|
||
|
Title: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 24th, 2003, 2:50am This idea has been bubbling along ever since we discussed Hilda as a mother. Like KB and others, I couldn't imagine it happening normally, so to speak, so decided to approach it from another tack. Can't descend into Venables territory after all! ;D Apologies in advance to Lesley. I don't think I've lifted anything, inadvertently or otherwise, from 'Headmistress' but if so and you feel that way inclined, feel free to sue. So long as it's virtual! ;D *********************** Claire Kennedy muttered to herself as she picked up the pile of papers that required Miss Annersley’s signature and headed for the study. “Really!” she grumbled to herself. “The amount of work we accumulate has to be seen to be believed. I can’t think how Rosalie has managed alone all these years!” She planted her back against the communicating door and moved into the Study. The Head was standing by the window- but that was nothing new, so Claire simply said, “Here’s some lists and whatnots that Rosalie has sent in, Miss Annersley.” An Old Girl of the School, the junior secretary still found it difficult to remember to address the Headmistress by her Christian name. “Thank you, Claire.” The Head’s voice had an unusual rasp to it, and the secretary stopped to look at her more closely. She noted that Miss Annersley’s shoulders were rigid- also a variance with her normal fine carriage. Claire took a hesitant step forward. “Miss Annersley, are you OK?” The Head did not respond, and the younger woman tried again, more tentatively this time. “Hilda?” This time the Head did turn to face Claire, and the latter realised with shock that Miss Annersley had obviously been crying. “Miss Annersley! What’s the matter?” The Head gave her junior secretary a rather feeble smile and moved towards her desk. She wiped her eyes, seated herself, and looked up at Claire again. “I had a phone call ten minutes ago,” she began softly. “My brother- the youngest of them, the one closest to me in age- died last week. Not that I was close to him- to any of them, in fact.” Miss Annersley stopped and stared into nothing for a moment before continuing. “I was the youngest, you see- an ‘afterthought’, I suppose. Anyway, it was a shock.” Claire’s grey eyes were very soft. “I’m sure it was, Miss Annersley. Are you going to fly home for the funeral?” The Head closed her eyes for a moment. “No. It’s too late. It was on Sunday. The phone call didn’t come from a family member- it came from my brother’s solicitors.” “I see.” It what all Claire could think of. “The solicitor was phoning to tell me of a particular in my brother’s will concerning me.” She stopped and took a deep breath. “You see, my sister-in-law died years ago- she was always something of an invalid after the birth of her last child.” Claire looked up. “There are children then? What will happen to them?” “A boy and a girl. The boy is nineteen now, and at Oxford, so he’s sorted. The girl, however, is only twelve- nearly thirteen.” Claire nodded, guessing what was coming. “And?” she prompted. “My brother has left the child in my care,” Hilda Annersley said quietly. “I am her legal guardian until she turns eighteen- that is, if I accept the trust.” “You will,” Claire said confidently. “Being you, you couldn’t not.” The Head smiled faintly. “Yes, I’ve accepted. Naturally, she’ll come to the school- she’ll have to.” Claire leaned her face on her hands. “Nearly thirteen? That’ll put her in a Fourth, won’t it?” Miss Annersley nodded. “I should think so- subject to the usual tests, of course.” She looked pensive. “Claire, do you think there would be a fuss if I put the child in the spare room in my Annexe, just at first? To help her adjust?” “I don’t see why anyone would have a problem with that,” Claire told her firmly. “She’s your family. It’ll be nice for you, I think, having a real niece here after being ‘brevet’ aunt to the Maynards for so long.” The Head laughed rather ruefully. “Oh, Claire, my dear! Blood isn’t always thicker than water, you know. I’ve known the Maynards from birth and that means a good deal. I’ve never set eyes on this child.” “You’ll both be fine,” the younger woman told her consolingly as she rose from the chair. “What’s her name, by the way?” “Not Hilda, thankfully!” the Head returned with a touch of her usual spirit. “It’s Mary- Mary Elizabeth Annersley. Mary was my mother’s name, you see,” she added, “and it’s my own middle name.” Claire nodded, already being acquainted with this fact. Then she flashed a grin at her superior. “You’d better start preparing for her arrival then, hadn’t you? Oh, and let the school know too. You don’t want them to start speculating when Mary Annersley arrives, do you?” She dropped a very deliberate wink, much to Miss Annersley’s indignation, and went off laughing. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 24th, 2003, 5:56am Ooooh! Lisa, I like this idea! Please carry on!! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lesley on Dec 24th, 2003, 6:25am So do I get any money if I virtually sue then? Cos my credit card has really taken a hammering!!! ;) Not really Lisa - looks really good - looking forward to more! :D |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 8:51am What a great angle to take it from! Fantastic idea, Lisa! I'd never thought of another family member! *applauds heartily and hopes more will be forthcoming soon* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:08am So, is she a real neice, or is she Hilda's daughter brought up be her brother? This is a very good start and I'm looking forward to more. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Rachael on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:20am I love this start, Lisa! Nice insight into Hilda's vulnerability and I'm sure she'll mae a great aunt / surrogate mother (after a few trials and tribulations, of course ;)) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:24am on 12/24/03 at 09:08:44, Carolyn P wrote:
*wonders if Carolyn isn't confusing things unnecessarily* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 24th, 2003, 10:41am on 12/24/03 at 09:08:44, Carolyn P wrote:
She couldn't be - not if she's only twelve, surely? Nice idea Lisa, I'd never thought of Hilda having nephews and neices - even though I know she had brothers. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Chloe on Dec 24th, 2003, 10:50am *applaudes* This is wonderful Lisa more soon i hope! :) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 24th, 2003, 12:52pm *squeaks and hops excitedly from foot to foot* ooh! ooh! more SOON please Lisa!!!! ;D |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by NickiL on Dec 24th, 2003, 1:00pm A really nice idea! All the CS staff tend to seem so isolated from their families - if we even learn they have any! More please!! ;D |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 24th, 2003, 7:50pm *wonders if we're chanting for this one yet, or whether to start one!* ;) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 24th, 2003, 8:08pm *swiftly changes from squeaking to chanting* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:06pm *thinks Xanthe's squeaking was good as a variation on the theme of chanting* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:11pm well, I do my best to enliven things... |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:16pm Well, we all knew that! 8oo |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:18pm I can't help it - things just happen when I'm around... ;D |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:21pm Ah, yes, Xanthe, but if that wasn't you, we wouldn't have nearly as much fun! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 24th, 2003, 11:14pm oh, Xan's just a magnet for adventures, aren't you? ;D More of this tomorrow I hope. I cant type now cos am at my parents and the sound of typing keeps my mum awake |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 24th, 2003, 11:44pm *starting up a very quiet backgroundish sort of chant* Can't get enough of Hilda - looking forward lots to more of this when you have time to post, Lisa! Oh, and agreed with Nicki about the invisibility of teachers' families - I was combing the entire series for anything about Nancy Wilmot's family last week and there was nothing except one line in "New" - and it was the same for almost all the staff. A weird omission on EBD's part, seeing that she generally gave us quite a lot from the staff's point of view... |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 25th, 2003, 12:11am Considering that we hear so much of the girls families it is a little odd isn't it? I seem to remember a bit about Ivy Normans family in Lintons, and some about Miss Annersleys in Peggy and some sucessive one's. Where do we hear about her mother's death? I also think therte is a reference to Bill's family in Gay, and that is all I can think of, apart from Kathies at the beginning of New Mistress. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 25th, 2003, 3:32am on 12/24/03 at 23:44:03, Catherine_B wrote:
*joins in chant, increasing volume exponentially* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Abi on Dec 25th, 2003, 7:30pm I like this start Lisa..... *inevitably joins in with the chanting, adding a tuneful harmony* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 25th, 2003, 9:43pm *impressed by Abi's harmonies* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 25th, 2003, 11:19pm OK, here's a little bit. It's all you're getting cos my brain and fingers are not co-operating and until they are... ;D ************* “Would you like a cup of tea. Auntie Hilda?” Con Maynard asked as she ushered her brevet aunt into the tiny sitting room in the flat shared by Len and Con in Oxford. “I’d love one, please, Con,” Hilda Annersley told her gratefully as she discarded her hat and coat. She looked tired; it had been hectic, getting over to England and then making her way to Oxford. Originally, she had not intended to make the journey, but when Joey Maynard and Nell Wilson had heard the full story, they had insisted that Hilda make the trip, and had indeed made it impossible for her to refuse. Con, glancing quickly at her, bundled up the coats etc in her arms and departed for the little kitchenette to urge Len to hurry up with the drink, and Hilda sank thankfully into a chair. “What time are they arriving?” Len asked as she entered with the tea and drew up a small table beside the Head. “At half three,” the latter said, glancing at her own watch. It was nearly three o’clock now, so she had only the next half hour to recover herself and attempt to settle her nerves. “Are you looking forward to it?” Con asked curiously as she curled up in one corner of the rather battered settee. Len rolled her eyes in her sister’s direction, and Hilda laughed as she caught the look and it’s meaning. “It’s alright, Len,” she said drily. “It’s a fair question. The answer is that I’m not sure, Con! To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous in my life.” |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 25th, 2003, 11:24pm Hilda, nervous? Impossible!!! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 25th, 2003, 11:33pm Thank you Lisa! Did you have a good christmas? Poor Hilda! Hope she and her niece get on okay! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 26th, 2003, 4:35pm Thank you Lisa ;D *on the edge of her seat* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:21pm Here's more. And I'm off to write more still! This PB has bitten me good and hard and no mistake! ;) The look of incredulous surprise in the faces of the girls made her laugh in spite of herself, and when the doorbell rang and Len ushered in a child and a man some minutes later, Hilda was able to greet them with her usual calm dignity. ******************* Meanwhile, Mary Annersley had made a very silent trip from London to Oxford in the company of her father’s elderly lawyer, a Mr Harrison. “Are you looking forward to seeing your aunt?” Mr Harrison asked with pompous kindness. Mary gave him a sidelong look from the blue-grey eyes that were a characteristic amongst the Annersleys. “Don’t know,” she muttered. “Come, child,” the lawyer began, “the lady will be looking after you until you’re grown up, and after, too, I daresay, if what I’ve heard of her is true.” Mary wavered between nervousness and curiosity and the latter won out. “What’s that?” Mr Harrison gave an inward sigh of relief at having finally extracted a response. “Well, your good aunt is the headmistress of a well known girls’ school in Switzerland. I’ve spoken to the mother of two of the pupils, and an ex pupil, and they have nothing but good to say.” Mary herself said exactly nothing. Mr Harrison looked at her rather as one might eye an unfriendly dog. “There’s bound to be lots of other girls there,” he added hopefully. “Won’t that be pleasant for you, Mary? I know you’ve had a relatively quiet life until now.” “Maybe I like a quiet life,” the girl muttered rebelliously. “I think Daddy had a cheek, arranging for me to go to Auntie Hilda. What does she know about me? What does she even care? All we ever heard from her was a polite card at birthdays and Christmastime!” Mr Harrison thought that now might not be the time to point out that Mr Annersley had not even returned this small measure of attention to his younger sister, from all he’d heard. Mistaking his silence for agreement, the girl continued. “And if she’s Headmistress of a big school- so what? All that means is that if she makes me go to her horrid school- which she probably will- I still won’t have any real family and the other girls will think I’m weird, being related to the Head! So I won’t even have any friends. Oh, Mr Harrison, can’t I stay in England? I don’t want to go away!” The blue-grey eyes were pleading, and Mr Harrison would have yielded if his late client’s wishes had not been placed so inexorably in black and white. “I’m sorry, child,” he told her pleasantly but firmly. “I’m afraid not. Your father’s will said you were to go to your aunt, and as she agreed- without hesitation, let it be said- to take you, that’s settled. In any case, she’s your nearest living relative, so you would go to her anyhow.” “But couldn’t I go to Auntie Nell?” Mary begged. “No. She’s a cousin- and a distant one at that. No, Mary! Your father said you’re to go to your aunt, and to your aunt you shall go, so make your mind up to it! I’ll hear no more argument on the subject!” Mary looked at him and realised that he meant every word, and the rest of the journey passed in silence. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:26pm Wonderful, wonderful! Thank you Lisa! It's so easy to imagine Mary Annersley being a young version of Hilda ;D (probably not fair to the poor girl, but enjoyable nonetheless!) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Angel on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:27pm OOOOH Not Nell Wilson???? *Chants, ever-so-softly, hoping no one will notice she's here* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:29pm Thank you Lisa! *now wondering who 'Auntie Nell' is?* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:30pm Just realised 'Auntie Nell' is probably Nell Randolph!! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:31pm Honestly, you people! Auntie Nell is a polite title for Nell Randolph!!! BTW, this has cloned. What's gone? |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:38pm Oh no! Not again! *groans!* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:40pm *groans* Oh, God, not again! Oh, please don't tell me it's the Boxing Day Drabble!! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:41pm It is! It's gone! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:41pm Okay, I won't, but it is!! >:( |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:43pm *sobs bitterly as I haven't read it yet* :'( :'( :'( |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:43pm *thumps head in frustration* *starts building shelter as protection from C & R* *wonders despondently whether there's any point in continuing, since this'll probabyl get eaten next* What the heck is WRONG with the board these days?! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:46pm *hugs Lisa and is sure this won't be eaten next* It doesn't seem to like cloned threads much. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:48pm H'mm. You sure about that? I seem to remember a phase a while ago when the TEM seemed to eat a thread, clone a thread, wait for us to delete the clone, and then eat the original! Hey, maybe it's TEMperamental... |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:48pm *Thanks Lisa for these posts. *Begs her to continue - the TEM must NOT be allowed to win. *Joins KB in sobbing for the same reason. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:51pm *hugs Esmeralda and sobs with her* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:57pm *joins the mourning party and brings tissues!!* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:59pm what are you mourning for? Rachel's just reposted! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:59pm *Notices through watery eyes that Rachel has begun reposting. *Wipes eyes and gives three cheers for Rachel |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:02pm *joins in cheering* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:03pm Yay!! *rushes off to huggle Rachel!* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:19pm Well, you might like to rush back, cos here's more.. ********* When they finally arrived at the small flat shared by the sisters, Mr Harrison bounded up the stairs with surprising energy, followed reluctantly by his charge. The lawyer had no intention of being rude, however, so he waited most pointedly for the girl to reach him before putting his finger on the bell. The door was answered instantly by a young woman with chestnut hair clubbed on her neck, and a bright smile. “Mr Harrison, isn’t it?” she asked, proffering her hand. “I’m Len Maynard. We spoke on the phone. And this is obviously Mary!” Len added, giving Mary such a friendly grin that she could not help responding. “Come along in,” Len told them firmly. “Can I take your coats? Mary, you’d better give me yours anyhow, hadn’t you?” As she spoke, she helped the little girl remove her heavy coat, and placed it with the lawyers, before turning to lead them into the little sitting room. “Let’s go to your aunt, then,” Len told Mary cheerfully, taking her hand. “She’s waiting for you with my sister, but, between you and me”- Len bent down a little so that her mouth was on a level with the younger girl’s ear- “I think she’s a bit nervous. So be nice to her, won’t you? She doesn’t bite- honest!” Len dropped a lid over one grey eye in a deliberate wink, and Mary suddenly found herself feeling much more relaxed. Hilda rose as the sitting room door opened, and Con noted that she looked a little paler than usual, so she rose herself and put one hand unobtrusively on her brevet aunt’s arm, just as Len entered with a small girl clinging to one hand. Len drew Mary towards Hilda, and stopped to look at the pair of them, noting with amusement their physical similarity- particularly those eyes. “Mary, meet your aunt- Miss Hilda Annersley. Miss Annersley- Mary.” They had decided in advance that it would be better for all concerned if Len and Con refrained from using the brevet title in front of Hilda’s real niece- at first, at any rate. Hilda’s nervousness dropped from her like a cloak, and she stepped forward to take her niece’s hands in hers. “Mary, my dear,” and she stooped to kiss the child. Mary, for her part, found herself responding to the lovely voice, and the unexpected warmth. Demonstrative affection had been a rare thing in Mary’s life, except when she had visited her cousin, the ‘Auntie Nell’ she had referred to earlier. “How do you do, Auntie Hilda,” she faltered at last, determined to be polite at least. “I’m very well. And you?” The Head’s eyes scanned Mary’s face, taking in the unusual pallor and the general air of nervousness that had so contributed to Mary’s unaccustomed irritability earlier, although Mr Harrison had been too inexperienced to see it. “OK, thanks,” Mary mumbled. Unseen, Len winked again at Con, at that young lady gave a strangled splutter than resulted in her leaving the room. Looking abnormally innocent, Len made her excuses and left the two Annersleys together with the lawyer. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:21pm Lovely! *satisfied* *wants more though!* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:25pm *Sulking at the TEM* This helped though...and more will help even more. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:25pm Very nice indeed, Lisa! I'm glad Mary wasn't completely immune to Miss Annersley's warmth. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:25pm Oooh! Thank you Lisa!! Hope you have this one backed up!! ;) *wonders how long before Hilda corrects Mary's English!!* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:26pm *Stops to recover breath after rushing back. *Gasps out thanks to Lisa. *Greedily asks for more - please. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:28pm on 12/26/03 at 22:25:41, Vikki wrote:
*thinks Mary won't like that one bit* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:30pm *is sure Miss A will be far too nice to scare her little niece in such a fashion* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:34pm Oh I didn't mean in a scary way, just gentle correction!! ;) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:36pm Why, when I click on this thread in "Recent Posts", does it go to page 2? Is this something to do with the cloning? |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:38pm I think it must be - I don't think there is a page three (yet) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:42pm Oh, so the board thinks of the thread as starting from where it's cloned, even if it says there are several pages? That makes sense. In an annoying sort of way! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:43pm Esmeralda, we're half-way down page three on this thread! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:45pm This looks like page four. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:50pm *wishes people wouldn't all post so much at the same time that they prove me wrong* >:( >:( >:( |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:52pm *Agree we are on page four now - but it definitely said I was on page two when I sent the last post. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:52pm *speechless that someone with nearly 11000 posts can accuse others of posting too much!!!* :o :o :o |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:55pm *suggests that, having done so much, I can do anything* ;) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:56pm There seems to be a lot of cross posting going on tonight. Are we having fun yet? |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:57pm I think we're all having a great time, aren't we? |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 10:58pm Well, it is rather amusing! ;D |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 27th, 2003, 12:08am It would be even better to get some more of the Annersleys!! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 27th, 2003, 12:12am It would!! Lisaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Abi on Dec 27th, 2003, 12:17am *agrees with Pat* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 27th, 2003, 2:55am *hopes Lisa will take the oh, so subtle hint* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Chloe on Dec 27th, 2003, 8:37am Lisa i was wondering if you'd had a chance to do more story yet :) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 27th, 2003, 8:37am Subtle? *raises eyebrow in disbelief!* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 27th, 2003, 10:17am *checks the dictionary and realises I confused subtle with 'incredibly bleeding obvious'* Sorry about that, everyone! ;) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 27th, 2003, 10:37am *curls up in a convenient corner of the thread to wait for some more* ;D |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Polly1 on Dec 27th, 2003, 1:17pm Lisa, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease write some more! :-* :-* I have onlyjust started reading this and I am hooked already! ;D ;D *disappears off for lunch as v v hungry 8oo* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lesley on Dec 27th, 2003, 1:26pm To Lisa, More please. Thank you very much. Love Lesley. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Jennie on Dec 27th, 2003, 3:50pm Jennie adds a polite request to Lesley's. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 27th, 2003, 8:06pm Hey! Since when have we done polite? ::) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 27th, 2003, 8:45pm *is very sorry to see that Vikki is so unfamiliar with the concept of 'polite' that she can't recognise the examples set by Jennie and Lesley ;D* I'll go and write some more now, assuming PB co-operation. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 27th, 2003, 9:03pm I'm familiar with the concept Lisa, I just didn't think we did it here!! ::) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 27th, 2003, 9:04pm Glad to hear there will be more soon. Hope Lisa's definition of soon is similar to mine. ;D |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 27th, 2003, 9:35pm More- but not what you're expecting! I was in a silly mood. Len made a horrendous face in the mirror at herself as she twisted her hair up, and scowled when the curly chestnut hair refused to behave. “Honestly!” she muttered as she retrieved a handful of hairpins and shoved them in anyhow, “I wish I could have it cut off!” She blinked into the mirror and grinned as she saw that her hair at least appeared stable. “There!” she thought with satisfaction. “It wouldn’t matter any other time, but I’d hate to give Auntie Hilda a chance to raise her eyebrows at me, and in any case, since I’m a grown up, I should at least try to look it before Mary.” She brushed her teeth complacently, only to discover that her coils were less securely anchored than she had believed, and it was not long before her coiffure resembled a bird’s nest. “Grrrr!” said Len, thinking something considerably more unprintable. “Are you ready yet, Len?” came Con’s voice. “Not yet!” Len’s head appeared ‘round the door. “Con, you wouldn’t have a pair of scissors on you, would you?” Con’s dark eyes became round. “What do you- Oh. Your hair. Honestly, Len, I don’t know what it is with you and hair these days. Just braid it and come down, for goodness’ sake! I’m starving, even if you aren’t!” |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 27th, 2003, 9:49pm *giggles!* Thanks Lisa, but please don't let Len have those scissors!! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 27th, 2003, 10:13pm Please *do* let Len have the scissors! She' presumably be sporting the kind of hairdo that Simone did!! Lovely picture! ;D |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 27th, 2003, 10:18pm Sorry Pat! Your request came too late! Len looked regretfully after her sister, but decided that her advice was sound and promptly acted on it. Five minutes later, therefore, found her taking her seat primly beside Con, although the effect was somewhat spoiled by the waist-length braids that vividly reminded both the Head and Con of her appearance some ten years before. “Were you running late, Len?” Hilda asked innocently as the former passed her the butter. Len scowled at the butter dish, earning herself a startled look from Mary in the process. “No. It was this!” and she picked up one braid and waggled the end of it at her brevet aunt, who suppressed a grin. “Still having trouble putting it up, are you?” Hilda asked, with a twinkle. “It must be hereditary. Your mother had the same problem, but I can’t say I can ever remember her appearing with it in two braids!” Len slammed her knife down and glared at Hilda. “Mamma didn’t have hair to her waist at my age, as well you know! I don’t think even you could put it up, Auntie Hilda. I wish I could get it cut!” Len took a bite of her toast and blushed as she caught the look on Con’s face. She put her toast on her plate, and turned to Hilda. “I-I’m sorry, Miss Annersley,” she began meekly. To her surprise, Hilda burst into a peal of laughter and Len relaxed, although she still looked flushed. Her embarrassment disappeared altogether, however, when she turned to look at Mary, and saw the look that young lady directed at her. Len glanced quickly at the Head, and then swung impulsively around the table to kneel at the little girl’s side. “I’m sorry, Mary,” she explained softly. “My brothers and sisters and I have known your aunt all our lives. In fact,” Len stopped and gave the Head a wicked grin, “she used to teach our mother English, well over twenty years ago.” Len smirked at Hilda and received at calm smile in response, so she gave it up and concentrated on Mary. “So, anyway, we’ve always called her ‘Auntie’ too. You don’t mind, do you?” Mary wasn’t quite sure how to react. Part of her resented the easy familiarity that existed between her aunt and these girls, and she resented even more the fact that they had all known each other so long. Then she looked at the violet grey eyes facing her, and remembered how Len had helped her to relax and feel at ease the previous night. “I s’pose not,” she said at last, and Len gave her a relieved grin. “Thanks. That’s very good of you,” and Mary smiled at her freely, knowing that the response was a genuine one, instead of being either sarcastic or patronising, as it could so easily have been. There was a short pause. Then Mary raised her own eyes to Len again, and asked shyly, “If you call my aunt Auntie, does that mean we can be sort of cousins?” Len did not hesitate in her reply. “’Course it does!” she said heartily, deliberately speaking in the idiom of a twelve year old. “I’ll tell you something else. I bet you anything you like that when our Mamma meets you, she’ll insist on you calling her and Papa ‘Aunt’ and ‘Uncle’. Is that OK?” Hilda intervened at this point. “I know she will, Mary,” she confirmed with a smile. “As you may have been told, the school- which is where you and I will live, most of the year- is next door to the Maynards’, and I can guarantee you that Freudesheim will become a second home for you, just as it is for me.” For the first time since her arrival, the smile that Mary bestowed on her aunt was a wide, honest one, and Hilda heaved an inward sigh of relief. Perhaps everything would work out after all. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 27th, 2003, 10:28pm *grin* Love it!! Len with her long braids! Great image! (how old are the trips here? ) And I'm glad Mary seems to be coming round!! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 27th, 2003, 11:47pm Thank you Lisa, great stuff, but I hope Len get's hold of the scissors at some point! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 27th, 2003, 11:51pm NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! Don't let Len have the scissors!!!! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 27th, 2003, 11:55pm Yes, do let her, please. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Dec 28th, 2003, 12:05am *applauds* thank you Lisa ;D *chanting wildly* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 12:21am Oh, please do let Len have the scissors! I'd love to see her with her hair cut off!!! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 28th, 2003, 12:26am Len either needs the scissors, or some good sound hairdressing advice. Probably both. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 12:28am *offers my services, although I'm not very good...* :-/ |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Abi on Dec 28th, 2003, 12:37am *chuckles and definitely advocates the scissors approach* I know how hard it is to put up hip-length, very thick hair, and even harder to get it all under a hat when you work in Baker's Oven ::) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 1:01am *is still anti scissors approach!!* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 4:05am *thinks Vikki is being inflexible* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lesley on Dec 28th, 2003, 7:38am Thank you Lisa, that was excellent! More please. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Chloe on Dec 28th, 2003, 11:02am *seconds Lesley's request* This is so good Lisa, but please if Len does get to cut her ahir don' tlet it be too dramatic please! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 8:05pm Thank you Chloe! Finally someone who agrees with me!!! Len with short hair wouldn't be right!! :o |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 8:09pm It would make a change for one of EBD's favourite characters to have short hair as an adult though!! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 8:23pm What about OOAOML? ??? |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:29pm She's pretty much an exception. All this busienss of putting your hair up when you reach 18 was true for most of the leading characters. Most of them seemed to have plaits swirled round their heads, too! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:33pm Well, I like long hair!!!! :P |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:45pm *heaves exasperated sigh and then makes soothing noises* OK, here's the deal. You lot decide whether you want Len with braids on or off. Really doesn't make any difference to me- and THEN I'll write more! *snickers and slides away gently* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:48pm Lisa, post some more - please! Sorry for taking over your drabble. :( |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:48pm Braids on please Lisa!! It gives more opportunity for funny storylines and suits her better!! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:49pm Braids off please, I just want to see her do something totally stupid for once, and short hair is much easier to look after. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:51pm *rolls eyes and directs Vikki and Esmeralda to previous post or the HG, whichever they prefer...* ;D ;D |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:52pm Don't take any notice of them, Lisa! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:58pm You can't send us to the HG - we're prees. *Goes off and sits very quietly in the corner |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:01pm Just please write more story!! (which includes Len's hair!!) ;) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Hilda_Annersley on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:07pm I expect my Prefects to set a good example to the rest of the school. They are my representatives, after all. Neither of you are too old to be sent to my study, girls. Please remember what I say. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:09pm *Blushes deeply and promises to stay quiet as a mouse. :-[ (Except to ask for more please.) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:12pm Once Hilda and Mary had been dumped at the train station, Len drove so quickly back to her flat that it was a miracle that there were no fatalities or even simple casualties. Arrived at the flat, with chestnut hair tumbling once more, Len swore under her breath and marched into Con's room to snaffle the scissors. She then slammed into the bathroom and pulled the rest of her hair down with such violence that she brought tears to her eyes and worsened her temper. "That's it!" she muttered through clenched teeth. "I've had enough. Who has hair this length these days anyway? It's so old fashioned. It didn't matter on the Platz, but here.." Len paused and stared idiotically into her mirror as she thought of her favourite Spanish lecturer. "H'mmmmm" she droned in a silly fashion. "He'll like me better if I look chic and with it," she decided, bringing the scissors up to her head. Then a sudden mental vision made her stop....her father, stroking the long braids with such pride. "Papa liked them so," she sniffed, "and it was the last thing he said to me before he fell off the cliff. 'Always look after your braids.' But I want to be fashionable too!" Len stood and cogitated on reconciling these apparently irreconcilable aims, and then a beatific smile spread across her features. She took one braid in her hands, and snapped through it, leaving the other intact. Then she gave herself a satisfied smile and returned to her usual activities. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:12pm Wow!! Where did Hilda come from! :o ::) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Esmeralda on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:15pm ;D ;D Good compromise - and a totally stupid thing to do. But what's all this about Jack falling off a cliff? Thanks Lisa, and please may we have even more? *Said in a whisper |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Lisa_T on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:16pm Er... *meekly* Miss Annersley, is it OK if I carry on with this story? |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Chloe on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:17pm on 12/28/03 at 22:12:43, Pat wrote:
That was my reaction too! Thanks for the latest bit Lisa :) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Hilda_Annersley on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:21pm on 12/28/03 at 22:16:28, Lisa_T wrote:
Please do, Lisa. I shall look forward to reading it with much anticipation. |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:24pm Miss Annersley, may I ask a question? Will you look forward or read with much anticipation"? ::) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:26pm How brave of you, Catherine! I wouldn't dare! Ellie-Bellie is one thing, and Hilda another! :o |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:28pm *LOL!* If that's the real Miss A, I'll eat my hat! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:30pm Hope you're ready to face those blue-grey eyes that have never yet needed glasses! Do you think salt and vinegar go well with hats? ;D ;D |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Catherine_B on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:31pm *quite, quite serene* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Abi on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:36pm *hopes Miss Annersley has come with the intention of seeing Elinor off once and for all ;D * |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:46pm *also astonished by Miss Annersley's appearance but curtseys, just in case* Lisa, well done on the compromise! Very funny! |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:56pm Oooh! Sorry Miss Annersley!! *looks guilty!* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Carolyn P on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:57pm LOve the compromise, but JJJjjjjjjjAAAAAAaaaaCCCcccccKKkkkkk, fell off a cliff, when, why, Noooooooo, don't kill my favourite Dr. :'( :'( :'( |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:58pm What happened, Vikki? I thought you could wrap Miss Annersley around your little finger... ;) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 11:49pm Well, I also know when to back down!! ::) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 11:51pm *very glad Miss Annersley is around to see what her Second Prefect gets up to* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Today at 12:02am *giggling helplessly* *trying to compose self in case the Head returns* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Today at 12:05am *willing to help Xanthe regain her self-control in any way necessary* ;) |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Abi on Today at 12:11am *suggests the strategic pouring of a glass of water* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Today at 12:17am *wonders if Abi would like to help me calm Xanthe down* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Today at 12:19am on 12/29/03 at 00:05:59, KB wrote:
is very VERY |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Abi on Today at 12:21am *produces a little something for xanthe's drink* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by Angel on Today at 12:21am *calls for Rachel Coussens from Trampolinist* |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by KB on Today at 12:22am I thought you would be! ;D |
||
|
Title: Re: A Real Niece at the Chalet School Post by xanthe on Today at 12:24am *wails* I don't WANT to be sedated! |
||
|
The Chaletian Bulletin Board » Powered by YaBB 1 Gold - SP 1.1! YaBB © 2000-2002, Xnull. All Rights Reserved. |