling herself together with an effort, she returned to her colleagues just as the train pulled into Dover Station, and she grabbed her belongings, before jumping from the train. For the time being she pushed the mystery to the back of her mind, and concentrated on ensuring that all the girls embarked safely on the ferry for Calais. The rest of the journey followed uneventfully, for the Chalet School staff were very experienced in shepherding a large number of highly excitable girls halfway across Europe with the minimum of fuss or trouble. A through train now took them direct to Interlaken, and the fleet of luxury coaches whisked them up the Gornetz Plats with ease. As soon as Miss Annersley had greeted them all, and sent them to prepare for Abendessen, Nancy made her way to the Head’s study. She had said nothing to her colleagues about her recognition of the new girls. News of that would come soon enough. However, she needed to tell her Head as soon as possible, for she desperately needed advice on what to say to Jo. That Jo should be warned she had no doubt. The shock if she found out for herself would be profound, Nancy knew. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 20th, 2003, 9:35pm Thank you Pat ;D *chanting softly* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by LauraT on Dec 20th, 2003, 9:40pm *chants marginally more loudly, and very hopefully!* What minimum word limit??! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:03pm She found Hilda Annersley in the study standing looking out of the French windows at the view beyond. A very pensive look was on her face as she turned to speak to Nancy. “I think I have some idea of the reason you have come. I caught a glimpse of one of our new girls as she lined up with the school. An uncanny resemblance to Jo, you must admit.” “If that were all, Hilda. There are two of them, and their fathers look as if they are twins. They all look like Jo! Then there is a child called Rachel. She has a distinct look of Madge, though it’s difficult to tell for sure, as I didn’t know her as a child.” “Are you sure? Yes of course you are, you travelled with them all the way from England. Has anyone else noticed anything?” “Sharlie Andrews said that they reminded her of someone, but she didn’t know who. She never knew Jo at that age though, did she? The likeness is truly remarkable.” “How old would you say the fathers were?” asked Hilda, curiously. “In their mid thirties I suppose. Why? You surely don’t think..?!” |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Angel on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:05pm I don't think it ought to be left *THERE* more please. MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE, please. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:10pm Why not, Angel? 8) 8) *looking for the injured innocence icon and not finding one!* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Abi on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:11pm *waiting with baited breath* come on...................................................... |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Angel on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:12pm Because I've got no climbing apparatus, and no spotters at the trampoline. And I'm enjoying this story, and it keeps stopping at most inconvenient points... |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:13pm this has cloned again!!! What have we lost this time?!!! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:13pm Augusta has been eaten! :o |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Angel on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:15pm *Has image of Augusta Gloop being eaten by Oompa Loompas* There are 3 clones of this thread on the board. One at the bottom of page 2, and the other on this page. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Abi on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:18pm *rushes off in panic to look for Augusta* *scowls at TEM and reposts so nyaaaah :P :P :P to TEM* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:22pm “Think what? That the men are Jo’s sons? Talk sense, Nancy. Jo of all people wouldn’t do anything like that! Besides, when could she have had them?” “Hilda, she was in India for the best part of a year. I know we’re both single women, and therefore are not expected to know too much about such things, but we can both count. I feel utterly dreadful for thinking like this, but they are so alike.” “I think I need to see Jo personally. She must find out properly, just in case there is anything to this. It could be coincidence, of course.” “But you don’t think so, do you? Don’t you remember how much she had grown up during her holiday in India? WE put it down to the travel and the new experiences, but it could have been something more. If that *had* happened, the babies would have been adopted straight away. Jo wouldn’t have seen them at all.” |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:28pm Thank you Pat for writing a nice, sensitive Nancy! *somewhat relieved after recent events in CS and a pagan! ;)* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:29pm We've had other nice Nancies - and she's nice in the books remember. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:43pm I know! I've just been feeling traumatised recently by how she's been behaving in 'Pagan'! Oh, and I absolutely don't mean that I don't like LulieCat's story - it's because it's so believably written that I'm suffering at the thought of Nancy behaving that way - but as she's one of my favourite characters, it's nice to see her playing a good role somewhere :) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by LulieCat on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:44pm *Tickles Catherine B until she can't laugh any more* I keep trying to write a nice Nancy, but she keeps going horrible. *wanders off muttering things about pb's who put vitriol in people's food, causing mass nastiness in writing* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:49pm This is so good. Hope the board behaves itself. Wonder where Liss got to. *muddled musings* Hope to see some more of this story soon 'cos it is a wonderful idea. What happened to the fourth son I wonder? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Dorothy on Dec 20th, 2003, 11:09pm on 12/20/03 at 22:49:49, Carolyn P wrote:
1+ 2 were adopted together - one of which is Joy's father 3 is Susan's and I'm guessing 4 is Rachel's father. Dorothy |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 20th, 2003, 11:11pm Oops, forgot that 1 and 2 were together, thought three girls 3 quads. :-[ Must pay closer attention x500. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 20th, 2003, 11:15pm *tickles LulieCat right back and sends being-nice-to-Nancy biscuits to her PB!* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Dorothy on Dec 20th, 2003, 11:17pm Tired, Carolyn ?? ;D Dorothy |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Abi on Dec 20th, 2003, 11:24pm *is naturally fascinated by the yibbling but wonders if Pat is going to post any more story soon* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by LulieCat on Dec 20th, 2003, 11:38pm *chants more more more, but is quite content to yibble until Pat posts again* *feeds biscuits from Catherine B to PB* *Hopes Catherine's 'B' doesn't stand for 'Bunny'. Worries about possible subversion from within* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 20th, 2003, 11:42pm *giggles at the thought of being ms. bunny!* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Sugarplum on Dec 21st, 2003, 1:41am OK so Susans dad and Joys dad and Rachel Dad and the other brother ...... are Joeys quads born in India when she went away ........ I've heard of ppl being sent away but to India! Its a bit far to go to have a baby or 4! ....... unless did she get Pregnant out there ?? I'm confused |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Kathy_S on Dec 21st, 2003, 1:44am For details on this situation, see "My India Diary (letters from Jo)" in the Cookies and Drabbles section. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:35am Briefly, however, on the GirlsOwn Mailing list there was the description of the supposed "Two Chalet Girls in India" (there is a thread in the "Books" section on this) which describes Joey having an affair and, presumably, falling pregnant. 'Robin' wrote out the diary she supposedly made at the time, in which we learned about the fact that Joey went into seclusion to have the Quads. This story is the result. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:41am *pleads with Pat to write lots more soon please!!* :-* :-* *waiting to se Joey's reaction to the news!!!* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:51am *suggests we start the chant* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:30am *agrees this is a good idea, but pitches it an octave too high!* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:32am *falls silent to watch Vikki's eyes pop as she struggles for the high notes* *wonders when the chant was set to music* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:49am Don't know but it sounded CSy |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:54am *eyes various musical members of the board suspiciously, waiting for someone to admit it* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Kathy_S on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:01am "Chant- Simple melody in which a number of words are sung to each note." As in, mo-o-o-o-o-o-ore, mo-o-o-o-o-o-ore, mo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ore. *Suggests you ask Kathryn about history of chant.* Modified to say: I know the above doesn't fit the definition, but it fits the chant tune I can think of at the moment. The original also had lots of notes per syllable. Except when it didn't.) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 5:16am *thinks Kathy may just have admitted to creating it* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Kathryn on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:46am on 12/21/03 at 05:01:31, Kathy_S wrote:
*shudder* music history ain't my thing so no enlightenment from this direction. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:47am *wonders if Kathryn can sing "God Save The Queen" without branching off into "Rule Brittania"* :-/ |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Angel on Dec 21st, 2003, 9:25am more more more more more more more story today We'll beg the author till we're hoarse from our comfy open sleigh At least, that's what it sounds like... One for the Bunnies (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0340828994/ref=sr_aps_books_1_1/202-3657765-0318202) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Kathryn on Dec 21st, 2003, 9:52am on 12/21/03 at 06:47:50, KB wrote:
I can only do the biscuit tin version: 'God Save our biscuit tin, don't let the rats get in, God Save our tin' can't remember the rest ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 21st, 2003, 11:11am *smirks in the way that sopranos do when people mutter about "high" notes* *quickly counts the ledger lines on the score Vikki's clutching and realises Vikki has been trying to sing the flute part* *hands out chant sheets within a nice simple range* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 21st, 2003, 1:04pm Sorry folks, but this afternoon we're going to start wallpapering, and then we're going to the joint Carol Service (CofE & Methodist) tonight. Lynne will want us to do more papering when we get back, if we can fit it in round watching Scrapheap Challenge (recorded)!! I'll try and write some more soon, but RL keeps poking its nose in!! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 7:49pm on 12/21/03 at 09:25:18, Angel wrote:
*giggles* Very clever, Angel!!! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 8:18pm *hopes Pat's wallpapering goes well, and she can get back to writing more story soon!!* ;) :-* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Rachael on Dec 21st, 2003, 9:28pm *seconds Vikki* Loads more story since I looked and a cracking read ... More soon, please Pat ........................................................ I'm impressed by your output! ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 21st, 2003, 9:44pm We got the longest wall + 1 sheet short of the other clear wall done between 2.00 and 5.00 pm. Been the church, watched Scrapheap Challenge, which the Yanks won (Booo!), and am now catching up on here. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:27pm “You’re right, of course, Nancy. I shall have to go over to Freudesheim as soon as possible. We cannot leave Jo to see them when she has the new girls over without some warning. She will need to prepare herself first.” Hilda reached for the phone on her desk, and dialled the internal number for Jo home. The phone rang three or four times, and then Anna’s voice came on the line. “Freudesheim. May I help you, please?” “Anna, this is Miss Annersley. Is Frau Maynard available, please?” She is coming over to the school, Faulein Annersley., and should be with you soon.” “Thank you. I shall look out for her.” Hilda put the phone down with a troubled look on her face. “Jo’s on her way here. If she comes by way of the French window, we should be fine, but if she comes through the school, she could meet any of those girls.” “I’ll go to the front door, and try to head her round this way if you like.” “Thank you, Nancy. That would be a great help. Then if you could leave me with Joey, I would be grateful.” “Yes of course. I don’t envy you your task. If what we suspect is true, Jo could take it very badly.” |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:35pm Lots more story - great! But I do feel sorry for Joey though, she could hardly have expected her past indiscretions to come back and haunt her in this way - wonder what the other Maynard children will think when they find out? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:44pm I think there would only be Phil left at school, wouldn't there. If the quads are 36, the Trips would be 34. I think there's about 15 years between them and 2nd twins, which might put Phil in the Sixth. Open for correction here, though. *Got my first 100 back!!* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:48pm Thank you Pat and congrats on scaling the dizzy heights again... ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:49pm I was using the term children loosely, as in they are Joey's offspring rather than kiddy children. I just assumed hat tey would find out about the quads one way or another, but then again, I suppose Joey could instigate a major cover up! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by LulieCat on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:50pm *wonders why Pat needs wallpaper anyway* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:51pm The reaction wouldn't be as immediate as it would be if they were all still at home, which makes things a little easier for me! ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:52pm Pat this is good, looking forward to Miss A telling Joey what appears to be happening. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 21st, 2003, 10:57pm on 12/21/03 at 22:50:59, LulieCat wrote:
If you saw the state of the walls, you wouldn't ask!! there is no way we could just paint them without either putting up lining paper or re-plastering the whole room!!! What we have doen so far is looking good. Anyway, I'm writing now, and posting it!! :P |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 21st, 2003, 11:09pm on 12/21/03 at 22:51:48, Pat wrote:
Take your point Pat, but you've still got Phil to deal with ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 21st, 2003, 11:16pm Nancy hurried away up the corridor to the great front door of the school, hoping she would be in time. It was not unknown for Jo to join them for Abendessen on the first night, and it was clear that she was intending to do just that. Girls were streaming from the Splasheries towards their common rooms, ready for the bell to ring, and there was every chance that Jo would see the three new girls. The closer she came to the entrance hall the more Nancy came to hope that she was in time, or that Jo had gone straight to the study. However, as she made her way along the passage she saw Jo almost running towards her, and even at a distance Nancy could see that she had had a shock. “Nancy, I must see Hilda straight away. I’ve seen one of the new girls, and she looks so like Madge, or the photos I have of her when she was 11. Tell me I’m not going mad. How could a child I’ve never seen before look like my sister?” “Come along to the study, Jo. I was hoping to see you before you saw her. Hilda tried to get you at home, but Anna said you’d already left. It’s a pity that you didn’t come through the garden to the French windows, but that can’t be helped now.” As she spoke, Nancy was hurrying Jo along the corridor, hoping that they wouldn’t meet either of the other two girls. In this they were lucky, and reached Hilda’s study with no further mishaps. Jo almost crashed through the door, so eager was she to find out what was going on. She found Hilda pouring a cup of coffee, which she took in a bemused sort of way, as if she wasn’t sure what it was, and what she should do with it. “Hilda, tell me who that child is that looks like Madge!” she cried. “Sit down, Jo, and prepare for a shock.. There is no easy way to tell you, but Rachel is the least of it. I have to warn you that there are also two other girls, who not only could be twins, but look exactly the same as you did at that age.” Jo gasped audibly and went white, The coffee cup slid form suddenly nerveless fingers, and crashed to the floor, as Jo fainted from the shock. Hilda swiftly picked the cup up and put it to one side, then reached for the phone, hoping that Jack would be free to come to his wife. The bell for Abendessen would be ringing at any moment, and she would have to go to the Speisesaal. She was lucky in finding Jack in his office, and told him that Jo had had a bad shock and fainted, without going into any details. Then she poked her head into Rosalie’s office and asked her to keep an eye on Jo until either Jack arrived or she returned herself. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by LulieCat on Dec 21st, 2003, 11:17pm on 12/21/03 at 22:57:58, Pat wrote:
*Lulie looks at the state of her own wallpaper and wonders if Pat fancies doing any more decorating ;) * Wallpapering takes you away from writing more excellent drabble. But then so does yibbling. *suddenly realises that a PB is nibbling my toes* *rushes back to word document and begins to type industriously* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 21st, 2003, 11:22pm Come to that, never mind the younger generation, how is Jack going to react? That was really good Pat, looking forward to more. *Lucky enough to have a stepson who does the wall papering. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 21st, 2003, 11:30pm *Drags the sofa across and makes herself comfortable.* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Abi on Dec 21st, 2003, 11:37pm wow, Pat! Poor Joey, I really, really hope she takes it well.....please! *plumps down on sofa with Carolyn* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Kathy_S on Today at 12:10am Glad to see you’re back to what’s important, Pat! (avoids looking at state of own house) Question for the waiting yibblers, re/ earlier yibbles. The only version of God Save the Queen I ever learned went: King James, he had a date He stayed out very late He was the king. Queen Mary paced the floor. King James came in at four. Queen Mary met him at the door. God save the king. So– what James & Mary were these, anyhow? They sure never came up in my (admittedly limited) history classes.... |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Today at 12:16am Never heard that one Kathy, it's good though, but I'll have to leave it to the historians to answer your question. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Abi on Today at 12:16am 8oo Hahaha!!! The only James and Mary I can think of (but know nothing about Kings and Queens - I'm only doing a History degree) are James V (?) of scotland and Mary of Guise! If you know the carol "Gabriel's Message", where each verse ends with "most highly favoured lady", replace that with "most highly flavoured gravy" |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Today at 1:32am Thank you Pat! Poor Jo! What a shock, hope the family don't take it too hard! |
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