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Letters, part two (part three, see new thread)
http://the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=4853

Author:  Emma A [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 8:17 am ]
Post subject:  Letters, part two (part three, see new thread)

I thought that as the first thread had reached 25 pages, that I'd start a new one :shock: I have written Con's letter to Jo, by the way, but foolishly not saved it onto my USB stick (it's on my laptop at home). So here's another letter...

Lady Russell to Miss Hilda Annersley

Llan-y-penllan
17th June 196-

My dear Hilda,

I do apologise for my sister. I never intended her to make a nuisance of herself: I thought that by giving her something to do it would make her feel included in the decision-making process. I certainly never expected that she would come to school and interrupt your precious free time. Though I keep hoping, I suppose I should give up all expectation that Jo will grow up.

Well, I’m glad to read that your opinion is positive about the move. It’s too late to do anything for this coming term (unless we’re very lucky), but I plan to come over to Switzerland in September, once the family are back at school, and look over suitable sites. I’d like to have your opinion about what you need, and so I’m hoping you could take some time off to visit with me. If it would be more convenient for you to do this in the holidays, do let me know, and I will re-arrange my plans to suit yours. I’m corresponding with an agent in Basle who represents hoteliers, and he seems very competent and not at all “pushy”.

I like the idea of Lausanne myself, though given the number of finishing schools in the town, St Mildred’s may be slightly redundant if we moved there. Still, I’m not ruling out anywhere with a railway station just yet!

Which of the staff would stay on the Platz? I can only think of Hilary Graves and Biddy, as you mention. The Dennys will probably come with the school, at least if they can sell their house: I imagine that if they cannot, they would find the financial strain too much.

Helena has already written to me about the move: you’re right: she is very thoughtful, and already considering how the news would affect the staff, not the pupils (though she has also thought of that). Please do write to any of the recently-departed girls for their opinions, and perhaps canvas the present Sixth for opinions about what they’d like to see in the school over the next few years. Additionally, Helena has written about the effect of moving the school on Jo: she considers it a good plan, that Jo is too dependent on the school, and it would do her good to be living somewhere completely different. Whether or not the San moves, and to where, of course, is up to Jem and the board. I’m not sure that dropping hints to Jack would work, given his tendency to treat Jo like a delicate Meissen figurine, to be wrapped in cotton-wool and shielded from every breath of discomfort.

Jo has always been exasperating, but one can’t go about lecturing her now that she’s a wife and mother: in fact, she is still, as far as I am aware, at outs with Helena over her decision not to marry Reg Entwistle. I’ve tried to make Jo see sense, but she’s going to push her daughters away if she isn’t careful, exactly the opposite of what she wants. I’m sorry she chose a bad day to spread her news, but it hasn’t struck her yet that most of the staff aren’t interested in whether she produces a new child or when, and she often is worryingly blind to other people’s feelings. And then, sometimes, she can be so understanding, and one wonders why she can’t do that all the time!

I’m glad to read that Miss Franck’s arrival is helping. I guess Rosalie realises how foolish she was to wait for so long before letting us know how far behind on her work she was getting: the volume of correspondence was bad enough, without all the timetable work and other administration tasks. I hope she and Miss Franck get on well together, and I’m glad you find her competent.

I will set about drafting an advertisement for a Bursar: please do let me know what requirements you think she should have. Obviously we will both interview the candidates, though it may be difficult to arrange for us both to be in the same place at the same time. I will think about it, but please write with any suggestions you may have. I quite agree about the necessity to build or to improve the facilities: you are right that parents are increasingly expecting these things, and will send their girls elsewhere if we do not modernise.

Jem is being very cagey about the San. I think he’d actually like to sell out, and do something else, but he’s been quite reticent on the subject. I think he’d like to talk about it to Jack, and get the medical viewpoint, because of course there are many staff who would have to be looked after were the San to shut. Of course, when I know more I’ll let you know.

I would like to call you to discuss the possibilities next Saturday, at fourteen o’clock, Swiss time: do let me know if this is not convenient. It’s all very well writing things down, but it’s slow, and I’d like to hear your opinions straight away.

With all best wishes to you and the staff,
Madge

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 8:36 am ]
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Good to see that Madge has got both Jo and Jack sussed!

Author:  JellySheep [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 10:27 am ]
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Hooray! Some more! Great to see this back

Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 11:19 am ]
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Thanks for the updates. I hope Jem can make his mind up soon.

Author:  Becky [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 11:33 am ]
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Another great letter, thanks.

Author:  claireM [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 11:53 am ]
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Excellant letter from Madge, love the way she describes Jo and the thought she is putting into relocating the school.

Author:  Jennie [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 1:02 pm ]
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Yes, Madge has her head screwed on here, but will she eve rbe able to get through to Jo?

Author:  Jenefer [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 2:25 pm ]
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Thanks for the updates. Great letter from Madge. Looking forward to Con's letter.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 2:59 pm ]
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An excellent letter from Madge - clearly she is well versed in all the issues which will arise if the school is to be successfully re-located to a new place. And I'm glad to see how much she respected Helena's views on the subject. I see she also retains her insight into Joey's attitudes - I do hope she will get through to her eventually.

Thanks, Emma

Author:  Liz K [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 5:25 pm ]
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Fantastic letter from Madge, I agree with all the other views written so far in this thread.

Author:  Abi [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 5:30 pm ]
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Madge has so much common sense! With her leading it I'm sure the relocation will be a success.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 6:59 pm ]
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Good letter from Madge - full of sensible thoughts and arrangements - thanks, Emma

Author:  Vick [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 7:47 pm ]
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Great letter, glad that Madge has her head screwed on the right way.

Thanks Emma :D

Author:  Lesley [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 8:49 pm ]
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So nice to see the Madge of the early books back again.


Thanks Emma.

Author:  Tara [ Tue Aug 05, 2008 11:10 pm ]
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I really like Madge's attitude, and the respect and consideration she's showing towards Miss Annersely.
She certainly has Jo and Jack well sussed! Rather sad, really.

Thanks, Emma.

Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Aug 06, 2008 4:05 am ]
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Ohhh... what would Jem do if he wasn't The Great Sir James Russell, the famous doctor anymore?

Thanks for the update

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Wed Aug 06, 2008 2:42 pm ]
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Thanks, Emma - great to see this carrying on.

Author:  jilianb [ Wed Aug 06, 2008 3:36 pm ]
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Thanks for the update Emma. Lovely to see that Madge has Joey sussed and how considerate she is to Miss Annersley

Author:  Carolyn P [ Wed Aug 06, 2008 6:02 pm ]
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Love the way Madge and Hilda are working well together, both understanding their own role and respecting each other...now, how can we clone this Madge to replace the one in RCS who is being such a prat?

Love the way she talks about Jo as well.

Author:  leahbelle [ Fri Aug 08, 2008 3:57 pm ]
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I think Madge has returned to the Madge of old which is lovely to see.

Author:  Emma A [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 9:29 am ]
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Miss Constance Maynard to Mrs John Maynard

Oxford
June 17th 196-

Dear Mamma,

I’m going to write this because I’m sure Helena won’t. Did you mean to make her utterly miserable? We met for lunch today and we read your letter together – perhaps I’ll respond to the earlier comments and questions later – but the last paragraph was so insensitive, I felt I had to write now, in my indignation. I’ve always been known as the tactless one of the family, but even I, in my worst “mooning” moments, would never have written such a thing. Poor Helena feels bad enough already about letting down Reg without you adding to it. It’s certainly a relief to her that he won’t be at home when she is, but to know that he’s taking her news so badly was quite a shock.

You seem to think that Helena did this lightly and without caring about the consequences, but she did not, and does not, and I hate to see her made to feel even worse.

I hate to scold you, Mamma, but please, please don’t say anything more about Reg, either in letters or when you see us at graduation.

Now that’s got off my chest, I’ll reply to some of the other things you wrote. Firstly, about feeling “pushed” academically: well, at some times I did feel aggrieved, and at other times I just followed Helena’s lead. I didn’t realise until a long time later why she worked so hard, and why, ultimately, it would never have mattered. I had a retreat available, of books and imaginary people and worlds, but Helena didn’t, and tried for years to be the perfect daughter, but was never quite perfect enough. Enough of that, or I’ll sound bitter and reproachful, and I don’t mean to do that – at least, not on my behalf.

It’s interesting how differently one sees life, depending on the perspective one has at the time. There were still tales told at school (or out of it) about your exploits – Auntie Nell once told us that you had played tricks even when you were a Senior, and had never wanted to be Head Girl. Yet when Helena told you that she didn’t want to be a prefect (luckily no-one in their right mind would have suggested me for the task), you persuaded her otherwise. Yes, she took the responsibility, but you more-or-less forced it on her. I was responsible when I was ready, and I’m glad I was never made to take it.

I took well to the Oxford method of study, after a few false starts: I found tutorials fascinating and so interesting. I think it took Helena a lot longer to settle in: I remember how shocked she was when I had my hair cut. It’s difficult to explain how nerve-racking and yet intense a teaching method it is. One attends (or does not attend) lectures. No-one checks whether one goes or not: it’s the tutorial which is important. It’s there that one learns to express one’s ideas, and to defend one’s opinions. I suppose it’s a little like defending a thesis in a viva voce exam, but every week, and with someone whose knowledge of the subject is bound to be greater than one’s own. Dr Benson gave me some good advice once, when she was still living at Freudesheim, and that was to try and ensure that every opinion I wrote could be justified by at least one piece of research or reputable authority. She also recommended that I read a lot, even books that weren’t part of the course, and that has been of inestimable use.

It’s rather a shame that Dr Benson has only been back at Oxford this past term, after her sabbatical at Yale: she had Helena and I to tea on Friday, and we both had a lovely afternoon. I don't think I have ever seen so many books piled up in one place that wasn’t a library.

I hope you’ve managed to sort out the laundry by now – it can’t have been fun for Anna to go back to the old way, now that she’s used to the twin-tub. I also hope nothing was damaged in the ensuing flood. How are the kids? Surviving on the unusual food, I hope!

With lots of love to you and Papa and everyone else,
Con

Author:  Jennie [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 10:02 am ]
Post subject: 

A very well-considered letter from Con. Jo ought to heed the warnings in it, and realise how much damage she has done in the past, and will ocntinue to do unless she realises that the triplets are adults, better - educated than she is and are old enough and entitled to make their own decisions.

Author:  Mona [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 10:16 am ]
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Well said Con! I do hope Joey begins to take in what everyone is telling her.

Thanks Emma!

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 10:48 am ]
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Well done Con - she's perhaps the only one who could have said that to Joey - thanks Emma :D

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 1:10 pm ]
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Hope Joey takes on board all that Con said. Thanks Emma

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 1:47 pm ]
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Good for Con - it needed to be said because Joey really was extremely insensitive there. Like her comments about Len pratically being forced to accept being a Prefect even though she had mentioned she didn't feel ready.


Thanks Emma.

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 2:32 pm ]
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Good for Con! (Except that I think Miss Annersley would have had fifty fits over her grammar: "[Dr Benson] had Helena and I to tea", tsk, tsk!).

Thanks, Emma!

Author:  leahbelle [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 4:25 pm ]
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I hope Jo heeds Con's words.

Thanks, Emma.

Author:  Carolyn P [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 5:31 pm ]
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Con sounds so adult, more so that Joey ever did.

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 9:07 pm ]
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Well said Con - she didn't mince her words but at the same time she said everything in a very reasonable way.

Thanks Emma :D .

Author:  Miss Di [ Sun Aug 10, 2008 5:42 am ]
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My gosh, can you imagine washing for all those people in a twin tub (let alone by hand...)

Thank goodness for automatic washing machines!

Author:  Anjali [ Sun Aug 10, 2008 6:50 am ]
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Well done Con, that'll show her! :lol: Think that was quite restrained of Con, but got the message across very well. Loved her comments about Stacie and the books.

Author:  Abi [ Sun Aug 10, 2008 2:24 pm ]
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Good for Con! It's good she felt she could confront her mother, and hopefully what she says will strike home to Joey for the simple reason that it is one of her daughters rather than a (relative) outsider telling her these things. Especially as her attitude does seem to be improving a bit.

Author:  jilianb [ Sun Aug 10, 2008 3:23 pm ]
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How confident Con has become. Thanks Emma

Author:  Vick [ Mon Aug 11, 2008 2:30 pm ]
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Good for Con!

Thanks Emma :D

Author:  Liz K [ Tue Aug 12, 2008 7:49 am ]
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Well done Con!

Author:  Jennie [ Tue Aug 12, 2008 1:25 pm ]
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We really want more of this, please.

Author:  JosieG [ Tue Aug 12, 2008 1:43 pm ]
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A very adult Con there, none of the mooning about disconnected to reality you see in the books. It's nice to see a glimpse of the adult Stacy as well.

I'm really enjoying these Emma, thankyou!

Author:  Emma A [ Wed Aug 13, 2008 11:56 am ]
Post subject: 

Mr Isaac Mendel to Mr Solomon Mendel

Pembroke College
Oxford
18th June 196-

Dear Sol,

Many thanks for your letter – rather a surprise, in fact, since I don’t think you’ve written anything but postcards to me since you left university! Still, it was much appreciated, as was your advice. I vaguely remember Barbara – she was blonde and pretty, if I recall correctly, rather like the pictures of Cinderella in the book of fairytales we had as children – but not much more than that. It sounds, anyway, as though it would not have worked between you, and that she made the right decision. It is sometimes hard to believe the prejudices still existing – in our own country – that tend to lead to ostracism and the tendency to stick together in enclaves. I suppose that’s what we’ve always done, particularly when feeling threatened (more threatened than usual, anyway), but it doesn’t make us any more acceptable.

Since I haven’t yet met Helena’s parents, I don’t know what attitude they will take: though the letters she has received from them so far indicate that they’re more worried about the difference in faiths, than because I’m Jewish. Apparently, Helena’s former fiancé (he’s a doctor at the San where her father is head) was planning to convert to Catholicism. I don’t think Dr and Mrs Maynard would have been happy had Entwistle utterly refused to consider bringing up the children as Catholic (which, I understand, is the condition for permission to marry a non-Catholic). Not sure what we’ll do, Helena and I, since the prospect and thought of children seems rather distant. What I’d like is for them to be brought up in the knowledge of both faiths, and for them to decide when they’re old enough which speaks to them. They won’t help being Jewish, of course, since Christianity is only a religion, not a people, but the Jews are both. Anyway, that discussion is for another time.

So how long has this thing with Judith been going on? You’ve kept it very quiet – is that solely because of Cousin Ferdinand’s poor health, or for some other reason? I am very fond of Judith, and I guess I shall go on being fond of her even if she decides to marry you! I don’t remember the last time I visited the Manor – when I was still a kid, I think – but I do remember feeling oppressed by the massive statuary, the dim rooms, and the huge scale of everything. People seemed to need more space in those days.

I’m glad to hear you’re keeping up your music, and that you seem to be having a decent amount of free time now to even think of buying a new ‘cello. There seems to have been many opportunities here in Oxford for music-making and concert-going, and I think my playing has improved. Helena plays the violin, and she sings, too – she has a very pleasant, true, contralto voice without any mannerisms – a good choral voice. Mrs Maynard, apparently, has a “glorious” voice, and all the children (there are ten of them, besides Helena) have been musically educated. One of Helena’s triplet sisters, Constance (who’s also at Oxford), plays the ‘cello, too.

Apropos of Constance (who tends to be called Con – the family seem to have a mania for shortening names: they used to call Helena “Len”, which I find ugly), she has been very welcoming to me – we get on well, though she’s quieter than Helena. She certainly doesn’t seem to have any problem with me being Jewish, but I don’t know how much of that is due to me not being Entwistle. Before I give you a wrong impression of the man, he’s a longstanding family friend and has known Helena since she was a small child. They all seem to like him, but Constance has stated explicitly that she at least never thought that he was the right man for her sister.

After exams and graduation, I’ve planned to have as lazy a summer as possible, though I daresay I’ll try to look up things I’ll be expected to do as a pupil, and do some reading in Dad’s library. I’ll also be doing some climbing in Skye with Keith Wishart and Lewis de Guesclin at the beginning of the vac. Helena will return home for a couple of weeks to Switzerland before she returns to London – she’ll be working for a month or so as a teaching assistant at St Catherine’s school. I was asked, for reasons of tact, not to accompany her home, and so shall not, though I’d quite like to see Interlaken and Thun. When she’s in London, she’ll be living in Bloomsbury with her friend, Theodora (known as Teddy), which I’m looking forward to, since I’ll be close enough to visit. Helena will be surrounded by law students, since Theodora, and her chap, are of that ilk.

I must end here, since it’s high time I did some revision, and I’ve done nothing this evening but read the newspaper, drink coffee and write to you.

With love from
Isaac

P.S. Love to Judith.

Author:  Chris [ Wed Aug 13, 2008 12:11 pm ]
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I am loving these letters, and Isaac sounds great.

Author:  Ruth B [ Wed Aug 13, 2008 12:41 pm ]
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Great to see another letter. Wibbling slightly at the thought of Isaac going Climbing - I hope he doesn't go and fall off a cliff face.

Author:  Alison H [ Wed Aug 13, 2008 1:06 pm ]
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Glad he's getting on well with Con, and I'm sure he'll get on well with Ted as well. They're going to have to tackle the religion issue at some point, though.

Thanks Emma :D .

Author:  Jennie [ Wed Aug 13, 2008 1:11 pm ]
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Yes, they will have to tackle the question of religion at some time, but Isaac's letter shows him to be a well-balanced individual, with a strong sense of humour, and if anyone can find a way through their problems, he and Helena will manage it together.

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Wed Aug 13, 2008 4:17 pm ]
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Isaac does sound nice! Thanks, Emma.

Author:  Celia [ Wed Aug 13, 2008 5:08 pm ]
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I'm really enjoying these letters.

Thanks Emma

Author:  JosieG [ Wed Aug 13, 2008 5:19 pm ]
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Thankyou Emma, Isaac does sound very nice! :)

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Aug 13, 2008 6:05 pm ]
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A lovely letter - interesting what Isaac had to say about being a Jew - not just a religion but a race - hadn't looked on it as that before - wonder what Helena will think knowing that even if they decide to bring up all children as Catholic they will also be Jews?


Thanks Emma

Author:  abbeybufo [ Wed Aug 13, 2008 9:06 pm ]
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Although to be truly Jewish you have to have a Jewish mother - a Jewish father doesn't 'count' in the same way.

Thanks Emma - really enjoying these letters and liking Isaac a lot.

Author:  Lyanne [ Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:01 pm ]
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abbeybufo wrote:
Although to be truly Jewish you have to have a Jewish mother - a Jewish father doesn't 'count' in the same way.

Thanks Emma - really enjoying these letters and liking Isaac a lot.


Unless Helena herself converts to Judaism - then she would be Jewish (by religion, clearly not by birth) and therefore so would the children.

Author:  Tara [ Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:30 pm ]
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Hope they can find a way through the morass, they're both so nice and intelligent and wise and caring. Such lovely letters.

Author:  Vick [ Thu Aug 14, 2008 2:33 pm ]
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Lovely, thanks Emma :D

Author:  Ela [ Thu Aug 14, 2008 5:59 pm ]
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Lyanne wrote:
Unless Helena herself converts to Judaism - then she would be Jewish (by religion, clearly not by birth) and therefore so would the children.

I can't see Helena converting at all (nor, in my mind, would Isaac go the other way - he's far too conscious of being Jewish to feel comfortable with another religion).

Emma A (in temporary mode while my alter ego is being validated)

Author:  leahbelle [ Fri Aug 15, 2008 12:22 pm ]
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Thanks, Emma. I hope the religion issue doesn't prove to be too much of a problem.

Author:  JS [ Fri Aug 15, 2008 6:04 pm ]
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I've just read ALL of this and am cross that I didn't find it before - really fabulous. I too was looking for your stuff in the archive Emma, but couldn't find it.

Author:  Abi [ Mon Aug 18, 2008 12:17 am ]
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I'm sure they're both aware of the possible problem and are prepared to deal with it - so long as they come up with a solution they are both happy with there shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks Emma!

Author:  Jennie [ Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:40 pm ]
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Still no more of this! Weeps and wails.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:33 pm ]
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Jennie wrote:
Still no more of this! Weeps and wails.


Also sad there's no more :cry: - but guess Emma is still waiting for her new email validation before she can continue, or she won't be able to alter the head of the thread :(

Author:  JS [ Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:10 pm ]
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Emma left a note on Stacie (her other drabble) saying she was away at a music thing until Sept. On the bright side, September is but a few days away....

Author:  Jennie [ Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:23 pm ]
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The facts won't stop me whinging. When I want more drabble, Iwant it now!

Author:  abbeybufo [ Fri Aug 29, 2008 7:39 pm ]
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JS wrote:
Emma left a note on Stacie (her other drabble) saying she was away at a music thing until Sept. On the bright side, September is but a few days away....

I'd forgotten that - maybe we won't have to wait too long, then :D

Oh :( just remembered I go away next Tuesday for a week . . . suppose I'll just have to wait till I get back :cry:

Mind you, if there's still nothing from Emma then, I'll be joining Jennie in the whingeing corner :lol:

Author:  Jennie [ Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:02 pm ]
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It's September now!

Author:  Abi [ Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:57 pm ]
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*starts a chant*

May we have more please?? :)

Author:  Ela [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 3:15 pm ]
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Miss Helena Maynard to Mrs. Henry Parminter

Shrewsbury College
Oxford
20th June 196-

Dear Josette,

Feel yourself privileged, my dear Josette, because this is the last letter – positively the last – I will write before exams! I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reply to your last, but I hope the following will go some way in explaining why (I only hope I can fit it all into as few pages as possible).

Firstly, the main thing: I’ve decided that I can’t marry Reg. I made the final decision back in April, and wrote to him then, since I was back at Oxford after the Easter vacation and not able to talk to him directly. He took it better than I expected – at least in writing, anyway – though Mamma has written since that he is not well as a result. I can’t say that the parents have taken it well, either, since you know how much they both like Reg, and how they feel he’s like family to them. The spur to make the final decision was that I have fallen deeply in love with someone else, and of course the fact of him is complicating the whole thing.

I am quite sure that I have made the right decision: I have felt only relief and sadness to let Reg go. I hope he finds someone else to love, as I have done. It’s just that it was difficult, sometimes, to be sure that one was making the decision for all the right reasons, given the hullaballoo that enveloped me when I first let the family and Reg know. Perhaps you can imagine the letters from Mamma – they were almost exactly like the ones you told me that Auntie Madge had written to you when you became engaged to Hal. The latest effort has softened in tone, and I think she may be reconciled to my jilting Reg. However, Isaac, the man with whom I’ve fallen in love, is Jewish. You can guess, I daresay, what distress this is causing the parents – perhaps they feel that I’m throwing away my faith – though they are being civilised about it. They will come to graduation in a couple of weeks – gosh, no, only in ten days – and meet Isaac and his family, who are coming down for his graduation (he’s in the same year as me, though reading Law).

When did you realise that Hal was for you? Did it come over you suddenly, or was it a more gradual realisation? For me, these last three years away from home (though of course I went back for Christmas and the long vacations) made me see that if I married Reg, I would never grow up. Oh, I might teach, and have children, and be a good wife and mother, but I’d never have grown up properly. Mamma would have invited herself to the house frequently, and I’d be scrutinised constantly (though never critically, I think), by everyone I’d known for years, and expected to be interested in the tiny world of the Platz. I’d be stagnant.

I sometimes woke up in the night, before I told him, dreaming that Reg was suffocating me with kindness and love, and it was all so stifling that I was afraid I would always be his wife, and never my own person any more. I don’t worry that I will feel the same with Isaac, because the last thing he wants to do is to shroud me in cotton-wool! Arguing with him is like swimming in a rough sea – tiring but exhilarating – and I never feel half-alive in his presence. I can see why some women might enjoy Reg’s kind of treatment, but I did not and do not. After all, I’m a healthy, intelligent, competent woman – why should my husband assume I’m a frail flower which needs tending in a hothouse?

The last vac, at Christmas, when I was in Switzerland, was almost unbearable: so many well-meaning people were talking kindly about my plans for next year, what house Reg would take, what the wedding would be like... Honestly, I sometimes felt like screaming into the pinewoods! I took refuge at the school quite often: I tried not to get in anyone’s way, and watched lessons when given permission. I talked to Auntie Hilda and Auntie Nell about teaching, and they gave me lots of good advice. Every time I visited I grew more enthusiastic about teaching, and then I’d feel naughty and selfish for thinking of myself too much.

At least that’s over, thank goodness. I’m still unhappy that Reg is unhappy, but I can’t change my mind. We both need time, I think, to let the furious emotions calm: perhaps we could be friends again, one day.

Isaac and I don’t plan to marry straight away. I will start my teaching diploma in September, and he will start as a pupil in chambers when the legal term begins. It will be ages before he could afford to marry, and frankly I’m looking forward to teaching, unencumbered by wifely duties for the present. I don’t see why I shouldn’t enjoy my youth while I’m young, and marry when I’m old enough to appreciate it!

The issue still in the background, and only mentioned, not discussed, is that of children. I can’t give up my faith for his, and neither can he for mine. Neither of us would want that. I very much fear that it would mean a civil ceremony in a registry office, because I can’t imagine that any Catholic priest would marry us in church. We don’t have to think about that for a while, so I’m not going to worry too much about potential problems just now.

Exams are looming: the first is on Monday – German poetry – and I really want to do well. I’ve revised and studied, and although I will be sensible and not work too hard or late each evening, so that I’m refreshed the next day, I will be stuck in books and journals and have no time for writing to anyone.

I hope you aren’t fretting too much with Hal being posted on active service – have you any idea where he is? I hope he’s safe and will return home soon. Have you seen Sybil lately? With you both being in Sydney I guess you must meet quite often: how are Hugh and little Betsy?

I must stop here or the postage will be astonishingly expensive – I hope I haven’t bored you too much my talking about myself so much.

With lots of love to you and Hal,
Helena.


Apologies for not having updated this in ages - I still haven't got my old identity back and so am having to post as Ela! Have been distracted from this drabble because of Stacie, but I have one more letter written so far...

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 3:26 pm ]
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Thanks for the lovely long update! That's exactly how I can imagine Reg would have treated Len. Will be interested to see how Josette, who although she's close to Len isn't as involved as the various Maynards are, replies.

Author:  Mona [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 3:31 pm ]
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Thanks for the update Emma. A lovely letter from Len, explaining her feelings and decisions beautifully.

Author:  carrie [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 3:36 pm ]
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yay, i;ve been reading this, i really like it

Author:  snowmaiden [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 4:20 pm ]
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Another letter! Excellent. A very mature and measured letter from Helena. This is great Emma, thanks. :D

Author:  claireM [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:06 pm ]
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Nice long update thanks. Love the way Len describes the relationship she would of had with Reg compared to the one she hopes to have with Isaac.

Author:  Abi [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:51 pm ]
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Lovely letter from Len - hopefully Josette will understand and be helpful.

Wishing Len good luck in her exams!!

Thanks Emma!

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 7:35 pm ]
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Lovely letter from Len - and describes just why she felt that marrying Reg would be a bad idea.

Would be good to see Josette's reply soon... :lol:


Thanks Emma.

Author:  Carolyn P [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 7:40 pm ]
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That is a lovely letter from Len and it sounds just right.
Thanks.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:41 pm ]
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Thanks for the lovely update. A nice surprise! Wonder what Josette's response will be and what her story was with Hal

Author:  Jennie [ Fri Sep 05, 2008 12:52 pm ]
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A lovely long letter from Helena. She's showing her maturity there. And I can well understand her longing to escape from the mould other people have made for her.

I think it's a clash between the old and the new - Reg wanted the old-style wife, a little woman, and Isaac thinks of her as an interesting, challenging companion to spend his life with.

To quote TS Eliot 'I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.' That would have been life with Reg and with Jo continually visiting.

I think a parent's job is to keep well away from married children, unless invited.

Author:  Ela [ Tue Sep 09, 2008 5:32 pm ]
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Dr. Eustacia Benson to Mrs John Maynard


Oxford
19th June 196-

Dear Jo,

I’m sorry it’s been so long since I last wrote, but I’m only now feeling settled again in Oxford after my sojourn at New Haven. I found it an interesting place – thought obviously with very few women, and none at all in the undergraduate classes – not quite as diverse, I think, as Oxford. The library was an excellent resource, and it was very useful for putting the finishing touches to my new book – it’s to be a collection of essays on Greek drama. When I think of how much coaching I needed in Greek when I went up to Oxford as an undergraduate, and now I rarely study anything but! I took the opportunity at Yale to attend some of the undergraduate classes in Hebrew – regarded there as a classical language – and though I’m not really interested in the Greek of the New Testament, it was still fascinating to study. Also took the opportunity to do some more researches into Persia, since I’m looking at Herodotus and Aeschylus’ The Persians for a paper which I hope to publish next year. Obviously Powell’s work on Herodotus is the benchmark, but there have been some new theories which make looking at the play again worthwhile. All in all, it’s been a very successful sabbatical, and I’m already making plans to return in a few years’ time.

I got back from the States a month ago, with barely more than my suitcase, and it took two weeks for my trunks to arrive, though I thought I had sent them off in good time. The house seems to have been well-cared for in my absence, despite the presence of Dr Steele’s three children: the Steeles have found a good house not far from the Botanical Gardens, and moved out a week before I landed. I’ve been invited to dinner as a thank-you, but I think it’s I who should be thanking them for looking after the place in my absence!

I’m feeling much fitter now – and you can tell Jack to stop fussing about me: I went to see a specialist in New Haven, who recommended some exercises to strengthen my back muscles, and that I start swimming again in earnest. So I have done so, and am feeling a good deal better for the exercise. I do think my stay on the Platz also helped – since I was very run-down when I came to you. Still, now I’m back I feel ready for anything.

I had Helena and Con to tea a few days ago: what charming and delightful young women they are now. Con in particular, has an original mind, and will surely get a First. I’m not sure of Helena: she seems to think slightly more conventionally. They told me about Reg (and about Isaac), and I withheld all comment, apart from telling Helena that she had to be sure that the man was the right man, before going through with anything as serious as marriage. I hope this is merely reiterating what you have already told her, but neither said very much about your reaction and Jack’s to her decision.

I gather that you both plan to travel to Oxford for their graduation: I shall be there in gaudy robes as a Fellow of the college, and am very much looking forward to catching up with your news. I hope you can spare me some time – though I also understand that you plan to meet with Isaac Mendel and his parents. In some ways, I rather wish I’d been back in Oxford for longer, so that I could have met the young man myself (I have a great affection for Helena and Con, as you know, and would like them to be happy), but I don’t think I could have missed these last few months at Yale for anything. I know you must be disappointed that Helena won’t be returning to the Platz, but truthfully, it isn’t for everyone, and I’m not entirely surprised by her decision to stay in England.

I enjoyed teaching at the Chalet School, able to give a little back after my happy time there (and it must be over twenty years ago – I don’t feel like a woman of nearly forty-one, though I am), but I couldn’t live up there permanently as you’ve done for the last ten years or so. I felt rather cut off, and by the end of my year there was raring to get back to my books and the library, and the discussions with colleagues and fellow-classicists. I did also miss teaching students who are much more actively interested in my subjects.

If you’d like to break your journey back to Switzerland from the Russells, and stay with me in Oxford, you’d be most welcome. I have two spare bedrooms, one of which could be easily spruced up in time, and I’d like to show you something of Oxford – have you ever spent any time here? It is quite a place, not greatly changed from when I was here as an undergraduate, though there are certainly more motor cars and more women students. I’ll leave you to decide which I think an improvement.

Do consider the offer to stay, and let me know when you arrive in England. Con said that you were planning to fly, so my best wishes for the flight, and I hope this letter arrives before you leave.

Best wishes,
Stacie

Author:  Lesley [ Tue Sep 09, 2008 5:40 pm ]
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Now that's very interesting - Stacie's response is so reasoned and 'adult' that it makes Jo's diatribe seem very juvenile. I do wonder what Stacie would have thought had she been able to see Jo's original letter to Helena?


Thanks Emma.

Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Sep 09, 2008 7:31 pm ]
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I am pleased Stacie "escaped" again. Lovely balanced letter.

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:24 pm ]
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As Stacie says, Joey may be very happy on the Platz but it isn't for everyone. Hope that Joey can take that on board. Great to see how Stacie's career is progressing.

Author:  JellySheep [ Wed Sep 10, 2008 10:18 am ]
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Hurrah! Great to see this back.

Author:  JS [ Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:00 am ]
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Stacie's tone is very like that of a friend of mine - can just hear her differentiating between 'original' and 'conventional' - thanks Emma.

Author:  Jennie [ Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:54 pm ]
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I think that Stacie has a great advantage over Jo - she's outside the family, and can see the Platz for what it is, a small English Enclave - very cosy, if that's what you like, but if you want to use your brain anywhere but the School and the San, you're stumped!

And I think that Stacie is making another, tacit, point. What on earth was the point of Helena reading for a degree if she's going to give up what she's worked hard for for three years, to become a hausfrau and mother without having had any experience of doing a job of work in the real world?

Thanks, Emma, this gets better and better.

Author:  JosieG [ Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:14 pm ]
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Yay! Another two letters! I'd like to see Jo go to stay with Stacie, these letters make me wonder if Stacie realises how much more mature she is than Jo.

Thanks for the update Emma.

Author:  CBW [ Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:15 pm ]
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it was nice to see someone recognising and valuing Con's originality.
She always seemed to be in Len's shadow somewhat at school

Author:  Abi [ Thu Sep 11, 2008 8:03 pm ]
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Hope Stacie's calm and gentle approach will help Jo to see the other viewpoint. She seems to be a very thinking sort of person, as well as accepting. And of course she has a much broader experience than Jo.

thanks Emma.

Author:  Vick [ Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:01 pm ]
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Lovely letters, thanks Emma :D

Author:  Ela [ Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:28 am ]
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Just a short letter today. I'm still wondering how I can write in this format and get across the upcoming parental meeting... Still, we shall see. I'm sorry that updates are still not being flagged, but I'm still not able to log in as Emma A.

Miss Helena Maynard to Miss Theodora Grantley

Shrewsbury College
Oxford
June 25th

Dear Teddy,

This will be a very short letter, my dear, since I’ve promised letters and telephone calls to family and friends who have all been waiting and praying for me – apologies in advance! I’ve passed my exams, and have been awarded a Second Class (division 1) degree. Although I’m disappointed not to have scraped a First, I thought (and so did my tutor) that I wouldn’t manage it. I am utterly relieved that it’s all over, and somewhat surprised: the culmination of three years of study over in a week! The results were posted on the notice-boards, and I don’t mind telling you that my heart was thumping horribly when I finally made myself scrutinise the lists. Con came with me: you will be pleased to learn that she has obtained a First, and I’m so proud of her. We hugged each other and even cried, in relief and happiness, I think, and she’s gone with a few friends to celebrate. I shall join them as soon as I’ve finished this letter.

Isaac has a First too – which surprised him – I found myself laughing at his expression, when I cycled over to Pembroke to see him earlier. So utterly bemused, and quite unlike him. I am very proud of him, too, and hope this augurs well for the future.

(But Teddy, did you feel like this when Lucas kissed you? Isaac and I had previously confined ourselves to occasional embraces and some chaste kisses. Today was different, so different that I can feel my heart shift in my breast every time I think of it: I have never kissed and been kissed with quite so much feeling. Even when I was in the throes of romantic infatuation for Reg, he never went so far, and I never wanted it: in fact, never realised that there might be more. I may add, to ease your mind, that nothing else happened but the kisses, but we were left trembling and breathless by the end of them.)

Con and I graduate on Thursday next week, at the same service, which pleases me greatly. Of course, we won’t be following each other, since the English degrees are announced before the language degrees. Mamma and Papa will join us for the ceremony, and we will meet up with Isaac and his parents for dinner in the evening. Dr Mendel has promised us that Sir Leopold will join us (apparently he’s notorious in the family for forgetting appointments and not replying to correspondence), so I hope both sets of parents will get on well enough. I guess Dr Mendel and Papa would have enough in common to make conversation, but I’m not sure what Mamma and Sir Leopold might talk about!

Do let me know as soon as you can about your own exam results and I hope that they all went well.

Much love from
Helena

Apologies to any Oxonians for errors I've made in graduation procedure. I've based it largely on my own experiences of graduation at St Andrews, hoping that it's similar!

Author:  JS [ Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:32 am ]
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Goodness, very passionate. Thanks Emma

Author:  JayB [ Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:45 am ]
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Congratulations to Helena and Con on their results! Helena should be pleased with her 2:1; she's had a lot on her mind this term, and she has perhaps learned and grown in ways that are more important than academic achievement. How has Margot done?

I think you'll just have to write lots of letters showing the parental meeting from a variety of different viewpoints.

Author:  Ela [ Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:52 am ]
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JayB wrote:
Congratulations to Helena and Con on their results! Helena should be pleased with her 2:1; she's had a lot on her mind this term, and she has perhaps learned and grown in ways that are more important than academic achievement. How has Margot done?

Margot will be doing a five-year course, I guess - I hadn't planned for her to be taking Finals at the same time as Helena and Con.

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Sep 15, 2008 1:00 pm ]
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Glad that the exams are safely over, and looking forward to the parental meet-up!

Author:  Sarah_L [ Mon Sep 15, 2008 1:14 pm ]
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Ela wrote:
Apologies to any Oxonians for errors I've made in graduation procedure. I've based it largely on my own experiences of graduation at St Andrews, hoping that it's similar!


From my Oxford experience, I don't think it's that similar. Not that it matters of course - it makes the story better with everything done so close together. :)

My finals (law) finished on 8 June, and I didn't get my results until 14ish July. My graduation was at the end of October, and that was one of the earlier graduation ceremonies for my year. About twenty people from each college graduate at the same time. You go up to receive your degree in subject groups, but there's no subject-specific ceremony, so Len and Con would definitely have been able to graduate on the same day.

Author:  Vick [ Mon Sep 15, 2008 1:54 pm ]
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Lovely letter, thanks Emma :D

Author:  JayB [ Mon Sep 15, 2008 2:39 pm ]
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Ela wrote:
Margot will be doing a five-year course, I guess - I hadn't planned for her to be taking Finals at the same time as Helena and Con.


Margot says in Prefects that she's going to do an MB then a diploma, so I thought she'd have been finishing the MB at this time. I think she says somewhere else that once she starts it she'll have to stick with it for three years, but I may have dreamed that!

Of course, she might have changed her plans along the way!

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Sep 15, 2008 5:40 pm ]
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Lovely letter - and congrats to all of them!!!


Thanks Emma.

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Sep 15, 2008 5:46 pm ]
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MB and the surgery qualification that medics get take five years. The theory part took three years followed by two clinical years before the 1970's, (now they are more integrated). The diploma Margot wanted to take after qualifying would be in tropical medicine.

Margot would be unlikely to recieve a degree after three years

Author:  claireM [ Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:06 pm ]
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Nice letter thanks.
I think hearing about the meeting from various view points would be good and very interesting.

Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Sep 16, 2008 12:32 am ]
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I've just caught up with the last three letters, and it's fascinating to see the way in which Len has developed - and realises for herself just how much she has changed and how much more there is to her relationship with Isaac than she had with Reg.
And Stacie was delightful - calm and reasoned and so completely at home in Oxford, and commenting as nicely as possible on the narrowness of life at the Platz.

Author:  JS [ Tue Sep 16, 2008 12:18 pm ]
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Seem to remember that Oxbridge at that time wouldn't have had divisions in class - ie you'd get a second, not a 2:1 or 2:2.

But as my source for that is Yes Minister, then I'm probably entirely wrong!

(They were discussing uni qualifications and Humphrey said that a second from Oxford was worth 'at least' a 2:1 from anywhere else.)

Author:  Abi [ Tue Sep 16, 2008 5:45 pm ]
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Well done Len and Con! Can't help wondering how the meeting with the parents will go - hope you solve your problem soon, Emma!

Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Sep 16, 2008 6:09 pm ]
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Emma, a letter to Margot or Ted from Len and one to Madge or Frieda from Jo? Could that help solve your problem.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:55 am ]
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Glad they both did well, but am glad Con did better. She never seemed to be acknowledged for her academic brillance at the Chalet School the way Len did

Author:  JosieG [ Wed Sep 17, 2008 10:40 pm ]
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Glad Con and Len have both received results they're happy with. Thankyou for the update Emma.

Author:  Ela [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 3:39 pm ]
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Mrs John Maynard to Dr. Eustacia Benson

Hertford Hotel
London
June 28th 196-

My dear Stacie,

It was a lovely surprise to hear from you – your letter arrived the day we began our journey back to London, that is, the day before yesterday. I found it surprisingly comfortable: we drove down to Basle, stepped onto the train for Geneva, and then flew direct to London from there. It took all day, but not having any of the children made the trip a very pleasant one and carefree. Of course, being me, it wasn’t a completely straightforward landing, since I managed to turn my ankle stepping down from the aircraft steps onto the tarmac at Heath Row, and Jack made me go to bed as soon as we arrived in London yesterday morning.

Having rested it, I now feel fit as a flea, but I’ve promised Jack that I’ll stay on my couch in one of the sitting rooms here before we attempt any sight-seeing tomorrow. So I’ve written to the children – just brief postcards to say that we’ve landed – and now it’s your turn.

I’m glad you enjoyed your sabbatical at Yale so much, though I’ll admit that we were hoping to keep you on the Platz for a while longer. Jack was still unsure, when you left us, that you were fit enough for the trip. And the staff at the school were sorry to see you go. Still, Miss Lomax seems to be going on well as your successor – she was only just out of college when she arrived, and I’ve always found her rather shy – I had her to tea with Kathie and Deb Smith a few weeks ago, and she hardly said a word throughout the afternoon. Kathie said that she was popular with the girls and friendly with the staff, though. Perhaps she’s one of those who are very shy with people they don’t see every day: it’s not often I have to own myself beaten when it comes to extending the arm of friendship. I’m not sure why she’s gone in for teaching, since I haven’t met anyone quite so unequivocally lovely as she is, other than Wanda and Marie or Joyce Linton. I’m very surprised she hasn’t married.

Incidentally, I’ve always meant to ask you if there was ever a man in your life, or whether you’ve always been wedded to academia. I don’t remember you ever having mentioned anyone, in all the years we’ve known each other. Madge wondered if there had been someone you lost during the War – I remember you writing very little about your war-service at the time, and we very rarely had the chance to meet, what with petrol rationing and all those “Is your journey really necessary?” questions. I’m very grateful that my eldest children saw very little of the war, and its attendant hardships: we were very lucky being able to supplement our rations with the garden produce and far enough from bombs and not having any evacuees. Of course, what they’re dubbing the Cold War isn’t much better, I suppose, with Krushchev threatening all-out destruction every other week. Is this what we endured the War for? Constant tension and the prospect of mutually assured destruction. I truly hope wiser minds will prevail.

Enough of my maunderings on current global news, and so here’s a little snippet of school news which you may be interested to read: Madge is planning to move the school from the Platz! She’s thinking about other locations in Switzerland, which aren’t quite so isolated, but obviously the move won’t take place for some months, given that finding a suitable place will take some effort. The Platz will be very lonely without the school there, but it also seems likely that the San will move – or close – and we may return to England or to the Welsh mountains.

We’d love to stay with you on our way back from Llan-y-penllan. Our return flight is from Heath Row on July 12th, so if we stay overnight on the 10th, that would give us some time to look around the city. I think I’ve only been there once before, and that was in the dim and distant past when I was a child, still at Taverton! I guess the place has changed a great deal since then.

Len and Con both graduate on the same day, three days from now: I’m so proud of them both: I’m sure I shall weep when I see them at their ceremony. And I look forward very much to meeting you after Graduation and catching up in more detail – though we have arranged to meet the Mendels, and I do wonder very much how that meeting will go. I’m not inclined to make friends with Isaac Mendel – though I shall be polite, of course, for Len’s sake. I shan’t write more now, and will trust to a chance to talk to you about the situation, either when we see you on Thursday, or when we return

Anyway, I shall leave off now, and hopefully post this in good time, so that you’ll have read it by the time I see you on Thursday.

With all best wishes,
Jo

Author:  ibarhis [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 3:50 pm ]
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Stacie at Bletchley Park?

It would fit - I believe classicists were very much part of the effort there.

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 3:56 pm ]
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Nice to see that Joey has actually noticed the Cold War! Wondering about Miss Lomax now (the poor woman was probably just intimidated by Joey and Bruno or else bored stiff by all Joey's tales of CS days of yore!) ... and hoping that Stacie either points out that not everyone wants a man in their life or else shocks Joey by saying that she's got a whole string of lovers or something like that :lol: .

Joey's attitude towards Isaac is very disappointing. I appreciate that she'd got used to the idea of having Reg as a son-in-law and is upset that that's all off, and also that she's concerned about the difference in religion, but saying that you're not inclined to be friendly to someone whom you've never even met before isn't really the way to go :evil: .

Thanks Emma - this is brilliant.

Author:  Abi [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 4:49 pm ]
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Alison H wrote:
Wondering about Miss Lomax now (the poor woman was probably just intimidated by Joey and Bruno or else bored stiff by all Joey's tales of CS days of yore!)


Just what I was thinking - especially if she's popular with staff and pupils!

Also a bit worried about Jo and Isaac. It would be so much better if she could approach him with an open mind. But maybe she'll like him when she meets him (ok, I'm an optimist!).

Thanks Emma!

Author:  JS [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 5:17 pm ]
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It's reasonable that Joey might not be happy to welcome Isaac with open arms - she sees him as the cause of ending her dreams of the future and is still mourning the loss of the idea of Reg and Len. It's not particularly reasonable of her to mention it in a letter, however. She should grow up, frankly and realise it's not all about her.

Otherwise I quite liked her in this letter - although it's a bit of a bizarre way to ask Stacie about her love life!

Author:  Luisa [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 5:54 pm ]
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OK, so I've had a bad day, but I wanted to slap the woman! Just hope Stacie does it for me...or a classicist maybe her tastes might be different? :twisted:
Hope the new mistress comes out of her shell enough to bite.
Lovely bit of characterisation there, thanks Emma.

Author:  keren [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 6:29 pm ]
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Maybe Peter from the other drabble fixed her something up at Bletchley hall.

If this is connected to the other drabble you are writing, then I should not give away what could have happened

Author:  Jennie [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 6:58 pm ]
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I found that typically Jo, self-centred to the last. Is it any business of hers if Stacie has never married, or indeed, if she had a thousand lovers.

And frankly, her attitude to the Mendels is appalling. If Isaac is going to be her son-in-law, she'd better make a better effort than that. Does she take in nothing that anyone tells her?

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:26 pm ]
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Jo's going the right way to lose Len completely. Of course it's expected that she will find it awkward - but to declare that she has no intention of liking her daughter's chosen partner is not the right way to keep her family.

Is it too much to hope that Jo will one day make the mistake of mentioning her views about teaching and marriage when Miss Annersley and/or Miss Wilson are about? Pretty please?


Thanks Emma.

Author:  Carolyn P [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:41 pm ]
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Jo is just so completely tactless!!

Author:  Jennie [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:46 pm ]
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Her problem, especially in this drabble, is that she believes that she is always right, and that her life is perfect, so everyone ought to aspire to be just like her.

And I loved it that Stacie found a more progressive doctor than Jack. Not let Stacie go to America, forsooth.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:52 pm ]
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Just caught up with the last 4 letters - between your log in problems and the fact I was Internet-less for 4 days last week, I hadn't realised you were updating, so I've had a real treat today.

I quite agree that Jo risks losing Len altogether if she persists in her present attitude - here's hoping that actually meeting Isaac and his parents will persuade her to change her tune forthwith if not sooner. As for her comments to Stacie......!!!

Thanks Ela - I will be looking forward to more.

Author:  Liz K [ Tue Sep 23, 2008 3:03 pm ]
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And to think that when I first started reading the Chalet School books, Joey was my favourite.............................

I've really had my eyes opened to her by joining this forum! :roll: :wink:

Author:  Elle [ Wed Sep 24, 2008 12:13 pm ]
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I know what you mean, I used to quite like Mary-Lou....

Author:  Ela [ Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:43 pm ]
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I'm not really trying to Joey-bash, since I quite like her in the CS books. But what I am trying to show in this is how narrow her interests and experiences are, and how that might work out in the "real world" of the early 1960s, and the culture clash she's experiencing with Helena's decision to abandon the easy way and take a more difficult path, and the growing up of both her elder daughters.

This is a long letter... I decided that Helena was not so likely to write to Margot, since I think after their three years at university, they're growing apart. Also, since Ted is going through a relationship herself, she's more likely to understand her friend's feelings.


Miss Helena Maynard to Miss Theodora Grantley

Shrewsbury College
Oxford
1st July 196-

Dear Teddy,

My last night at college is fallen somewhat flat. My room is packed up around me into my huge trunk, ready for taking with me to the Quadrant (I only hope I can find a porter at the station!), and nothing’s left of my three years here apart from the changes within me. I’m getting an early train tomorrow morning to travel down to Devon, and Uncle Dick will meet me at the station. Now it’s all over, I’m conscious of feeling very tired, like snapped elastic, and it’s rather an effort to put pen to paper. But I think I must, at least to remember how the day went, and to confide some of my feelings to you, who will be sympathetic.

Papa and Mamma met us at the Sheldonian for the ceremony – both were looking very smart, and bursting with pride, as you can imagine! Mamma was in a very pretty print frock in her favourite lime green, and she had done her hair in a new way which made her look far less old-fashioned (I saw some silver threads in it, and they brought home to me for the first time, I think, that she and Papa are getting older, and won’t be the same people for ever). Papa wore a bow-tie, and I teased him that he looked like Uncle Jem, until he confessed that he’d bought it at Uncle Jem’s advice. Mamma seemed still a little surprised that Con had achieved the First and I hadn’t (she will insist on thinking of me as the clever, hardworking one of us three, despite Margot’s superior claims, and can’t see that Con hides her brilliance quite well): still, I guess she’ll get over that in time.

The service was rather wonderful, with a sense of pageantry and dignity, with those wearing doctoral robes providing vivid colour to contrast with us all in our monochromatic sub-fusc and fur-trimmed hoods, all black-and-white. Although we were seated away from the parents, when I came off the stage, I caught sight of Mamma, who was wiping away a tear, and Papa had a look of – oh, I’m not sure I can describe it – like pride and wonder and pleasure and sadness all mixed together.

After the service, we found the parents and went outside – it has been a beautiful day today, quite unlike yesterday’s ceremony, which was rained on – and had snaps taken of us in our finery. Then Dr Benson, very jolly in her scarlet and grey robe, and very amused, came down to congratulate us both and wish us well for the future. I wished Auntie Nell could have been there too, to witness it, because she’s given me so much good advice and encouragement over the years, that I’d like to make some return by showing her how much she has helped me, particularly in these last three years. Mamma and Papa will stay overnight with Dr Benson when they return from Llan-y-penllan, and have a look round Oxford before they fly home.

Dr Benson is someone I admire immensely – like our teachers at the Chalet School, she has dedicated her life to learning and teaching, and it seems a very honourable and worthwhile dedication. I only hope I have some of that rigour and questioning spirit.

I’m putting it off, I know, but I have to come to it sooner or later. We met the Mendels, as previously arranged, at one of the better hotels. Sir Leopold is not a tall man, and is rather thin, with very shrewd dark eyes and greying dark hair. He has the same beautiful hands as Isaac – long-fingered and elegant – but otherwise I think Isaac looks more like his mother (though not much like her, either!). The Mendels were beautifully courteous, congratulating me and Con on our degrees, and I introduced everyone. Isaac was much as usual, for which I gave silent thanks, for he talked enough to cover the awkward silence until everyone was seated with menus, and I could ask some general questions about music that I hoped would mean everyone else talking.

It was a little sticky at first. But I think Papa and Dr Mendel (though she asked me, I still find it hard to call her Miriam) recollected that they both were doctors, and some small conversational efforts began on the subject of medicine. Papa seemed very interested in her treatment of childhood asthma, and although they disagreed about certain methods (of course Papa is more used to treating adults than children), some degree of rapport was achieved, and I think they both came away from the meal feeling respect for one another.

Mamma was quite unlike herself, though. She was polite, but not at all jolly, and was more interested in talking to Con than to Sir Leopold or Isaac. Con did her best to make the conversation less exclusive, but Mamma would keep on talking about school and people on the Platz, as though she was pointing out to me how little they knew – or cared – about the place. She doesn’t realise that I don’t care about the Platz any more either (at least, I do care a little because my family are there, and the school where I spent such happy times, but nothing more). Perforce, Sir Leopold ended up talking to his son and I tried to interject responses, though I don’t know how successful I was, given that I was trying to attend to two conversations at once! Thinking back, I find it amusing: though at the time, amusement was very far from my mind.

Isaac and I were sitting next to each other, and he held my hand under the table between courses – quite reprehensibly, I dare say, though I found it of great comfort.

After lunch, we took them on a walk around the Botanical Gardens, thinking that at least there need not be utter silence in talking about trees and flowers. Con made a lucky remark about the rose garden at Freudesheim, and Mamma talked about how they’d planned it, and Sir Leopold turned out to be a rose fancier: he went a little technical on her, I think, discussing the various forms and varieties, and the good work went to naught.

The Mendels had to leave early, since Dr Mendel was needed at her hospital that evening, so we bade them farewell and Isaac went off, tactfully, to see them to the station.

I think the meeting showed that our two sets of parents are completely unalike, and though respect may come, liking may be more difficult to achieve. I did hope that they would get along better. Neither Mamma nor Papa are happy about my relationship with Isaac – which I understand – though at least Papa said he could see some of his qualities. Papa didn’t go so far as to give me his blessing, though he did say that he is more reconciled to the idea than before, and hopes that we can come to a satisfactory arrangement about children. One thing he said, which has stuck in my mind ever since, which gives me hope, was: “You’re both intelligent, reasonable, decent young people. If there is a way to be found, I think you’ll find it.” And then he smiled a little, and said, “I think you’re truly grown-up now, Helena – and you’ll find your mother will come to believe it too, in time.”

Of course I said that I didn’t feel grown-up at all, and he replied that sometimes, neither did he, and he was quite sure Mamma didn’t either! I guess that my responsibilities will increase with time, but perhaps no-one feels themselves truly grown-up until the end of their life on earth.

So they left with kisses and hugs, and Con and I walked back to Coll. very quietly. She has gone out with her friends this evening, and Isaac and I will go out to dinner somewhere, shortly. In fact, here he is now, so I will finish this letter here and post it on our way out. I will try to spare some time at the Quadrant or on the Platz to write when you may expect me in London – I’m looking forward to the prospect greatly.

With much love from
Helena

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:48 pm ]
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I find it in me to feel sorry for Joey - she is, as you say, very narrow in her experience and outlook, and not very able to accept change. I like your Jack, though. The lunch-party sounds like something that Helena and Isaac will be able to laugh about in years to come - but not yet.

Thanks, Emma.

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Sep 24, 2008 6:15 pm ]
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Yes, Joey is coming across as very conservative, isn't she? And perhaps she was also feeling rather out of her depth - after all she was the only one there that had not received a University education. I think it will take her a very long time to appreciate that her daughters are now adults - and it is telling that she still doesn't seem able to recognise that Con might be cleverer.


Thanks Emma.

Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Sep 24, 2008 8:04 pm ]
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Thanks for the update. Love Jack's comment that he does not feel grown up at times and he is sure Joey does not either.

Author:  Carolyn P [ Wed Sep 24, 2008 8:12 pm ]
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I love that coment as well, I still have a lot of times when I can't believe I'm grown up!

Author:  Jennie [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 8:42 am ]
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Quite clearly, the sticking point there was Jo. It was not enough to be polite, but that she failed in so many respects. Firstly, she's still undervaluing Con, not wanting to recognise and realise that her initial assessments of her triplets were wrong, and secondly in trying to make the Mendel parents feel as though they were utter and complete outsiders, and had nothing to do with her life or her daughters' lives.

Another step on the way to losing two daughters. She fails utterly to realise that the three years at Oxford have changed them both in fundamental ways and that they can never be satisfied again with a narrow, provincial life such as she leads. It was good to see that Jack has something in common with Miriam Mendel, and his last words were very encouraging.

Poor Len, the memory of her mother's rudeness, for that is what it was, under a veneer of politeness, will haunt all her dealings with the Mendels.

Author:  keren [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 8:50 am ]
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Description of getting their BA was very moving.
Terrible that Joey has labeled the trips.


(as I have said many times, I like how drabbles explore the consequences of the situations that EBD sets up)

Author:  JS [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:25 am ]
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Maybe a family lunch was a little ambitious at this stage, although I guess they have to get to know each other sometime. Thanks Emma

Author:  Caroline [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:39 am ]
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Jennie wrote:
Quite clearly, the sticking point there was Jo. It was not enough to be polite, but that she failed in so many respects. Firstly, she's still undervaluing Con, not wanting to recognise and realise that her initial assessments of her triplets were wrong, and secondly in trying to make the Mendel parents feel as though they were utter and complete outsiders, and had nothing to do with her life or her daughters' lives.


I'm not sure I quite agree with the latter point, Jennie. I'm not excusing Jo's behaviour, but isn't it more that she doesn't have anything else to talk about and that the platz and the school are the main things in her life? So, she talks about those things because they are all that she is interested in and it doesn't occur to her than others might not be equally interested. That's a failing, certainly, but I don't see that she deliberately set out to make the Mendels feel like outsiders. In fact, I agree with Lesley when she says:

Quote:
And perhaps she was also feeling rather out of her depth - after all she was the only one there that had not received a University education.


The younger Joey, who was not narrow and parochial in outlook, but rather widely travelled and interested in the history and literature of many countries and above all was interested in people would not have had to make an effort to be polite or struggle for something to talk about or stick to talking to her own family, because she would have been interested enough in the Mendels for their own sakes to talk to them properly, once the initial awkwardness of the first meeting was over. That's her failing - that she has lost that outward looking interest in the world, and become inward looking only, stuck in her ways, resistant to change, unable to see further than the end of the platz.

On a related note, who here has had to sit through an awkward first meeting between in laws of different backgrounds? I know I have. My family and Jon's family have precisely nothing in common at all....

One can't always expect the in laws to become friends or even get on particularly well - that's something Len will have to learn, I suspect. After all, she is making a new family with Isaac, not actually merging the entire Maynard and Mendel families into one happy band. Fortunately for her.

Author:  LizzieC [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:42 am ]
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Jennie wrote:
Quite clearly, the sticking point there was Jo. It was not enough to be polite, but that she failed in so many respects...and secondly in trying to make the Mendel parents feel as though they were utter and complete outsiders, and had nothing to do with her life or her daughters' lives.


I think part of this was deliberate on Jo's part, but I'm fairly sure that some of it won't have been. All the letters (and I think the CS books too) so far have shown that Jo is terribly limited in her world view. I have to wonder if she's capable of talking about anything other than the School and the community on the Platz.

Thanks for this Emma :D

ETA: I appear to have crossed my comment with Caroline, who said what I was trying to say much better (and a few minutes earlier :)). Thanks Caroline :D .

Author:  Ela [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 11:51 am ]
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Very interesting comments (especially from Caroline - I've modified later letters as a result!). Here's how Dr Mendel saw the afternoon...

Dr Miriam Mendel to Mrs Reuben Goldman

Hospital for Sick Children
Great Ormond Street
London WC1

July 2nd 196-

Dearest Leah,

It’s a quiet night thus far, so I thought I’d write to you so as to crystallise some of my impressions of this afternoon. As you know, we travelled up to Oxford this morning for Isaac’s graduation. Your father surprised me by remembering the occasion before I had to remind him, and did not refer to any of his more abstruse cases on the train. It was a lovely day, bright and warm, so that I was glad I chose a shady hat. Though it’s interesting to see how many people now aren’t wearing hats – when I was a girl, everyone wore a hat, male and female – and it’s strange to see the change, which has happened just over the last few years.

I digress. The degree ceremony was oddly impressive, but then the surroundings were somewhat more ancient and dignified than I’m accustomed to. Isaac looked well in his academicals, and nothing untoward marred the presentation. Afterwards, we met up with the Maynards for lunch.

Helena is a pretty girl, but with character: it’s obvious that she cares deeply for Isaac and he for her. It’s rather odd to see it, but he is very serious about her, and quite undismayed by the prospect of parental disapproval. Not that Leopold and I are likely to disapprove, since she seems an eminently suitable sort of girl (even if not Jewish), and one who seems likely also to suit him well. She was neat and well-groomed – not in a sleek, made-up way that would make me uneasy – but enough to convey that although she thinks of clothes as important, they are not of primary importance. She has a frank way with her, too, though not to the extent of tactlessness, and is evidently interested in life outside of her studies.

Her sister, though quieter, and perhaps less well-rounded, also impressed me favourably: though they’re triplets, Helena assured me that they don’t look at all alike, and that is certainly true, since Constance is dark of hair and eyes. Superficially, she looks like her mother, but is far more relaxed and at ease with herself. She is certainly thoughtful and articulate.

As to the parents, well, John Maynard is a TB specialist, and realising that his specialism is rapidly becoming redundant with the use of streptomycin and other drugs. He seems keen to use the expertise in other areas, but having been tied to the Gornetz Sanatorium for years, he may find working elsewhere rather a shock. Still, he’s an intelligent chap, and may well convert without difficulty to another field: we had quite an interesting discussion on pulmonary issues (thought it bored everyone else). He seems to be a little unhappy that his eldest daughter has hitched her star to a Jew, but I forgive him that, since he’s a devout Catholic, and would have been unhappy simply because of the different faiths of them both. He appears not to dislike Isaac, at least, and they may come to greater liking over time.

Mrs Maynard, though – she’s a funny one. I think she might have come determined to dislike us, and was rather stand-offish. She had almost nothing to say to Isaac, not even to congratulate him on his degree (which at least her husband had the decency to do), and didn’t ask him any questions about his plans for the future, his interests, or even general conversation about the state of the world. It’s not that she’s an unintelligent woman – she writes, after all, and must research the historical books, at least – and history appears to be her main interest (apart from her blasted Chalet School, which was dropped into the conversation more times than I cared to count, and the manifold perfections of her eleven children. Apropos of that, I tend to encounter huge families in poverty, of ill-educated, superstitious parents – the Maynards must have some sort of private income, because no doctor – even if his wife is a moderately well-selling author – could afford to send all their children away to school: and the boys are at public school in England, not Switzerland). But she doesn’t really seem to have interests outside that limited world of hers. For example, she has a rose garden at her home of which she is very proud. Apparently it was a cabbage patch in a former life. Your father can tell me the names of all the varieties in ours, why they do well, which are scented, when they bloom, and much of the history of each sort (and very wearying it is, too): Mrs Maynard just enjoys the flowers. I’m not saying that everyone has to be as tedious as Leopold is about his roses, but I find it odd that she isn’t interested in finding out more about them.

Anyway, I didn’t take to her. She struck me as rather a silly woman, narrow in her outlook, who has a lovely daughter, if she could only see it. If she isn’t careful, she’ll end up alienating Helena for good, or at least make the relationship so awkward that it will be very difficult for the poor girl, always feeling torn between her mother and Isaac.

I hope I’m not being unduly pessimistic – perhaps it’s the late hour and my exhaustion. I must finish here, since the bell is calling me to one of the kids. My love to the children and to Reuben, and to you, my dear.

Miriam

Author:  Jennie [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:19 pm ]
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Thank you, Emma. It was great to see it from Miriam Mendel's POV.

I agree that Jo is limited in her outlook, very narrow indeed, but, admit it, it was rude to confine her conversation to the School and the Platz when three out of the seven people at the table knew nothing about either of them,

And as for not congratulating Isaac on getting a First, well, words fail me.

Author:  Caroline [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:28 pm ]
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A lovely, frank letter from Dr Mendel - and I'm glad she likes Len so much. That bodes well.

I'm glad she and Jack got on OK, too - she's bound to be more clued up with the state of modern medicine than Jack, working in an NHS hospital in London, but she at least recognises his intelligence and committment to his work.

Bless Joey, coming over as a silly, superficial woman although not unintelligent....

I wonder if perhaps Len is going have to be the grown up here, and rather than passively waiting for Jack and Jo to give their blessing and make friends with the Mendels, she is going to have to be proactive and work hard to bring about that friendship. If she wants it badly enough....

Quote:
Very interesting comments (especially from Caroline - I've modified later letters as a result!).


:oops: :oops:

Author:  ibarhis [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:46 pm ]
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To me, Jo comes across as a "stay at home" mother, desperately trying to convince herself of her own worth by dwelling on the perfections of her children at the same time as she is having to come to terms with the fact that her daughters are better educated than she is, and are not going to be satisfied with the confines that she has chosen for herself.

I just worked out that Jo is only 40/41? I know that mothers in the 60s were 'older' for their age than we expect to be, but Miriam must be considerably older still (unlikely to have had her children early because of medical training etc) and yet has had to retain her flexibility - and she has clearly been fortunate to be able to continue to work after her marriage despite pregancies, children etc. Not something which every woman of the period was able to do. After all, she will have qualified before WW2 so far as I can deduce.

Sorry, that is probably a bit rambling. I think I just want to say that I don't necessarily read her as being malicious, more a fish out of water. The question is whether she can recognise that she needs to grow to fit the world or whether she is going to become increasingly frustrated by her inability to reduce the world to her own size!

After all, if she lives out a normal span, she is barely in the second half of her life, but she is just about ready for a 'mid-life crisis'

Author:  Jennie [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:21 pm ]
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She's already had that. it's in the Index Drableorum, under Multiple Authors, and is called 'Jo Maynard Changes Her Hairstyle'

It's been saved from our young and silly days.

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 5:40 pm ]
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Very interesting letter from Isaac's mother - she seems to feel quite sorry for Joey and doesn't bear her any malice. I wonder if Joey will be astute enough to recognise just how insular she has become?


Thanks Emma

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 6:04 pm ]
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A very interesting perspective indeed - I wonder what Joey's reaction would be if she could read Miriam's impression of her???!!! :oops: :) But Miriam does rather have her to a 't', though I think at the same time she shows that she feels somewhat sorry for her - of course, we could hope that Joey would change her attitudes should Jack actually close the San in due course and perhaps move back to England.

But it is nice to see how much Miriam already likes Helena, and how good she feels she is for Isaac, something which seems to outweigh the potential problem of the different religions. Also that she appreciates that Jack, at least, is in favour, apart from his (understandable) concern for the religious differences.

Thanks, Emma.

Author:  KatS [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 7:06 pm ]
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Actually, I think Dr. Mendel was a bit unfair about the rose garden - I'm not trying to suggest that Joey isn't limited in her outlook - but why on earth shouldn't she "just enjoy the flowers"?

*feeling a lot of sympathy for Joey* As others have said, she's probably feeling out of her depth, and possibly overshadowed by Dr. Mendel, and talking mainly about her village, basically, isn't that surprising. She may not feel confident enough to talk about history, or anything more intellectual, even if she could. And she's still upset about Isaac, and thinking Len is repudiating everything she has taught her, and believes herself about God because of him (I'm remembering one of Len's letters where she mentioned that discussing her faith with Isaac had led her to stop believing in the Creed.) So all in all, I think that was the best we could have expected from Joey.

Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 7:41 pm ]
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The Jo of the Tyrol days would be ashamed of her behaviour here. She was supportive of the Jews in Spartz.

She has been cut off from England too long. With only a radio and a lack of up to date papers her view of the world is restricted.

Author:  Dawn [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:22 pm ]
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I see Jo here as being out of her depth. For a start she converted to Catholiscism (which I can't spell :oops: ) and for her it has been such a huge part of her life that she is struggling with a beloved daughter turning her back on it. And I know that Len hasn't actually done that, but to Jo I suspect it feels like she has.

Yes Jo supported the Jews in the Tyrol and is very much of the belief that there are different roads to God, but that is a totally different thing to her daughter falling in love with someone with such a different religious perspective. Especially as there are going to be huge issues with any prospective children and what religious background they are given.

And in addition to that, she is still grieving for the loss of her prospective son-in-law, who she loves dearly and has watched grow up from being a young boy. I found it hard enough when Chris split up with a girlfriend who I got on with really well, after less than a year together. He tends to get ratty when I ask how she's doing now! And he certainly moved onto another girlfriend before I was ready for him to!

If that was me sat there with 3 very intelligent other adults who are all having deep involved conversations, I'd be sat there feeling like a fish out of water too - and much as I like flowers, I'm of the "pretty flowers" persuasion rather than being able to name them and know a lot about them.

Yes Jo wasn't very tactful in not asking about Isaac's hopes and in not attempting to find out more about the Mendels - but she never was renowned for being tactful. And I can actually see her being incredibly nervous and I know from personal experience how easy it is to burble away when you feel like that.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Sep 25, 2008 11:50 pm ]
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Thanks Emma and everyone else for all the added viewpoints. It's made really interesting reading. Can see how Joey would feel like a fish out of water and not up to discussing history etc but agree with others that she could have talked to Isaac about his plans, said congratulations etc. You can usually find something to talk about with everyone even if you are feeling uncomfortable like I'm sure Joey was. It's kind of sad seeing her being so insular and small minded but can see how she would be more like that than Jack. That said can completely relate to Jack and Joey's concerns over the religion thing and think that would have to be sorted out before marriage otherwise it could end up being a bone of contention and it's one thing for Joey to accept people as being Jews but another thing entirely to see her own children change paths-a lot of parents have that difficulty

Author:  JayB [ Fri Sep 26, 2008 10:37 am ]
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Agree that Joey might have had difficulty keeping up in this company. It might have come as shock to her, too, to find that she was out of her depth.

But I also think she automatically (and probably unconsciously) expects to be the centre of attention always, and just doesn't doesn't know how to behave in any other way.

Author:  Jennie [ Fri Sep 26, 2008 1:11 pm ]
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Yes, that's a major part of the problem. When Len first told her parents that she wasn't going to marry Reg, Jo's first response was about how it was going to affect herself, and not Helena's feelings.

Jo has never yet learned that there is more to life than her immediate circle, and her interests.

As for the religion question, both Helena and Isaac are intelligent, articulate young people who have so far conducted themselves with restraint and dignity, and will continue to do so. Their marriage is, after all, nothing to do with anyone else, it is their responsibility to make it work. Please note that by marriage I mean the whole thing after the wedding, not the actual ceremony, and as it is their relationship that is at the heart of it, they should be left to make their own decisions about it.

Author:  Ela [ Fri Sep 26, 2008 1:55 pm ]
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The comments are really interesting, everyone - thank-you very much. I didn't realise, when I started this drabble, that it would provoke so much debate! :D

Author:  champagnedrinker [ Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:46 pm ]
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I've only just found it & am loving it!

Many of the sentiments I can only echo. One thing, though, having read the whole drabble from the beginning, was with Isaac having mentioned that his father may have been to Tiernsee, I wondered if he was going to make some comment about "school girls in brown dresses", or perhaps refer to Herr Braun / The Mensches / etc. But it sounds as if at lunch Joey only mentioned the current CS, not its history.

Author:  RroseSelavy [ Fri Sep 26, 2008 3:11 pm ]
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This a fascinating drabble, thanks Emma!

I can totally see Joey feeling out of her depth, and also how easy it's been for her slowly to become tied to the Platz. But to be fair, perhaps Jack and his over-protective ways are partly to blame for her losing her independent, outgoing spirit?

May be a total red herring (it's a fairly common name, after all) but... do I sense some kind of connection between Reuben Goldman's family and Tirol?

Author:  jonty [ Sat Sep 27, 2008 1:58 pm ]
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I just read the whole of this. Loving it!! But poor Jo, my heart goes out to her. Could she, maybe, perhaps without even knowing it, be a teensy bit jealous? After all, that young, dynamic, fun-loving and eventually authoritative head girl who was determined that ironing someone's socks and looking after his children would never be enough for her is still inside her somewhere! Could she maybe be wondering whether, given Helena's chances, she might have made something else of her life - become a distinguished doctor in her own right, or become a truly cosmopolitan woman of the world? I'm not saying she's outwardly dissatisfied with her life, or wishes she'd done things differently. Just everything that's happened since Helena's first letter must be making her ask questions about how her own life has turned out, and that can't be comfortable for her.

I hope Joey will eventually manage to be truly happy for Helena. Maybe at the moment she's seeing her daughters' choices and independence as a kind of rejection of everything she herself has chosen, and that has to be painful. But I have confidence in her to get through this, with the support of her loving, if at the moment exasperated, family. Hope so anyway!

Thanks Emma.

Author:  Abi [ Sat Sep 27, 2008 6:37 pm ]
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How interesting to read the two different viewpoints. I do wonder whether Joey felt her narrowness compared to the others - maybe her exclusivity was a reaction to feeling threatened (ok, other people have said this much better - I'm just trying to agree!).

Oddly, I do feel there's hope for Joey now. Unless she deliberately shuts her mind off to the possibility of seeing a different viewpoint, she must begin to see that it will be better for Helena not to be tied to one place and one set of people as she has been. Maybe this shock will be a good learning experience for her too!

Thanks Emma, this is so thought-provoking and enjoyable.

Author:  Clare [ Sun Sep 28, 2008 5:45 pm ]
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These are brilliant Emma, really felt for Len, Con and Isaac. It was meant to be their special day, and memories of it would always be tinged with the remembrance of the awkwardness around the dinner table.

Thanks for these fascinating letters; they feel so true to the CS canon.

Author:  Ela [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 11:39 am ]
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And this is how Joey saw the meeting...

Mrs John Maynard to Mrs Richard Bettany

Llan-y-penllan
July 2nd 196-

My dear Mollie,

Well, here we are at Madge’s, and very relieved I am too, after the journey we had from London today. There had been some damage to the railway line – a landslide, I think, after last week’s heavy rain – and our train was diverted, making us nearly two hours late. Luckily, Madge had prepared a cold meal for us, so there was nothing spoiling, but of course she was rather worried about us.

The weather now is glorious, the sun is setting behind the mountains, and the sky is a miraculous mixture of rose and yellow and orange, and the clouds are glowing red. Shepherd’s delight, true enough.

We had a curate’s egg of a day yesterday in Oxford – it was delightful to see Stacie again, back to her old self; very brisk and ironic. It gave me something of a shock to see her dressed in her academic robes (very natty they are, too, scarlet with grey sleeves), looking so at home – as though it was her natural milieu. I know she has the DLitt and is a Fellow of the college, and is invited to lecture at Yale University – but I find it hard to remember, sometimes. Anyway, she is very fit, and planning to stay in Oxford for some time yet.

I guess you’ve already gone through this with Rix and Bride, so you’ll know how proud of my two girls I felt yesterday. They looked so tall and straight, in their gowns and caps, they looked so unlike my girls, and more like women. I don’t mind admitting that I had a tear in my eye to see them receiving their degrees. They’ve worked so hard and done so well – especially Con. Con has surprised me considerably by gaining a First, since at school she was never as clever as Len (or Margot, when she really set to work) – Len seems to have no feeling at all of any jealousy, and is touchingly proud of her sister’s achievement. I expect that by the time you receive this, Len will be with you, and I hope she had a safe journey to Devon. Con has gone to visit Richenda Fry – who’s studying at the Slade – and will join us when we fly home. Certainly the Chalet girls of the triplets’ year have done very well at university. I’m hoping that Ted Grantley will get her chance, since she lost a good deal of time before Easter because of her mother’s illness. All three of her brothers are now out in Canada, and of course couldn’t spare the time to travel home. I can’t say I approve of Myra Grantley, but I think Ted did the right thing in going to her.

You know that we were planning to meet the Mendels, Isaac and his parents, yesterday, since he was also graduating – in Law – at the same ceremony. We met for lunch, the seven of us (Con was with us, of course), to size each other up and see what we all looked like and all. Isaac wasn’t what I had imagined. In looks, he doesn’t hold a candle to Reg, being not much taller than Len, and with red hair – which I’ve never really liked on a man. I think he talks too much, seemingly very fond of the sound of his own voice, so that’s one quality at least he has for becoming a barrister. He and Len sat next to each other at lunch, and I’m fairly certain that he was holding her hand under the table – I kept on asking him to pass the salt to make his use his right hand, since I deprecate that sort of behaviour in public.

Dr Mendel cornered Jack in medical shop, which I loathe, and always ban at home, so I chatted to Len and Con, giving them all the news which I hadn’t been able to write to them. Len tried to be polite, and bring in the Mendels, but they weren’t interested in the school at all. Dr Mendel is a paediatrician, and probably very distinguished, though I thought her untidy and oddly-dressed. Sir Leopold was silent when the conversation touched on general matters, and only held forth about roses, when we were walking in the Botanical Gardens after lunch – I think it’s possible to over-intellectualize things – why shouldn’t roses be just as beautiful if one doesn’t know which variety they are?

I thought them a too-clever, unconventional family, quite sure of their superiority to everyone else, and quite inimical. Perhaps, if I’m being honest, I felt a little out of my depth and I didn’t like the feeling. I’ve never felt my lack of further education before – and although I wouldn’t change anything about my life as I’ve lived it, I’m wondering if perhaps my interests are growing too limited. It’s been a long time since I read history for pleasure, for example. I wouldn’t want any of the Mendels as friends, I think – and yet Len insists that Isaac is the man for her – I can’t imagine him being at home at Freudesheim, with our cheerful give and take, and where he couldn’t be centre of attention. I worry that, with them, it’s all clever talk and no real meaning to it: is he really serious about anything?

I’m ashamed to hope that Len gives up the idea of Isaac Mendel, because I can’t see him making her happy – she looked rather strained at lunch, only relaxing after the Mendels had left. I’ll admit that I felt some degree of constraint lifted, too. Though perhaps she was only concerned that we get along, and didn’t want anything said or meant which would offend anyone. I now accept her decision not to marry Reg, but I do hope she thinks carefully about marrying Isaac. There are so many differences between his family and beliefs than ours, that I think it will be difficult for them – and for us – to reconcile them in marriage. It’s funny, but I never thought it would be Len causing us these problems – she’s always been so utterly reliable!

At least Con hasn’t given us such heartache by falling in love with anyone unsuitable – or anyone at all, if it comes to that. Too busy with her books, I daresay, to think of real people. I really must make an effort to introduce her to some new people at the Platz, or to take her down to Interlaken more frequently. Anyway, Con hasn’t decided what she wants to do – she’d thought she would be a journalist, but her tutor has persuaded her that journalism – although a way of making a living – would not suit Con at all, and was trying to persuade her to return to Oxford to study for a DLitt. Obviously we’ll keep her at home as long as she wants to stay, but if she decides to return to Oxford, she’ll go with our blessing.

That’s all for now, dear, so all my love to you and Dick and the children – and grandchildren! Please give Len a kiss from me, and my love.

Your fond,
Jo

Author:  Clare [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 11:57 am ]
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*Winces*

Ooh, Joey! I hardly know what to write! At least she has an inkling that her worldview is narrow, but honestly. "Likes the sound of his own voice" pots and kettles? And what was she doing if not talking shop? She certainly cannot criticise Jack! Poor Jack - comes home after a bad day and can't really talk about it if he has a fellow doctor present, but he has to sit and listen to endless stories about kids he doesn't know.

"...Only relaxing after the Mendels had left. I’ll admit that I felt some degree of constraint lifted, too." Hmm. At least she acknowledges nerves there and Len wanting everything to go well.

Feel sorry for Len, wonder what Joey will write to her, and if Molly will show her the letter or at least hint at her mother's feelings before Len goes home.

Author:  Clare [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 11:58 am ]
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*Winces*

Ooh, Joey! I hardly know what to write! At least she has an inkling that her worldview is narrow, but honestly. "Likes the sound of his own voice" pots and kettles? And what was she doing if not talking shop? She certainly cannot criticise Jack! Poor Jack - comes home after a bad day and can't really talk about it if he has a fellow doctor present, but he has to sit and listen to endless stories about kids he doesn't know.

"...Only relaxing after the Mendels had left. I’ll admit that I felt some degree of constraint lifted, too." Hmm. At least she acknowledges nerves there and Len wanting everything to go well.

Feel sorry for Len, wonder what Joey will write to her, and if Molly will show her the letter or at least hint at her mother's feelings before Len goes home.

sorry - was posting on the school comp which is a bit pants so that's why the post has doubled up. Apologies!

Author:  Mona [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 12:24 pm ]
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What an interesting contrast in views of the meeting. I do hope Jo comes to realise that she must bear some of the responsibility for it being stained.

Author:  Caroline [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 12:44 pm ]
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I think that's a really interesting letter, Emma, in the way it makes something clear that I've been feeling for a while, and not really known how to express - that is that the Maynards aren't the only ones at fault here.

I think it was Dr Mendel's letter that first made me think - hang on a minute, Joey and Jack might be parochial and out of touch, but blimey, you come over as a bit of an intellectual snob here - looking down on Jack for his medical career - "he might be all right if only he can adapt to the modern world" - and looking down on Joey for being a silly, insular woman. That does come over as superior and and maybe just a touch arrogant, IMO, and wasn't very kind or welcoming of them, either - Joey and Jack effectively being strangers in a strange land, after so many years overseas.

Obviously, I know that Jo is in the wrong in heaps of ways (particularly and disastrously about Isaac himself), but it's interesting that she also felt looked down on by the Mendel parents.

Maybe they also need to learn that there are all kinds of people out there and not everyone is a bohemian London-centric intellectual... Maybe they are also a little narrow in their outlook - just in a completely different way from Joey?

Author:  ibarhis [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 12:59 pm ]
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Interesting that most of the letters we have seen are between the women of the families. Is that because 'chaps' don't write letters of that kind? I would love to see Jack's take on things.

I do hope, by the way, that Jo takes up her implicit challenge to herself and starts reading history for pleasure. She might remember the need to argue from cause to effect etc.

If they move from the Platz to somewhere bigger, she might even think of doing some classes/courses.

At the very least, all those intelligent former teachers could start a decent book club!

Author:  JS [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 1:07 pm ]
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Interested to see it from Joey's perspective and feeling a little sorry for her, actually. Hope Len doesn't see the letter by mistake at the Quadrant!
Thanks Emma.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 1:37 pm ]
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It's so interesting to see this situation from both mothers' point of view, and both their letters raise interesting points. I really appreciate the lively discussion which the rest of you are adding, and regretting that I only have the time to read the posts, but not to join in. It really *is* lack of time, not lack of interest which is my enemy here :oops: :) :)

Thanks, Emma - I'm looking forward to more of this when you have time.

Author:  Liz K [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 3:26 pm ]
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[quote="JS"]Hope Len doesn't see the letter by mistake at the Quadrant!/quote]

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

Ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I wonder, what if................................................

:evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted:

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 4:55 pm ]
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The differing perspective are interesting, both mother's are fighting their own corner, without understanding the others perspective.

Hope it stirs Jo to further study, if they are moving to a big city she could do some university courses. Jack is going to have to do some updating courses so they could study together. Hope Jem and Madge can help them think about the need to get up to date.

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 5:59 pm ]
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Jo does come across rather sad really, at least she has recognised that perhaps she was rather out of her depth - and hopefully she will try to rectify that with regard to her history at least. But her behaviour toward Isaac was extremely rude - and objecting to the two of them holding hands is somewhat ridiculous - they are both over 21 and were hardly fainting into each other's arms - unlike her and Jack in Exile. The comment about the Mendels being too superior just comes across as jealousy really - and what is more natural than two doctors talking shop?


I appreciate Caroline's comment about the Mendels being superior and arrogant - but really that's how Jack and Joey would come across in their own sphere - and at least both Dr Mendel and Isaac tried to make conversation. Just how either of them was expected to be intewrested in the School I don't know. Actually I wonder just how interested Len and Con were - it's three years sine they left.


Thanks Emma, very thought provoking.

Author:  Abi [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 6:25 pm ]
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I hope this does inspire Joey to broaden her interests, but that last paragraph worried me a little. Joey sounded as though she was turning to Con as a sort of replacement for Len - talking as if she'll be living on the Platz for ever; she has the First Len was supposed to get (to Joey's mind). I hope she isn't going to be used as a security blanket for Joey to stay the way she was.

That was a fascinating letter, Emma, thank you.

Author:  JayB [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:52 pm ]
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Quote:
Too busy with her books, I daresay, to think of real people.

Jo is being quite a cat here, isn't she!

Quote:
I really must make an effort to introduce her to some new people at the Platz, or to take her down to Interlaken more frequently.


Really Jo! Con is well over 21, she doesn't need to be 'taken' anywhere.

Any chance of hearing Con's perspective on all this? :D :D :D

Author:  KatS [ Mon Sep 29, 2008 10:45 pm ]
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Jo is writing to Mollie, here, isn't she? Who is almost like a sister to her, so I think if she really has problems accepting Isaac (and I can see why she would, I don't suppose any parents would be thrilled about their daughter ditching a man they more or less looked on as a son and promptly getting engaged to someone of a completely different faith and background - even if that's not a fair description of the situation, I'm sure that's how Jo and Jack see it), Mollie is the person, after Madge, who she would voice them to. And she has said that she accepts Len's decision not to marry Reg, which is a good sign. In general, I thought everything was very positive: being impressed by Stacie in a very nice way, supporting Con in her academic career (and I think the mother's instinct to take her daughter around has to be forgiven, she wasn't planning anything outrageous), realizing she should study more history, recognizing she was out of her depth, being so proud of her daughters and the other Chalet girls... The only bad things were the cattiness about Dr. Mendel and of course the disparaging remarks about Isaac, which were to be expected, I think.

Author:  Elbee [ Tue Sep 30, 2008 7:53 am ]
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KatS wrote:
I don't suppose any parents would be thrilled about their daughter ditching a man they more or less looked on as a son and promptly getting engaged to someone of a completely different faith and background - even if that's not a fair description of the situation, I'm sure that's how Jo and Jack see it.

I agree, I'm beginning to even feel a little sorry for Joey here, she hasn't had that long to get used to the idea since Helena sprung it on her out of the blue. At least she has accepted that Helena won't marry Reg, hopefully she just needs more time to get used to the next step.

I think Caroline has a good point too, that maybe the Mendels came across as a bit arrogant. However, that doesn't excuse Joey's total lack of interest in trying to talk to Isaac or his parents, and of trying to find some common ground. Nor the fact that she wouldn't even start trying to accept him, finding immediate fault with his height and hair!

I do hope for her sake that Con decides to listen to her tutor and stay in Oxford!

Thanks Emma, very thought provoking!

Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Sep 30, 2008 8:04 am ]
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I think it was the comment about Stacie that really summed up Jo for me
Quote:
It gave me something of a shock to see her dressed in her academic robes (very natty they are, too, scarlet with grey sleeves), looking so at home – as though it was her natural milieu. I know she has the DLitt and is a Fellow of the college, and is invited to lecture at Yale University – but I find it hard to remember, sometimes.

It's as if Jo can't appreciate anything about Stacie unless it relates directly to her (Oxford is her natural milieu for heaven's sake) and I think this is how she assesses people generally. It's almost a failure of imagination and certainly a lack of empathy.
Thank you Emma.

Author:  JennieP [ Tue Sep 30, 2008 8:32 am ]
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Precisely, Cath - Stacie has been at or around Oxford for far more than the 3 years she spent at the school, so of course she feels like it's her natural milieu. It's just Joey who can't get a grasp on the fact that there is a world outside the pre-war time-warp Platz.
I came across an introduction to Stalky and Co recently which commented on it being unusual among school stories in viewing school as a preparation for life, rather than viewing life after school as a consolation prize (my paraphrase). While EBD seems to pay lip service to the 'preparation for life' aim, I think this drabble shows that when the consequences of what she sets up are played out, life actually stops on leaving the school unless you can remain attached in some way. (Like dear Joey)

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Sep 30, 2008 8:36 am ]
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Cath V-P wrote:
I think it was the comment about Stacie that really summed up Jo for me
Quote:
It gave me something of a shock to see her dressed in her academic robes (very natty they are, too, scarlet with grey sleeves), looking so at home – as though it was her natural milieu. I know she has the DLitt and is a Fellow of the college, and is invited to lecture at Yale University – but I find it hard to remember, sometimes.

It's as if Jo can't appreciate anything about Stacie unless it relates directly to her (Oxford is her natural milieu for heaven's sake) and I think this is how she assesses people generally. It's almost a failure of imagination and certainly a lack of empathy.
Thank you Emma.


I can understand it to a degree, you don't tend to see people as their jobs, but as the friend or family person they are. For Joey, Stacie is one of her oldest friends whom she she knows as a friend and she may know in her head she's lectures at Uni etc but actually seeing it and what it entails can be a very different thing.

Quote:
and with red hair – which I’ve never really liked on a man.

All I could think of with this comment was poor Mike and Geoff, both of whom have red hair

Am finding the comments very interesting and can see that maybe both mothers have issues with the other set of parents except Isaac's mother seems more accepting of Len.

Thanks, really enjoying the updates

Author:  Caroline [ Tue Sep 30, 2008 10:44 am ]
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Lesley wrote:
I appreciate Caroline's comment about the Mendels being superior and arrogant - but really that's how Jack and Joey would come across in their own sphere - and at least both Dr Mendel and Isaac tried to make conversation. Just how either of them was expected to be interested in the School I don't know. Actually I wonder just how interested Len and Con were - it's three years since they left.


Oh, I quite agree, Lesley.

But then (on the latter point) I think of every time I go home (maybe four or five times a year) and my mother still gives me chapter and verse about the doings of some of the girls I was at school with - their mothers are my mothers best chums - and I haven't met any of those girls for probably 15 years. It's just a thing mothers do, isn't it?

I actually agree with KatS when she wrote:

Quote:
In general, I thought everything was very positive: being impressed by Stacie in a very nice way, supporting Con in her academic career (and I think the mother's instinct to take her daughter around has to be forgiven, she wasn't planning anything outrageous), realizing she should study more history, recognizing she was out of her depth, being so proud of her daughters and the other Chalet girls...


Particularly I liked the bit about Con - she will go back to Oxford with our blessing etc.

Of course, still remains Jo's block about Isaac himself. Maybe she needs to get to know him as an individual rather than (a) a member of the Mendel family and (b) a symbol - the person who ruined Reg's happily-ever-after.

Author:  Ela [ Tue Sep 30, 2008 5:45 pm ]
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Thanks for all the comments - it's really interesting how you see this series of letters. I have a couple more written at present, so here's the next one...

Mr Isaac Mendel to the Hon. Lewis de Guesclin

Denning Road
Hampstead
London
3rd July 196-

Dear Lew,

Well, I’m now done with Oxford, and have returned home for a while before I start in Chambers. I’m really not entirely sure what I’m going to do for the summer, apart from reading, and our climbing trip at the end of this month. You went on some sort of rambling journey round Europe, if I remember rightly, before you started at the bank. Did you go to Switzerland, ever? The Bernese Oberland? I ask because Helena’s family live there – on a shelf called the Gornetz Platz above Thun. I’ll try to make this letter not all about her, since you’ve already voiced your opinions of my sentimentality, but I’d like to hear what you thought of it, if you visited, to combine with what Helena’s told me of the place.

How are you enjoying your stint in Frankfurt so far? It seems strange for you to have moved out there only a month ago – I guess you’ve found a flat – and how is your German coming along? Considering Dad was born and brought up in Austria, none of us speak any German, which I’m beginning to regret. Perhaps he can give me a crash course this vac (if he’s around at all) so that I don’t disgrace the Mendel name (or Helena) when I go out there. Of course, that’s assuming that I don’t get forbidden the house, which given the reception on Thursday seems possible. Helena and I had the bright idea of having our parents meet each other and us, and it didn’t go too well. Dad barely opened his mouth, which probably means that his mind was completely elsewhere (probably thinking about some judgment he has to make in court on Monday), and Mum talked medical shop with Helena’s father. It was only afterwards that I suddenly thought of all the subjects I should have brought up that would have got them interested in each other. Perhaps I was too rattled to think straight (which doesn’t bode well for my future career, does it? Must try harder), or paralysed by embarrassment.

Still, I don’t think the Maynards would go to the extreme of banning my presence (though I won’t be visiting this vac): they don’t seem like unpleasant or dislikeable people. Dr Maynard (Helena’s father) is tall and fair, very Catholic, and a dedicated doctor. He seems more open to the idea of me marrying his daughter, and Helena was encouraged by his parting words on Thursday evening, though he is concerned about the difference in faiths. Mrs Maynard is tall and slim, quite noticeably younger than Mum – she can be only in her early forties, if that – with long black hair in a bun at the back of the neck, and very dark eyes. She was quite quiet, talking mostly to her daughters (Constance graduated on the same day as Helena and me), and I think perhaps she was intimidated by my parents. Mum can be rather brusque and Dad is often absent-minded (only outside of the courtroom), and they probably didn’t mean to be unwelcoming, but were. I don’t think it helped that they’re almost a generation older than Helena’s parents, and might see them as youngsters. Perhaps I’ll ask Mum directly when I next see her.

With two such disparate-looking parents, it’s perhaps not a surprise that Helena has turned out like neither: her triplet sister Constance looks like their mother, and Helena tells me that Margot (the other triplet, who’s studying at Edinburgh) is very like their father, in temperament if not in looks. I’ve not met any of the rest of the family apart from Con, but there are NINE of them! I only hope I can remember all their names when I finally meet them! Stephen, who’s the next eldest after the triplets, plans to study at Imperial College (he wants to get into the oil industry by reading geophysics), so I hope we can get to know each other in October.

Anyway, you’ll be pleased (annoyed?) to hear that I got a First – which surprised and pleased the parents, though they tried not to show it. I really enjoyed my three years at Oxford (leaving aside meeting and falling in love with Helena), and it’s hard to believe it’s suddenly all over, and I have to join the real world shortly. I’m giving advance notice that I shall want some advice about work when I see you next, so put that powerful brain to work and consider what you can tell me.

It’s very quiet here. Dad is working in his study, and Mum came back from a long shift at the hospital this morning and is asleep. I wandered on the Heath this morning after breakfast, and looked across London, shrouded by mist. The mist burned off later, and it was one of those hot, hazy days just perfect for sitting in a deck chair in the garden with a good book and a glass of lemonade. So I did all that, though I chose for my book one called Swords Crossed – not normally my thing, but it was the only one in stock at the library by Josephine M. Bettany (Mrs Maynard’s nom-de-plume). I thought I ought to at least read some of her books. It’s not bad at all, clearly written for kids, but a nice style, plenty of plot and characterization, and engaging. I’ll ask Helena to recommend some of the others. That was fairly quickly read, so I started a monumental tome called Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand (I’d read The Fountainhead a couple of years ago and liked it), which should keep me occupied for a while.

Do let me know when you land in London: there will be no problem with you staying here if you’d like to land the day before we travel. The sleeper is booked for us both to Fort William on the 27th: Keith will meet us there, and we’ll travel on to Skye from Mallaig. I’m looking forward to the trip, and hope the weather isn’t too damp.

So that’s all from me for now – do write and let me know when to expect you.

Sincerely,
Isaac

Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Sep 30, 2008 5:56 pm ]
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Isaac's view of the meeting is very balanced. He sees problems from both sides.

Author:  Abi [ Tue Sep 30, 2008 7:28 pm ]
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Isaac is scarily sensible for such a young man! I love the way he can see both sides of the issue and I'm really glad he seemed to understand the Maynards - he might be able to help pave the way to a better understanding between the two sets of parents.

I also loved the fact that he tried a Josephine M. Bettany - and thought it not so very bad!

Thanks Emma, I'm really enjoying this.

Author:  Lesley [ Tue Sep 30, 2008 9:35 pm ]
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I think Helena has picked a really good man here - and how telling that his opinion should be the most balanced of all.


Thanks Emma.

Author:  Caroline [ Wed Oct 01, 2008 7:14 am ]
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Bless Isaac - that was lovely! And thank you, Emma.

I really liked the way he saw that he and Helena (dear me, I can't remember not to call her Len) could have smoothed the meeting a bit more, but that they were as nonplussed by it as both sets of parents were. I'm hoping he does talk to his mother (in letter form, natch!!) about the Maynards.

And that was a really interesting point about Joey and Jack being a generation younger than the Mendels - I hadn't thought of that, but it's true - Joey can only be 42ish at this point, and Jack may just still be on the right side of 50 (depending on what you think his age is!!).

Author:  ibarhis [ Wed Oct 01, 2008 8:59 am ]
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Well, I have no idea who the Hon is in relation to anyone or anything, but this is the first time that Jo's maiden name has been mentioned so if there is any connection between the Goldmanns or anyone else and a young Joey then it can begin to emerge from here!

Author:  JS [ Wed Oct 01, 2008 9:25 am ]
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Seems a nice chap - and Joey has changed her hair! Interesting that Margot is described by Helena as being like her father - what is 'devil' in Margot is rage and general crossness in Jack, I guess.

Author:  Mona [ Wed Oct 01, 2008 11:23 am ]
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What a lovely letter from Isaac. Wonderful that he sees the problems at the meeting in such a balanced way.

Thank you! (and keep them coming please) :wink:

Author:  Billie [ Wed Oct 01, 2008 3:20 pm ]
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That was a lovely letter from Isaac. I'm glad he could see past the awkwardness - he's a very understanding chap. More please!

Author:  Becky [ Wed Oct 01, 2008 3:22 pm ]
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I'm really enjoying all the letters Emma, thanks :D

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Wed Oct 01, 2008 4:26 pm ]
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That was a lovely, and really objective letter from Isaac and a pleasure to read - he really does have a very balanced view of everything. All bodes well for his future as a barrister, as well as for his and Helena's future together.

Thanks, Emma

Author:  Vick [ Wed Oct 01, 2008 9:27 pm ]
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Just caught up on the last few of these. Interesting to see the different perspectives of how the meeting went.

Thanks Emma, looking forward to more... :D

Author:  snowmaiden [ Fri Oct 03, 2008 8:46 am ]
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Two more very interesting letters - really enjoying this, Emma, thanks :D

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Oct 03, 2008 9:05 am ]
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Isaac seems really lovely, thanks Emma

Author:  Lisa_T [ Thu Oct 09, 2008 11:59 pm ]
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..which is odd, isn't it, when empathy is supposedly Jo's signature characteristic?

I was thinking about the whole issue of marriage and confinement for both Joey and Madge.The same thing happens there. A bright, dynamic woman marries, becomes a mother, and fades into a shadow of her former self. Granted, this is less noticeable with Jo because EBD writes from the CS perspective and in any case, for her Joey can do no wrong. I think a lot of it is to do with childbearing. Let's not forget that there are *still* some men who believe pregnant women are made of glass; that was even more the case for women of the Bettanys' class and era. Add to that Joey's history of ill health and her (admittedly implausible) proclivity for multiple pregnancies, and it's not surprising that she became as coccooned and as constricted as she did. In addition,

I think it's easy for us to forget just very easy it was to become isolated in remote/rural locations - in fact, my uncle and his wife live in a very rural area and in many ways their world view is like Joey's: narrow and parochial, overly concerned with the doings of their own tiny locality and neighbourhood. Similarly, for me at boarding school in the 90s before the internet became pervasive - our lives were very much school based and centred, much more so than for people who go to day school. So.... given all that, I think Joey would have felt acutely uncomfortable at Len and Con's graduation. Nor do I see her comment re Con and books being one of spite - there is some truth in it. People who are absorbed in their books and can live 'inside their heads' are often very self-sufficient, and I think Joey was to some extent acknowledging that rather than denigrating it.

Author:  Jennie [ Fri Oct 10, 2008 2:35 pm ]
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I'm about to start whinging for more of this.

Author:  JellySheep [ Fri Oct 10, 2008 4:22 pm ]
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So am I! How can we entice you?

Author:  Ela [ Fri Oct 10, 2008 4:44 pm ]
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Dr John Maynard to Dr Francis Peters

Llan-y-penllan
3rd July 196-

Dear Frank,

I think this is going to be a long letter, so I’ll apologise now and add that we’ll discuss everything San-related when I return to the Platz on the 13th of this month. How are you and Phoebe and Lucy? Fit and flourishing, I hope.

We had a good flight over to England last weekend, apart from the landing, when Jo turned her ankle jumping down to the ground. It wasn’t a bad turn, though I made her sit with it up when we got to the hotel: you know that if I hadn’t insisted, she’d have attempted to walk around London, sight-seeing, and have damaged it further. London is a more cheerful place than when I last saw it, with re-building going ahead and some of those blitzed areas now completely new, and rationing over. Prosperity seems to have returned to the old place, which is good to see. It used to be such a shock on coming from Switzerland: now the differences are less marked.

We went up to Oxford on Thursday for Helena and Con’s graduation, and to meet the Mendels – parents and son. I don’t mind admitting that my heart was full of love and pride to see my two girls go up to receive their degrees, in full panoply of academic dress. Definitely a moment to treasure. I wasn’t entirely surprised to learn that Helena got the Second and Con the First – Con has always been more single-minded and intensely interested in her subject: Helena’s interests are more widely scattered, and I can imagine that she found out lots of things that weren’t of any relevance at all to her degree! And of course, falling in love is not conducive to hard work.

Though part of me still wishes she had not fallen out of love with Reg – I hope he’s looking better than when we left – I have to admit that seeing her with Isaac Mendel did not seem so crashing an anomaly as I had expected. He’s certainly not handsome, but finely-drawn, with red hair like a fox’s, and when he looks at Helena, it’s obvious that he’s in love with her: something in the expression softens. He’s a chatty chap, ready with any amount of inconsequent verbiage, which I might have found more amusing if I knew him better: both Jo and I were rather nervous about how the meeting would go, and less inclined to be indulgent. Dr Mendel, Isaac’s mother, is an interesting woman – very strong-minded and opinionated, but fiercely intelligent, and dedicated to her sick children – she and I had an interesting chat about the new National Health Service (well, not so new, now), and the treatment of asthma and other pulmonary disorders. I’m not entirely sure I would like to have her at the San, but that’s just due to a difference in personality, I think.

Her husband was very quiet, speaking very little, but I think Jo overwhelmed him with talk about the Chalet School and perhaps he isn’t the conversational type. I can’t say I blame him for not being interested in the doings of the Platz, but he could have talked about something, surely?

I’m a little happier about the situation now than I was: having met Isaac I can see that neither of them are taking their relationship lightly, and are very much in earnest. I only hope that they can sort out some way to live that will allow them to reconcile both faiths without compromising so much that neither is served. Helena was quick to reassure me that she has no intention of giving up her faith for Isaac’s, but equally, one can’t ask him to give up his. We shall see what time brings, anyway, since they aren’t planning to marry for some years (which I think Helena is much happier about – she was feeling rather overwhelmed by the thought of being “trapped” – the word she used – in marriage with Reg, who would never allow her to be herself). She says she’s looking forward to teaching and can’t wait to start! Well, rather she than me, in that respect.

As for the San, well, Jem and I had a long talk this morning about the Gornetz San. We’d gone to the Welsh San first thing this morning to have a look round: Jem has been very canny in moving the ethos of the place towards teaching, and he’s been wondering if he should subsume it into the National Health Service as a general teaching hospital. He was keen to learn what you all thought about the possible changes, and listened to your views – glad you recommended that I get everyone to write everything down, since if I’d just been in conversation I’m sure I would have forgotten lots of things.

We’ve not come to a definite decision, but it seems likely that the best option is to close down the Gornetz San. TB is on the wane, and although we had begun to offer other care facilities and specialisms, being located in such an out-of-the way place is not helping. And so few people nowadays can afford to come out to Switzerland for their treatment. I know it’s a blow, for so many of us have spent a long time there, but Jem thinks that all the San staff (the medical and admin staff, anyway) can be accommodated within the Welsh San – though this may depend on negotiations with the NHS – and he’s particularly keen to expand on your rheumatic and Graves’ obstetric groups. There was also the possibility to move the San within Switzerland, to some less isolated place, but we’ve decided that it isn’t really a practical option: to keep it a private hospital would require wealthy patients (not guaranteed, and against the wishes of most of us), or to be incorporated into a Swiss system, which Jem and I aren’t willing to do.

He and I will have some further discussions, and talk to local hospitals hereabouts, to see what the pros and cons would be of becoming an NHS hospital, and I will hopefully have enough information to discuss with you all when I return home.

Jem’s hoping that someone might want to develop the Platz as a winter sports centre, since Madge is also thinking of moving the school, though probably not out of Switzerland. I think it would be ideal, but a lot depends on being able to sell without losing a fortune on the land and buildings. There’s a lot to find out and discuss, as you can imagine. Still, I’m rather looking forward to going back to England (well, Wales), and being not so far from the boys, and picking up the threads with friends and colleagues again.

This will hopefully reach you before I return, so do feel free to chat to the other staff about the proposed changes.

Best wishes to the family, and regards to everyone else.

Sincerely,
Jack

Author:  Mona [ Fri Oct 10, 2008 5:10 pm ]
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What a lovely letter from Jack! Good to see him generally more positive and accepting about Helena and Isaac. Thank you!

Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Oct 10, 2008 7:47 pm ]
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That was a balanced letter from Jack. He is certainly open to change. Pleased he wants to be nearer the boys as well.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Fri Oct 10, 2008 8:22 pm ]
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A very nicely balanced letter from Jack - shows he is willing to look to future changes both within his family and at the San. Clearly he is impressed by Isaac, which is definitely all to the good, and while he regrets the break up with Reg, can see how happy Helena is with Isaac.

Equally clearly, he can see the logic behind Jem's suggestions about the future of the San and why closing the Swiss branch may be inevitable. At the same time, he can explain just why and how things will change - the reassurance that the Swiss staff can probably all be employed back in Wales is also valuable. Of course, some may not want that move, but I think we can trust Jack to reach satisfactory agreements with each one of them.

Thanks, Emma.

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Oct 10, 2008 8:50 pm ]
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That was a great letter from Jack, in all respects.

But I do feel sorry for Isaac's dad, having to listen to all Joey's stories about the Chalet School :lol: :lol: - the poor man! Can't wait to hear what Isaac and his parents made of Jack and Joey!

Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri Oct 10, 2008 10:56 pm ]
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Jack does have a clear grasp of the situation, and he evidently knows his daughters rather better than at first appears. His reservations about Isaac are clear, but he does accept that he and Len are in love, and like any caring father he wants his daughter's happiness. It's to his credit that he is willing to try and accept that Len must find her own way in life.

Fascinating comments re the San and the future developments there.

Thank you Emma.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Oct 11, 2008 12:50 am ]
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I thought Jack was lovely and can understand his concerns. He certainly is more self aware than Joey in how he felt about Isaac and Len and why and didn't hold it against him which was great

Author:  Liz K [ Sat Oct 11, 2008 6:48 am ]
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Ela wrote:
Dr John Maynard to Dr Francis Peters

Still, I’m rather looking forward to going back to England (well, Wales), and being not so far from the boys, and picking up the threads with friends and colleagues again.


I wonder what Joey will say to that!

Author:  JS [ Sat Oct 11, 2008 1:23 pm ]
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I like his balanced comments about the Mendels - and particularly that he wouldn't think Dr Mendel would fit in at the san. I felt he was less dismissive of her than she was of him.

Thanks Emma.

Author:  Luisa [ Sat Oct 11, 2008 7:44 pm ]
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I loved this letter - at last someone has remembered the Maynard sons. They always seemed like after-thoughts to me. And Jack was concerned with the views of everyone he was writing to and about - a far cry from Jo's self-centredness. Now if Isaac's father takes the same line there may be hope for all....

Author:  Jennie [ Sun Oct 12, 2008 12:31 pm ]
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Thanks, Emma.

Author:  JustJen [ Sun Oct 12, 2008 2:32 pm ]
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Thanks for the updates Emma.

Author:  Lesley [ Sun Oct 12, 2008 8:16 pm ]
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Very very interesting piont of view. Quite telling that Jack was able to recognise that Con was more likely to get a First, and i like his comments about Isaac - he clearly recognised that he and Len are in love.

Wonder what Joey will feel about moving back to GB? And not being close to the School - will she instead want to transfer her attention to Glendower House?


Thanks Emma.

Author:  Tara [ Sun Oct 12, 2008 11:07 pm ]
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What a splendid letter, and how open to new ideas Jack sounds. I was really pleased he was thinking about the boys, too. I wonder what poor Joey will make of it all. Apart from being terrified of Isaac's mother, Jack seems positive about the relationship, too, though clearly still feeling sympathy for Reg. And he does seem to understand Len's feelings of trapped-ness.

Thanks, Emma.

Author:  Emma A [ Mon Oct 13, 2008 10:32 am ]
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Mlle Odette Mercier to Miss Constance Maynard

Hopital de Notre Dame de Rochers Noirs
Dessy-le-Volansge
July 3rd

My dear Con,

I am so sorry that I have let your letter lie for so long without reply, but truly it has been very difficult. My dearest Maman died on June 6th, and it has been a veritable desert and Hell since then. I knew that she had been ill for many years – indeed, though I had not known it, since I was first sent away to the Chalet School – though it was only in the last stages of her illness that she would have the doctors tell me how little time she had left on this earth. I had almost no time to become accustomed to the idea of our separation, for suddenly she was gone, like a candle flame snuffed out. You will say, perhaps, that I have been lucky that she was able to stay with me for so long, but it is very far from what I feel. I feel so bereft, still, and the grief weighs me heavily.

We had come to this sanatorium in the Vosges not long after you wrote, and I meant to write, to let you know the address, but I was so worried about Maman that I had no time to spare, and I did not wish to concern you during your important examinations. I was ill after she died, they tell me, for I do not remember any of it, and it is only in the last few days that I have come to my senses and remember things about my life outside these stone walls. The Sisters are all that is good and gentle, and have not pressed me to leave, though I know I will have to depart soon. I do not wish it, since here holds the last memory of dearest Maman, and I am loath to leave her.

Mme de Bersac has interested herself in our affairs, and urges me to return home and pick up the threads of my old life. But I shrink from that. I cannot bear the thought of going into our house which has held so many happy memories, and find it cold and lifeless. You are so lucky, Con, in having so many brothers and sisters, and your parents and family. Me, I have no-one, now, and I am so lonely.

Later –

I had to break off there, for Soeur Dominique came to me then to bring me to the Mother. It is not a convent, you see, but the Sisters run the hospital with the aid of lay nurses and doctors. She talked to me kindly and briskly, like Miss Annersley would have done, made me feel a little ashamed of myself. I will write to M. Lefebvre, who I know arranged Maman’s will and business affairs, in order to find out what I may do. I will write to you with details of where you can correspond with me.

I hope I have written to the right address – when do you return to Switzerland? I hope you are well and that your examinations went well. Do let me know your news.

With love from your
Odette

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Oct 13, 2008 10:44 am ]
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Poor Odette - though she does still come across as a wet rag here! Pleased the Mother Superior was able to talk some sense into her and hope Con can reply soon.


Thanks Emma.


(Edited to add the word 'poor' before Odette - for some reason it hadn't appeared before.)

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Oct 13, 2008 11:54 am ]
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Poor Odette - but, as Lesley says, she does still sound like a wet rag. Maybe coming to visit Con might help?

Author:  MaryR [ Mon Oct 13, 2008 12:14 pm ]
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I don't see her as a wet rag at all. It's less than a month since the death, and she's grieving badly. After all, her maman was the only family she had. Con is so sensitive, I'm sure she will have unbounded sympathy.

Thanks, Emma.

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:06 pm ]
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Odette, not a wet rag, but a deeply griefing young woman. her mother did her no favour by protecting her from the seriousness of her illness. They had been every thing to each other until she sent Odette to the Chalet School. It is not suprising that her mother's death just after she had been told how ill she was caused her to breakdown. Glad she has Simone and Con to help her.

Odette had the strength not to tell Con before her exams, when Con was the person who could have helped her, that shows she is stronger than she was at school.

Author:  Emma A [ Tue Oct 14, 2008 11:50 am ]
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I did consider posting this enormously long letter in two parts, but decided against it. :D

Miss Theodora Grantley to Miss Helena Maynard

British Museum
London
4th July 196-

Dear Helena,

Congratulations on your results – I ripped open your letter and read it, and then danced a jig around my room, paying no attention to Roman Law, which is what I had been revising, in celebration. Do let Con know that some of the congratulations are for her, too. I’m so proud of you both. And I’m sorry I didn’t write straight away, though you know why I did not, and why I can write now. Exams are over, thank goodness – the last paper was on Friday – but I won’t find out my results for a couple of weeks. You’re right, when the motor of classes and study stops, one can only feel a great relief and sleep all the hours one has missed in revision, and find that one’s purpose has suddenly gone. I need to find another, now that I’m no longer studying, and to start that as soon as I can.

Oh, please give my best wishes to Isaac, too, and congratulations. I look forward to meeting him soon. Mention of Isaac brings me to your query about kissing. When I last wrote to you, all Lucas and I had done was kissing of the chaste variety you mention: but I think we both knew we wanted more than that, were sure that there was more – then of course, we were circumspect and unsure of ourselves; now, things are different. (We want to keep going together for a while yet, until we’re really sure that we both want marriage, or something else. I’m not sure how kindly any chambers would look on taking on an engaged woman, anyway, and I won’t be like – Julie Lucy, wasn’t it? – and give up my plans without a fight.) Obviously I don’t know how it felt for you, but when Lucas and I kiss it almost hurts to stop.

Lucas, Max, Amanda, Julian and Gus and I went out on Friday night, after our last paper. We went to a nightclub that Gus knows, and danced and talked and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves – as a result, I was late back, and very late rising on Saturday morning. Lucas – who has digs not far away – and I walked for a long time in Hyde Park in the afternoon, and we watched the ducks, and the people sitting on the grass enjoying the sunshine, and I felt suffused by a glow of happiness to be there, free and unencumbered, and with Lucas. Every hour I spend in his company makes me like him more. We can talk about anything – and have seemed to, in these past couple of weeks. I’ve always liked that he finds lots to be interested in: he is like a flint, striking against my steel, producing sparks of ideas between us, and always wanting dialogue. Not in the sense of philosophical dialogues, where the purpose of the questions is to provoke the learned answer, but the debate of rational minds. I feel more intelligent in conversation with him.

I came here this morning after Matins to have some time to myself, and to look at some of the exhibits again. I come here often, staying only an hour or so, gradually making my way through the collections. It’s one of the places I want to introduce to you when you come to London, since I don’t think that if I came every day that I could see and appreciate all the items stored and studied here. It’s quite an extraordinary place.

Lucas’ mother, by the way, writes under the name 'Joan Frazer'. Frazer was her mother’s maiden name and Joan is her middle name, he tells me.

One of the reasons I left my reply until today was because your latest letter arrived yesterday, and I wanted some time to think about what you had written. Parents, I find, can be both very perceptive in some ways about their children, and yet very blind in others: Mother, for example, is wrong most of the time about me, but she did spot that I was unhappily in love when I thought I was hiding it very well. Admittedly, she wasn’t at all sympathetic, but at least the insight was there. Your parents seem to be intuitive about different things: your mother seems to have something of a blind spot when it comes to seeing changes that have happened to you and Con recently, but she is very sharp to spot other things. I hope this doesn’t sound impertinent, but perhaps, not having been to university herself, she didn’t realise how much it would change you: perhaps she looked on it like another version of the Chalet School, and expected you to be the same at Oxford as you were there. It’s only a suggestion.

Your meeting with the Mendels seems to have been rather constrained, but I suppose that was to be expected. Dr Mendel and your father were bound to have found something to talk about, I suppose, and two respected doctors can hopefully find things to agree about. I find it odd that your mother was merely polite: but when taken out of her usual context, she may have felt unsure of herself (particularly as the Mendels are several years older than your parents, and grandparents to boot – I think the generational difference may sometimes be difficult to surmount). Her impulse to talk mostly of the Platz suggests that she thinks it must be as important a subject to you as it is to her. Amanda is like that: whatever her current obsession is, whether it be rockabilly music, Gus, treason cases, the art of Monet or Scottish country dancing, is of such importance to her that she has to talk about it all the time. With Amanda, the obsessions are usually fleeting, if intense, and she is often interesting (though not when she had the crush on Gus, which I’ve previously written was very tedious).

Your parents will like Isaac, I’m sure: as his parents will like you. Surely none of them can dislike anyone who makes their child happy? (Well, my mother could, but she’s beside the point.) Your father’s comments definitely seem hopeful, don’t they, and I think he is right: if there is a way to be found, you will find it. I’m also fairly sure that there must be a way: I don’t like the thought that you wouldn’t be happy. Sorry, that’s not a very well-phrased sentence, but I hope you know what I mean.

Do you know that I had a very odd letter from school last week? It was odd not because I’m unused to receiving letters from school – Miss Annersley can always spare time to write in response to mine, usually asking her for advice – but because it was an official letter from her as Headmistress. Reading between the lines, it seems as though there are plans afoot to move or change the school in new ways, and so the staff (and Lady Russell, too, I think) are canvassing opinion from some of the Old Girls. I haven’t written back yet, mainly because I’m unsure what to say. I enjoyed my time at the Chalet School immensely, not solely because they gave me my chance, and yet I did find it a shock to go up to university from there. I don’t know how to phrase my thoughts without sounding critical of the school, and that’s the last thing I want to convey.

I don’t think the school needs to go to the extreme of co-education, though that seems to be quite fashionable nowadays. I think all-girls (or all-boys) schools work well, and if there are sensible attitudes inculcated in their pupils by such schools, then when they go on to leave, they will be sensible about meeting and making friends with members of the opposite sex. What I did find a shock was the sheer size of London – perhaps you in Oxford would have had less of a shock, and you had lived in Toronto for a while – and the lack of current awareness. Not that our civics lessons ignored current affairs, but there was a lot which wasn’t said, and no-one really asked us to look at a global view of things: it was all very didactic, I suppose: this is the system of government in Holland, this is how Swiss cantons work, that sort of thing. What I find interesting now, is seeing how the actions of other countries far away from England, affect us, and affect others even further away.

What surprised me most when I moved here, I think, were the clothes and hairstyles, the music – what people were actually thinking and doing. I love rock and roll and the blues – I guess everything that Mr Denny most hates! But I can also appreciate the Renaissance composers he so venerates – Byrd and Tallis and Monteverdi. (Which reminds me that I went to Eucharist at St Paul’s last weekend, and the choir sang the Byrd five-part mass, which was beautiful.) I think they can both co-exist happily.

Gosh, I have rambled on – sorry! I must pack up shortly and be out of here, since I’m meeting Amanda for tea – she’s leaving for deepest Dorset tomorrow morning and I shan’t see her for ages. Her uncle has taken her on – he’s a solicitor in Dorchester, and she’s quite pleased that she’ll be close enough to visit her parents, but far enough away that they won’t feel the urge to interfere too much (they live in a tiny place called Moreton – incidentally, it’s where T E Lawrence is buried). I hope she doesn’t find Dorchester too sleepy.

Cheerio for now – enjoy yourself in Devon – I’ll write to you next at Freudesheim, when I shall have received my results.

With love,
Teddy

Author:  Mona [ Tue Oct 14, 2008 11:55 am ]
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How perceptive Ted is. Thanks for a lovely long letter Emma!

Author:  dackel [ Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:24 pm ]
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Thanks, Emma, it's lovely seeing this from so many people's different points of view!

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:40 pm ]
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What a well-rounded person Ted has become - sensitive, full of insight and, what's more, able to both see and understand different points of view. I'm sure that she and Helena are going to enjoy living under the same roof again, too - they always had a great understanding of each others' needs when they were at school, and this is clearly carrying over into their adult life.

Thanks, Emma.

Author:  Karry [ Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:56 pm ]
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Quote:
Lucas’ mother, by the way, writes under the name 'Joan Frazer'. Frazer was her mother’s maiden name and Joan is her middle name, he tells me.
Hmm Joan Frazer! Would that be Little Jan?

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Oct 14, 2008 1:00 pm ]
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Ted's great, isn't she?

Author:  Emma A [ Tue Oct 14, 2008 1:24 pm ]
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Karry wrote:
Quote:
Lucas’ mother, by the way, writes under the name 'Joan Frazer'. Frazer was her mother’s maiden name and Joan is her middle name, he tells me.
Hmm Joan Frazer! Would that be Little Jan?

No, Lucas and the Blacks aren't related to anyone else in any fiction I've read (though I've always liked, and share, Liss's assumption that Bride Bettany's husband Simon was the son of Giles Carrington and Antonia Vereker from Heyer's Death in the Stocks). Who is Little Jan? Is this an Abbey reference?

Author:  JS [ Tue Oct 14, 2008 1:46 pm ]
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Very sensible letter from Teddy; nice to hear her views on the school (and on music and kissing!)

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Tue Oct 14, 2008 1:54 pm ]
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Yes, Little Jan - or Littlejan as she is more usually known, is indeed an Abbey reference, but so far as I remember, the family name is Fraser with an 's' not a 'z'.

In a nutshell, she is the daughter of Janice (McDonald) Fraser, real name Joan Fraser, but nicknamed Littlejan as an infant because of her resemblance to her mother. The original 'Abbey' connection is that Janice's mother died a few days before she was to marry Tony (Antony) Abinger, Joy Shirley's uncle. Janice, nevertheless became his heir. Had Tony himself died after his father, Sir Antony Abinger, Joy's grandfather, the Abbey saga might have been very different!

Author:  judithR [ Tue Oct 14, 2008 2:02 pm ]
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Little Jan is an Abbey character. She's aka Joan Fraser daugter of Janice MacDonald (?) who was a contemporary of Joan Shirley. Imported when the original Abbey girls were too old & their children too young to be heroines. She is the Marigold Queen & a "generic" Joey/OOAO but IMHO a pleasanter character. Marries young (hubby is sailor/radio-operator cum antarctic explorer seriously injured just before son's birth) & has a son in Two Queens.

I seem to remember reading in (perhaps) one of the post-war (WWII)books that she was named after Joan whilse Jansy was named after Janice but it's a very, very long time since I read the "contemporary" Abbey books.


:shock:

Author:  Lesley [ Tue Oct 14, 2008 2:23 pm ]
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That was a lovely letter from Teddy - she really does have a great deal of insight, doesn't she?


Thanks Emma.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Oct 14, 2008 8:01 pm ]
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Lovely and perceptive letter from Teddy . . . Ah, Moreton - and TE Lawrence's grave - and the Laurence Whistler windows in the church - probably only the first one or two were there at the time in which you are setting this?

Thanks Emma :D

Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Oct 14, 2008 10:00 pm ]
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Thanks for Ted's letter and her news.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Oct 15, 2008 7:15 am ]
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Twp things, poor Odette, I wish her mother had told her before she did that she was dying. It must have been a horrible shock and I loved the letter from Ted, very understanding.

Author:  Emma A [ Thu Oct 16, 2008 10:06 am ]
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Miss Helena Wilson to Miss Helena Maynard

Chalet School
Gornetz Platz
30th June 196-

My dear Helena,

I hope this letter finds you well, and relaxing in the Devon countryside after your exams and graduation. I am very proud of you, my dear, and congratulate you heartily on your results. Oxford seems to have suited you, and I’ll admit now that I was rather worried for you when you began your studies there. I have some of your old letters here in my room, and I was reading them in this small bit of spare time I have (you can imagine, with it being close to the end of term, how busy we’ve been lately), and I note how despondent you were at first: apprehensive and panicking that the work was beyond you and that your tutor didn’t like you, and such other problems. I hope that what I wrote to you then was helpful, and indeed I see that by the end of your first year you had settled down and were thoroughly enjoying student life. That was a relief to me. It had been becoming clear to me in those last terms of yours that you would benefit from breaking away from school and home and Platz, and should learn to think of yourself a little more.

I know that sounds odd, coming from me, always stressing the importance of thinking of others, and one’s responsibility under God. But you were always under someone’s eye, always responsible, always aware that younger girls (and your younger brothers and sisters) looked up to you. I don’t think you ever had a chance to be a child except when you were very young, since you were always “responsible Len” from an early age. I don’t mind admitting now that I was against your being appointed as a prefect so young (I do remember how your mother kicked against being Head Girl, but she was only appointed a term earlier than she expected, and was one of the oldest girls, at the time) – but others argued, and with some truth, that you would have been responsible even if you hadn’t been appointed, and therefore it would be just as well to use that responsibility in an official way. They were right, in that you were a good prefect, but I was right, too, in that you were forced to grow up too quickly.

I am also not surprised that, after your three years at university, that you have chosen not to marry Dr Entwistle. I have never regretted the teaching career for which I gave up the thought of marriage and children, and perhaps I am ill-qualified to speak on matters of the heart. But to have become engaged to a man without having experienced a wider life was risky for you both. I don’t doubt that both of you were in love, or what you thought was love, but it was inevitable that your feelings, at least, would undergo some change during your time apart. It may have been that your new friendships would demonstrate to you how deep and long-lasting your feeling for Reg was; or else you would discover that you did not love him enough for marriage. I would never have expected that you would feel the same after three years: if you had, I would have said that your degree was completely wasted effort! For Helena, you have made a hard decision wisely: to marry without love is a sin: you would have come to regret it, and Reg would have been miserable to feel that you had only married him out of “duty”. Far more dutiful to do as you have done, and acknowledge truthfully that you no longer feel the same way towards him as you did, or that he would want.

I am pleased that you are still planning to go ahead with your teaching: if you had decided against this, I would have been so disappointed, since it would be a real waste of your gifts. Not everyone can teach, so that others understand and are interested by the subject: you are one of those. Do let me know how you get on at St Catherine’s – it will at least give you an initial idea about how to teach, and hopefully give you some experience before you begin your diploma. Things are often easier to understand if you have seen them for yourself (as you’ll know from science experiments).

You may be interested to know that Wanda has been an excellent head girl this year – we were a little unsure, given Jack Lambert’s ability to lead her chums around by the nose, but Wanda rose to the challenge with dignity, and Jack was a great support. Jack has grown up quite nicely in the last two years: she’s still rather bossy, but more thoughtful than she was, and able to see and sympathise with other people’s feelings now. At one time I thought she would be one of our failures, after the way she treated Jane Carew, but all has turned out well. Jack is still planning to study engineering: I hope she manages at university, since her fellow-students are likely to be mostly men, and that can be difficult to deal with.

Auntie Hilda and I are planning to have some of our holiday in Cornwall this year, but may have sufficient time to call on you in London, if you’d like to see us. I gather that you’ll be living in digs with Ted Grantley – do give her my regards and best wishes when you see her next – what do you plan to do with the rest of your vacation after your stint at St Catherine’s (they must have a very long term)? We need to be back at the Platz in August since Lady Russell wants to discuss moving the school, and so may be spending a few days looking at suitable premises elsewhere in Switzerland. I’m rather looking forward to moving – something that surprises me a little, since I’ve been very content here – but I can see a myriad of possibilities.

With love and congratulations from your affectionate godmother,
Auntie Nell

Author:  Mona [ Thu Oct 16, 2008 10:36 am ]
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A wonderful letter from Nell, thanks Emma. I love that you made Wanda Head Girl rather than Jack!

Author:  abbeybufo [ Thu Oct 16, 2008 10:50 am ]
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Lovely letter from Nell

Thanks Emma :D

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Oct 16, 2008 10:54 am ]
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A lovely letter from Nell - and I'm so glad that you didn't make Jack Head Girl!!

Maybe Nell (and Hilda) will be able to talk some sense into Joey: she might listen to her/them.

Thanks Emma - loving this!

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Oct 16, 2008 11:55 am ]
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That was lovely - and must be such a relief for Helena to receive after the difficulties with Joey. Nell's very wise there. Also love that Jack didn't get Head Girl - I don't think she deserved it. nNce to see that the Heads were aware of the problems with Jack and Jane. Re her engineering course - I imagine Nell will be able to give Jack some advice there - imagine there were very few women on her Science course!


Thanks Emma.

Author:  ibarhis [ Thu Oct 16, 2008 11:59 am ]
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That was a great letter from Hilda. But I have to say, I always reckoned on Jack for games prefect so it didn't surprise me at all that she didn't make Head Girl.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu Oct 16, 2008 12:24 pm ]
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An extremely perceptive and supportive letter from Nell, which I'm sure that Helena will be both touched and delighted to receive. Interesting that she made no mention at all of Isaac - but I presume Helena's new relationship is not yet general knowledge outside her immediate family and friends, even to Hilda and Nell?

I'm another who was pleased to see that Wanda became Head Girl, rather than Jack, but also that Jack was such a help to her friend. It would indeed be interesting to see how she fares once she starts her engineering course at university - cue for a new drabble, anyone?

Thanks, Emma - I am continuing to enjoy this.

Author:  Elle [ Thu Oct 16, 2008 1:33 pm ]
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I think it is safe to say that we are all pleased that Jack wasn't made Head Girl! A lovely letter from Nell, I wish she was my Godmother!!! :oops: :oops: :oops:


Thanks Emma

Author:  JS [ Thu Oct 16, 2008 1:37 pm ]
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Thanks for this. Interesting that Nell didn't want Len as a prefect so early.

Author:  Carolyn P [ Thu Oct 16, 2008 6:24 pm ]
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Thanks a lot, am enjoying this greatly.

Author:  shazwales [ Thu Oct 16, 2008 6:42 pm ]
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Just read this from the start; what an amazing amount of emotions. The last letter from Nell was beautifully balanced, looking forward to more of this .Thank you .

Author:  Caroline [ Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:35 am ]
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Lovely, Emma - thank you. :D

Bill's memory may be playing tricks on her slightly, though - Joey was made Head Girl at 16 1/2 (And Jo) - isn't that only slightly older than Len is when she is made a prefect in Feud...?

Author:  Emma A [ Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:52 am ]
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Caroline wrote:
Bill's memory may be playing tricks on her slightly, though - Joey was made Head Girl at 16 1/2 (And Jo) - isn't that only slightly older than Len is when she is made a prefect in Feud...?

Really, Caroline? I thought she was older. I know she was chosen a term early, because of Mary's departure, but I assumed that she was at least seventeen and possibly older when she was made HG...

Hmmm. *thoughtful*

Author:  Caroline [ Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:38 pm ]
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No - Jo turns 17 in the autumn term of Exploits, I think, and she's been HG since the previous Easter....

I wonder what Jo's attitude to Len being made a prefect so early really was - part of her (Jo) must think:

"I had to be HG when I didn't want to be, so I'll make sure my daughter doesn't have to go through the same thing"

but part of her may also think that:

"I was made to be HG at 16 and I coped OK and even enjoyed it, so maybe Len is being as daft as I was, and she'll be fine / regret it if I let her duck out"...

Or there's the harsher interpretation of "I had to so why should she get away with it"...

(Jo's 12 1/2 in School at and And Jo is exactly 4 years later)

Author:  Abi [ Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:44 pm ]
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A lovely letter from Nell there - Len must find her support very valuable at this time.

I hadn't realised Joey was so young when she was made Head Girl. No wonder she kicked a bit - I also wonder how she felt about Helena going through the same experience. Or whether she even really remembers how it felt?

Thanks Emma!

Author:  Lesley [ Fri Oct 17, 2008 2:15 pm ]
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The School was quite significantly larger by the time Len was made Head Girl, however. And, responsibility aside, Len had been kept a child deliberately by Joey whilst madge had included Joey in family conferences from the age of eleven.

Author:  leahbelle [ Fri Oct 17, 2008 2:27 pm ]
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What a lovely, supportive letter from Nell.

Author:  Caroline [ Fri Oct 17, 2008 2:35 pm ]
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Lesley wrote:
The School was quite significantly larger by the time Len was made Head Girl, however. And, responsibility aside, Len had been kept a child deliberately by Joey whilst Madge had included Joey in family conferences from the age of eleven.


Oh yes - I do agree.

And when Jo was HG she was practically the oldest girl in the school - it was only her and her peers, after Mary and Deira leave. So whatever Madge had done it would have resulted in a 16 year old as HG - Eva and Vanna are slightly older, but there's never any suggestion that either of them are in the running - it's only ever Jo or Frieda.

Len, on the other hand, is one of dozens of seniors, most of whom must be 1 to 2 years older than her due to the Triplets being in forms well in advance of their years for most of their time at the school.

Strange actually that Jo professes to keep her girls young (a reaction against the family-councils-at-aged-11 thing? Maybe she was a bit scarred by family circumstances making her grow up too soon?) while at school they are made to advance ahead of their peer group - must have been confusing for them...

Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Oct 17, 2008 6:03 pm ]
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Lovely letter from Nell. Hope she and Hilda can meet Helena and Isaac during their stay in London.

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sat Oct 18, 2008 4:09 pm ]
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Have just had a lovely long catch-up - thanks, Emma! Lovely to see the thoughtful way your characters are developing.

Author:  Jennie [ Sun Oct 19, 2008 2:15 pm ]
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A lovely letter from Nell Wilson, and very god-motherly.

I've never known who my god-parents were/are, and certainly never had Christmas or birthday cards from them, so it's good to see that one relationship is close, even if it is fictional.

Author:  Emma A [ Tue Oct 21, 2008 11:19 am ]
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Miss Helena Maynard to Miss Theodora Grantley

The Quadrant
Devon
7th July 196-

Dear Teddy,

Many thanks for your lovely long letter – I’m glad your exams are over and that you only have to await results. I’m glad ours were known so quickly, since I’m not sure that I could have waited two weeks!

I am having a lovely time in Devon with the cousins and Aunt Mollie and Uncle Dick: the weather has been glorious, and we’ve been outdoors almost every day. I thought that it would be just me and Maurice (since he is looking after the farm with Uncle Dick) but Maeve is at home, too, and so are Bride and Simon, her husband. It’s been very jolly – and rather odd to be the youngest there, and not expected to run after younger kids and make sure they don’t get into mischief! I am revelling in that, as I’m sure you can guess.

We visited Dartmoor yesterday, and went walking on the moors above Widdecombe. Such glorious views, and the granite was very easy to climb on. I don’t think I’ve been so glad to be alive in years – the only thing missing was that Isaac wasn’t there: if he had been, my joy would have been stratospheric. It meant an early start, but most of us drowsed in the car while Simon drove, and woke up properly when we started whizzing up and down steep roads and swirling round bends. Simon has a very splendid car, in which we managed to squash, though it was a very tight fit, glossy and well-cared for (the car, not us – we were windblown and dishevelled even before we started walking!).

I’m sitting in the garden at present, listening to birds singing in the trees, and smelling the cut grass, and not quite listening to Bride and Maeve talking about Maeve’s boyfriend, and Peggy’s children (did you ever meet Peggy? She’s Bride and Maeve’s older sister, but not as jolly as Bride – she’s very quiet and self-contained). It’s so restful and peaceful, and I feel much refreshed by the contrast. I don’t think I’ve used my brain at all except to read the newspaper: I think I’ve needed this break from concentrated academic effort.

I’ve been able to think over what you’ve written, too: no, I don’t mind at all what you’ve said, and in fact think it very useful. It’s very difficult to look detachedly and disinterestedly at one’s parents, and I was a little too close to be able to see everything clearly. Your suggestions make a great deal of sense, explaining much that was strange to me, and making me make allowances for Mamma in particular. She is taking a long time to realise and to accept that I’m growing up – and perhaps because she was so reluctant to grow up herself, she doesn’t realise the change in me. Anyway, I will try to allow for her as yet unchanged perspective, and keep trying to show her that I’m not eldest daughter Len any more. In fact, I received a letter from Auntie Nell this morning which both cheered me and annoyed me: annoyed me not because of anything that she had written, but that she knew to post her letter to me here, and knew all about my plans for the summer that I hadn’t told her. I can only guess that Mamma told her, and I do wish she wouldn’t go broadcasting my affairs to all and sundry. It’s not as if I mind Auntie Nell knowing, it’s just that I would have liked to write and tell her myself. Her letter was cheering, though, for I feel she’s another person who feels that I’ve done the right thing by telling Reg that I couldn’t marry him: she didn’t say anything about Isaac being Jewish, but perhaps that’s something I could discuss with her when I return to the Platz next week. She wrote a little about school, but not in such detail that I skimmed it (it was all about Wanda von Eschenau and Jack Lambert), and said some interesting things about my time at school.

Auntie Hilda mentioned the plan to move the school, and I gave her the benefit of my thoughts: I suppose that what I wrote might have been coloured by the fact that, apart from that year in Toronto, the Chalet School was my life, because it was my mother’s. It was only afterwards, when I went to Oxford, that I realised how odd and restricted that life was. I don’t think I knew anyone whom Mamma did not know, too, and she knew what I was doing in classes, on outings, in prefect meetings, because someone would always be there who would tell her about it afterwards. Isaac likened it to living under a glass dome, or on a stage, with my every thought scrutinised (that sounds a bit like “Quatermass”, doesn’t it? Or “The Mind-Readers”). I wasn’t aware of it at the time, in fact thought it evidence of how much Mamma loved us that she was aware of everything that went on in our lives. Now I wish I’d retreated a little more into my own head, as Con did. But then, I’ve always been more gregarious than she, so I might have been very bored there! I understand Margot’s rebelliousness much more now than when I was younger, when I thought simply that she was naughty.

I hope you’re enjoying yourself at present, now that exams are over. How long will Lucas stay in London? Is he planning to return home to Chichester soon? When are you planning to meet his parents? I am so happy for you that your relationship seems to be so strong already, and I approve of the way he makes you feel. Men and women aren’t so different, after all, unlike what we were taught at home. For example, although Mamma was the prime adult in our lives, and organised and ordered us in the day-to-day matters, we all knew that in the big things, it would be Papa who laid down the law. That may suffice for some, but you and I want different things from our relationships. I’ve decided, for example, that although it may be against the Church’s teaching, that I won’t have lots of children. I’ve suffered from being one of many, and I wouldn’t want to make my children feel that they only ever had tiny slices of my time and attention. When Stephen was born, for example, it took us a long time to get used to him, because for all our lives we had had Mamma to ourselves: but then, I suppose, we’d been used from birth to sharing her time between the three of us. When the rest came along, yes, it was nice to see them in their ducky baby phases, playing with them and bathing them, but coping with them when they were terrible toddlers or mischievous six-year olds was quite another matter! And as for loving one’s siblings equally – well, I don’t think it’s possible. Con and Margot come first with me, and Steve thereafter, I think. I don’t know the boys really all that well, compared to my sisters: I love Felicity, but Cecil is very quiet, and I don’t seem to be able to talk to her. When I was at school I would never have confessed that I didn’t like Cecil as much as I did Felicity, but now I feel more liberated. I wouldn’t tell her so, but I don’t think Cecil would mind: she’s much closer to Flick (and possibly to Margot) and doesn’t seek my approbation.

Gosh, that was rather a long paragraph! Auntie Hilda would blench if she saw it (perhaps, though I dare say she’s seen worse).

You’ve always been at the other end of your family, the youngest, the only girl, and with no older siblings close in age to you: it’s as though you grew up as an only child. I remember you saying as much during one of our first meetings (and we didn’t encourage you to pity yourself, did we?). I suppose I’ve always grown up with companions my own age or very little younger.

Well, it’s about time I finished this – Maeve and Bride and Simon have invited me to join their game of croquet, so I shall – and bid you farewell for now.

With love from
Helena

I've edited the previous letter to take account of earlier comments about Jo's age when she became Head Girl, so as a result, those comments might now seem irrelevant. Apologies for the error. :D

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Oct 21, 2008 11:38 am ]
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How lovely to see Len feeling free both physically and mentally.

Author:  Jennie [ Tue Oct 21, 2008 12:21 pm ]
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Some very valid points there. Jo HAS to realise that her triplets are adults now, and stop thinking that she will know everything about their lives, in fact, be entitled to know everything about them, and to stop broadcasting everything about them to all and sundry.

If she doesn't, she'llhave daughters who tell her nothing at all about their lives, if they continue to write to her, that is.

Author:  alicat [ Tue Oct 21, 2008 1:19 pm ]
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Oh i know exactly what Len means...i learned not to tell my mother anything i did not want broadcast to the entire staff of the home she lived in - which of course was also a small closed community.

have to warn len that this will never change.........

Author:  Mona [ Tue Oct 21, 2008 1:20 pm ]
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What a lovely long letter. Thanks Emma!

Author:  JS [ Tue Oct 21, 2008 1:26 pm ]
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Interesting that she doesn't want a long family. Thanks Emma.

Author:  Jenefer [ Tue Oct 21, 2008 2:02 pm ]
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Thanks Emma. I am enjoying this

Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Oct 21, 2008 9:03 pm ]
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Thanks Emma - good to see Helena's growing perceptions & perceptiveness of her life thus far.

Author:  Vick [ Tue Oct 21, 2008 9:55 pm ]
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Lovely updates, thanks Emma :D

Author:  Tara [ Tue Oct 21, 2008 10:19 pm ]
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What a really lovely letter from Nell - such a shame it caused Helena irritation, even if that was nothing to do with Nell herself!
Splendid friendship between Helena and Ted, and Helena's understanding of herself and her background is growing at such a rate. I was interested that she doesn't want a large family, too.

Thanks, Emma, this is great.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Oct 22, 2008 4:51 am ]
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I actually thought Len not wanting a large family was very normal as in a sense she has had a huge hand in raising a family already with the amount she was expected to help out. No wonder the girl was always excited by the idea of going to Oxford. Can completely understand her not wanting her mother to know everything-a very normal part of growing up and I can see the lack of privacy will keep her away from the Platz in the long term

Thanks Emma

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Oct 22, 2008 5:52 am ]
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Lovely letter to Ted.

Thanks Emma.

Author:  JS [ Wed Oct 22, 2008 8:18 am ]
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Fiona Mc wrote
Quote:
I actually thought Len not wanting a large family was very normal as in a sense she has had a huge hand in raising a family already with the amount she was expected to help out


Equally I guess that Joey could have been kicking against effectively being brought up as an only child by having lots of children. She needn't have taken it to such extremes, however!

Author:  Emma A [ Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:28 am ]
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Lady Russell to Miss Hilda Annersley

Llan-y-penllan
July 8th 196-

Dear Hilda,

I do hope you are well, and coping with the mad end-of-term panic which inevitably ensues at this time of year. Do you have any idea at present how exams have gone? I’m very pleased with our good results these last few years: honestly, I’m sounding like Miss Bubb, only concerned with exam results. But I don’t mean it as the be-all-and-end all, as she did. We may have to consider bring in a selection test soon, given the growing number of applicants we seem to have each year. I know we've always been against such things, but we need something to limit the number of girls admitted each year.

Something which Joey suggested, which I thought very practical, is for those children who want to enter the school at eleven, come to us for a summer school, where they have intensive language tuition. That would save the staff from having to language teach when they should be teaching (say) mathematics or history, when the girls come to us in the autumn. I think we ought not to admit girls at any other term apart from the autumn term, unless she has previously been entered and family circumstances have changed (say, her parents going abroad sooner than planned), and limit the numbers of pupils starting after thirteen. If we go ahead with the summer school idea – and obviously it needs a good deal of working out – we would, I think, employ additional staff to cover this time, and perhaps some of the more linguistically-minded Seniors could help out for part of their holidays (being paid, naturally).

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Joey and Jack arrived late on Thursday evening, having been delayed due to a landslide on the line, and consequent re-routing of their train. I was foreseeing all sorts of terrible accidents, so I was very relieved when they turned up at last. I might have known that no serious harm would come to Jo, after all!

Jem took Jack off to the San on Friday morning, prior to having serious discussions about the Swiss San’s future. Jem was pleasantly surprised by Jack’s attitude – he was a little worried that Jack would oppose its closure, and resist coming back to Wales, but apparently he is quite looking forward to the idea. I am empowered to inform you that the Gornetz San will close, and Jem only hopes that he can get someone (a building developer, for example) to buy the San, and possibly the school buildings, for a winter sports centre. All the technical and administration staff can be accommodated in Wales, Jem thinks.

This will, I think, separate Jo from the school, since if Jack settles anywhere near the Welsh San, she’ll be too far from Carnbach to pop in frequently and disrupt daily lessons. Though I think she is dismayed by this intelligence, she is pragmatic enough to realise that there isn’t much she can do about it – it would be impossible for them to live at Plas Gwyn (even if they hadn’t sold the place) and for Jack to commute to the San. I can see the break doing her a lot of good – in fact, might also do several other people a great deal of good, too!

Since then, we’ve been taking them out and about, showing them our favourite places: we made it as far as St David’s yesterday, and were very late back, as a result. We stopped at the cathedral for Evensong, with even Jack happy to step in for a Church of England service. Very quiet and peaceful, and meditative. Even Joey was very subdued afterwards.

I’ve been primed to a certain extent by your letters, and those from Joey herself and from Helena, and so was able to read between the lines of what Joey has told me over these past few days. She is trying, I think, to reconcile herself to Helena’s changed feelings, but also to the great changes this decision has made to Helena’s relationship with her parents and to her plans for her life. That is what Jo hadn’t bargained for, I think. She was able to accept the idea of Helena marrying, because it was to a man they all knew well, and because she would have been close, geographically, to them all. Nothing would have changed in their relationship. There are still times when she, despite her years and long family, remains something of a Peter Pan figure, a girl who would not grow up. I admit that she can be very responsible and parental if the occasion calls for it, but I sometimes wonder if she’d have done better to try to be her children’s mother, and not an uneasy mix of mother and best friend and mother confessor.

Oh well, who’s to say that it wasn’t the best thing to do? She counteracts Jack’s tendency to lose his rag everywhere, and given how sulky he can be when he’s in a temper, I think she copes with it very well. You’ll know how bad he was with Michael, poor kid, he couldn’t help getting into scrapes! As if no boy had ever gone bird-nesting or climbing before? I’ve tried to drop hints to him that really Joey is quite strong physically, and if he stopped swaddling her in cotton-wool, she might cope better with emergencies and not faint all over the shop. He might, as a doctor, suggest that she eats a bit more frequently.

Anyway, I tried to get them both to see that Helena hasn’t fallen out of love with Reg because of wilfulness or to spite her parents, and that she hasn’t chosen a Jew just to be rebellious. I think (I seem to be writing that a lot in this letter, so I apologise for my thoughts if they are fatuous) that Joey has always seen Helena, more than any of her children (even the other triplets, despite Con’s love of writing) as herself reborn, and was perhaps trying to have her own life relived in her daughter, perhaps to validate the decisions she herself had made. Marrying a doctor, living on the Platz, settling down to have children, giving up thoughts of career... It may be a flight of fancy, of course, but it would explain why she was so keen to support Reg in his desire to have an engagement.

I don’t think there will be a serious breach between Helena and her parents: Helena may be saddened by Joey’s attitude to Isaac (though she was expecting miracles of that lunch party!), but Jack’s partial softening may help her bear with Joey in this period of adjustment.

Oh well, enough of my sister and her offspring! I’ve been sent particulars of a number of places (former hotels, usually), two of which I am enclosing with this letter, since I think them the likeliest. One is a former hotel in Vevey, with quite large grounds with a couple of tennis courts and a big lawn. I don’t think the grounds would be large enough for a hockey or lacrosse pitch, though there may be land elsewhere that we can lease for this. The owner is moving to Geneva, apparently, to take up a larger hotel there – the place in Vevey has been recently refurbished. The other is a former chateau above Sundlauenen, with large grounds, a small wood, a beautiful formal garden, and the land isn’t too steep that using any of it for games would be a problem. However, the place needs quite a lot of renovation: the gardens have been cherished, but the building itself has been neglected.

My own inclination is to look at both these, though I tend more to the Sundlauenen one, if only because it isn’t too far from where the school is already, and it’s a quieter location, whilst still being relatively close to Interlaken. Of course, it will depend very much on how much work needs doing to the place.

I’d be grateful if you could spare some time to look over the particulars (perhaps you even know the chateau) and let me know what you think (and the other staff, too).

Must sign off now, since it is almost dinner time, and we have some of the San staff coming tonight. There’ll be a lot of medical shop, but at least I’ve always found the wives congenial! With all best wishes to you and the staff, and do give my best wishes to the girls for their examinations.

Yours affectionately,
Madge

Author:  Cat C [ Wed Oct 22, 2008 11:24 am ]
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More, hooray! :D It's fascinating seeing plans for the school unfolding.

Quote:
Equally I guess that Joey could have been kicking against effectively being brought up as an only child by having lots of children. She needn't have taken it to such extremes, however!


I've been wondering about that... Those remarks she was making to Madge (much) earlier in this series reminded me a bit of How Far Can You Go (David Lodge), with married Catholic couples starting off devoutly using the rhythm method, and then quietly lapsing into using the pill - Joey wouldn't have had that option... makes me wonder if all those jokes about quads and what have you were an attempt to put a brave face on a situation that was increasing wearing her down (hence shoo-ing the younger children off onto Rosli more and more).

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Wed Oct 22, 2008 1:19 pm ]
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Two more letters, two equally interesting viewpoints. I *do* like the grown-up Helena, and I'm pleased to see her maintaining her objectivity over her own changed situation and her parents' reactions to it. I'm sure she and Ted will share many, many confidences in addition to their living accommodation in London!

As for Madge, she, too, shows herself as very objective, both over Helena's situation and the proposed changes for the San and school. That really is a very balanced appraisal of the situation - and I think her comparison of Joey with Peter Pan really does hit the nail on the head.

Thanks, Emma, I will be looking forward to more of this.

Author:  JustJen [ Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:58 pm ]
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Thanks Emma for the wonderful updates.

Author:  Alison H [ Wed Oct 22, 2008 5:37 pm ]
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Wonderful insight from Madge - and, yes, Joey not being able to pop into the school all the time might well be best for everyone!

Author:  abbeybufo [ Wed Oct 22, 2008 5:52 pm ]
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Agrees with Elder - thanks Emma :D

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Oct 22, 2008 8:41 pm ]
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What an absolutely fabulous letter from Madge! :lol:


Thanks Emma.

Author:  Tara [ Wed Oct 22, 2008 11:09 pm ]
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Very, very interesting. What an excellent idea to give some intensive language teaching prior to entry - and, if they're no longer connected with the San, they won't have to take girls on the spur of the moment for medical reasons. Madge sounds so energetic and forward-thinking, and her knowledge of Jo is, as one would expect, deep and clear-sighted.

Thanks, Emma.

Author:  Carolyn P [ Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:47 am ]
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What a great letter, your Madge sounds very sensible and thoughtful. I'm pleased the idea about language teaching was Joeys and that it has been taken under consideration, as it shows that she can be sensible about new ideas and innovations and have good ones of her own.

Author:  JennieP [ Thu Oct 23, 2008 8:49 am ]
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Fab! Thanks, Emma!

Author:  JS [ Thu Oct 23, 2008 9:27 am ]
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Thanks Emma, really enjoying this drabble.

Author:  Clare [ Thu Oct 23, 2008 5:37 pm ]
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Emma, this series is going from strength to strength. I'm looking forward to the next letter, these last few have been fantastic!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 12:27 am ]
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Madge's letter was fantastic, very clear sighted. An her comments about Jack and Joey were very accurate. And her comment about about Helena expecting miracles at lunch. Anyway hope they're able to find a new school alright and I think an intensive summer school is a great idea though i don't know how much the new students will agree

Author:  snowmaiden [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 8:55 am ]
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Oh, lovely Madge. Thanks Emma, this is so brill.

Author:  Emma A [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 12:45 pm ]
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Thanks again for all the comments - much appreciated!

The Hon Lewis de Guesclin to Mr Isaac Mendel

Grüneburgweg 147
Frankfurt
10 Juli 196-

Liebe Isaac,

Don’t worry, I shan’t write to you in German – mine is still wobbly in written form, even if my spoken German is getting much more fluent. Thanks for your letter. I have booked a flight from Frankfurt to London, and would very much appreciate your offer of hospitality before we take the journey north. My flight lands at four o’clock (in the afternoon) on the 26th, and I guess it will take an hour or so to reach the terminal in Kensington.

Frankfurt is growing on me – the only difficulty is the language, which is getting easier – and I’ve found a nice flat near the Grüneburg park, north-west of the city centre. It’s quite green and pleasant where I am. I have a second-floor flat in a house whose owners live in the remaining floors – they are a middle-aged couple who are pleasant and quiet, but not at all inquisitive. The city centre itself is more picturesque than I expected, given that most of it was flattened during the War, but a lot of the old buildings have been rebuilt in the former style, and there are trees and lots of bridges across the river. I catch a tram to work, which is a pleasant way to travel – much better than London’s Underground.

I certainly visited the Oberland on my “Grand Tour” – I stayed in Thun and boated on the lake, and did some climbs in the area. I don’t remember any talk of a Platz, but I guess I didn’t need any of the hospital facilities there.

Sorry to read that your parental meeting didn’t go off too well, but maybe you were expecting too much. I remember when Mother met Hatty’s intended, it was something of a frost, since Mark and his family were completely outside her experience. But now she’s very fond of him, and consults him in preference to me! Which I don’t mind, since he’s a great deal more practical than I am (except when it comes to finance). Which reminds me, that I am to be an uncle in the New Year – Hatty wrote to give me the gladsome tidings a week ago. I shouldn’t be so sarcastic, since I know how much she and Mark are longing to be parents. I’ve no idea how to react to the idea. You have nieces and nephews, don’t you? Did uncling (I refuse to apologise for the word) come naturally to you?

And your Helena has TEN brothers and sisters! I’m shocked. What a scrum it must be at mealtimes when they’re all at home! And the noise must be incredible – we three managed to make sufficient noise by ourselves at home so imagining that fourfold is quite an effort. I’m relieved to read that Helena is not an identical triplet – I think that might be rather scary: imagine, three people all alike: it’s like a Hammer Horror feature. Or those kids in The Midwich Cuckoos.

I think what you have to do (you and she) is to do what you think is right, and – well, not ignore, but don’t take it to be of overwhelming importance – listen to what your parents say, but don’t drop your plans to agree with theirs. You have to live your life, after all, not theirs. If you make your point quietly and realistically, then they will come round eventually, I’m sure. I’m sorry if I’ve been overly scornful of feelings you’ve written or talked about – I suppose I’m envious, really. You sound different, talking about her, and I feel slightly wistful that I don’t feel and haven’t felt like that about anyone. Still, who knows what may happen in the future?

Congratulations on the First, by the way – I was a tiny bit annoyed when I read it, though not particularly surprised, since you were always pre-destined to be a lawyer. Do give my regards to your parents: I hope they’re both well.

My powerful mind can already suggest work for you – go and find something to do during this long vacation. Volunteer for something, if you can’t find paid work. Solicitors don’t stop work during the summer, even if barristers do, so one may take you on for a nominal wage. But you must do something, I think, otherwise you’ll get bored and petulant, and expect Helena to spend all her free time with you. There’s only so long one can sit in a deckchair and read enormously long novels (have you finished the Rand yet? I found it pretty readable, if blatantly anti-Communist polemic. Would have liked to have read more about the piratical Hammerskold, but one can’t have everything) – or even short ones, though I do applaud you for reading Mrs Maynard’s – that should give you points with her, surely!

I shall see you on the 26th – I will call you (if I can) if the plane is delayed or re-routed elsewhere – must make sure to go over my climbing gear. Can you get me a new rope? I could buy it easily here, but I’d like not to have to bring it with my luggage. About 100 feet would do nicely.

Auf wiedersehen!

Lew

Author:  JS [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 12:50 pm ]
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Emma - didn't you fancy writing it in German??

Thanks for that.

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 12:51 pm ]
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I love Lewis's comments about the Maynards, but am wibbling a bit about this climbing trip ...

Thanks Emma - loving this!

Author:  Emma A [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 12:56 pm ]
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JS wrote:
Emma - didn't you fancy writing it in German??

:shock: :shock: :shock:
My German is practically non-existent - I'd struggle to write Con and Odette's correspondence in French, if it comes to that...

Author:  Caroline [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 1:26 pm ]
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Splendid, Emma - thank you! Keep those letters coming... :D :D

Author:  JennieP [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 1:38 pm ]
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Yippee - another letter for Friday afternoon. Thanks Emma!

Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:33 pm ]
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Pleased you are not writting the letters in French or German. Thank you for the update.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 6:22 pm ]
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Thanks for the update, Emma - Lewis sounds like a good friend to Isaac.

Author:  Lesley [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 8:09 pm ]
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Another pleased it's in English!


Thanks Emma

Author:  abbeybufo [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 9:16 pm ]
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Lesley wrote:
Another pleased it's in English!


Moi aussi :wink:

Thanks Emma

Author:  Tara [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 10:21 pm ]
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Another pleasant and sensible young man with lots of good advice for Isaac - touched by his wistfulness about Isaac and Helena's love.

I, too, hope they take care on the climbing trip!

Thanks, Emma, excellent as always.

Author:  KJX [ Sat Oct 25, 2008 8:28 pm ]
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I have been waiting for my membership to be confirmed so I could post on this thread to say how much I am loving this - I think you have chosen a fantastic approach to the story!

Author:  Karoline [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 9:01 am ]
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Thanks Emma, the last few letters have been great

Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 1:08 pm ]
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Thanks, Emma. I'm also glad you're giving the French and German a miss!

Author:  Emma A [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 1:48 pm ]
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Miss Constance Maynard to Mlle. Odette Mercier

‘Freudesheim’
Gornetz Platz
13th July 196-

Dear Odette,

I am so sorry to read your sad news – I was becoming quite worried that I hadn’t received a reply to my last letter, and I am relieved to find that you are not ill or injured. I had been staying with Ricki at her home in Guildford, which is why I haven’t been able to reply until now (Helena and I came home with our parents yesterday). I wish I could say something that might comfort you, for I know how close you and your mother were, and how much you both meant to each other. I can quite understand your desire not to return so soon to your home, which must be filled with all sorts of memories, both good and bad, without her.

Is it possible for you to leave the sorting out of your mother’s affairs to M. Lefebvre? If so, would you like to come to Freudesheim for a visit? It would be lovely to see you again, and you wouldn’t have to be alone in our family. Mamma has heartily seconded the invitation, so do know that you would be very welcome. Do telephone (see number above) if you’d like to, and we can organise the tickets for you, if you’d find that easier. The Mother sounds a very kind and sensible woman – I hope she was able to give you strength and hope for the future.

Well, I’m back home after the rigours of Oxford and exams – it feels odd to think that I won’t be going back there in October (though Dr Powell thinks that I might do well studying for a doctorate – I’ve thought about it seriously, but I’m not sure what I’d really like to study, since I’ve found so many things interesting in my course). My parents would be happy to keep me at home, but I feel already a little restless, and yearning for “fresh woods and pastures new”. I had to be quite disciplined at Oxford to avoid giving up large amounts of my precious study time for ideas for stories: now it feels a little strange to realise that I can spend time in plotting and planning, if I want to. So far, I haven’t been struck by any ideas, but I found some of my old poetry, and rather cringed at reading it: I shall keep the youthful efforts, but I can do so much better now.

Ricki is well – she has finished her fine arts course and was lucky enough to get a job with Sotheby’s, one of the big auction houses in London. She knows a lot about ceramics, but even so, she was thrilled to get the job – I gather that there is a lot of competition. So she will start there in a couple of weeks – probably, she says, at first learning all the basics like handling and cleaning. She’s really looking forward to it. Sue Mason is getting married, apparently – she wrote to give Ricki the news last week – her fiancé is from Denmark, and works for one of the big shipping companies in London at present. They plan to marry next April, and will move to Copenhagen in August. I wish Sue luck in learning Danish!

The Platz looks much as it always has, you’ll be pleased to know, with summer flowers showing their heads, and the rose garden at Freudesheim in full bloom – the scent from the garden is intoxicating and comforting at the same time. I do love roses, especially the old-fashioned, scented, thorny ones, leading the mind to think of fairy tales such as Briar Rose and Beauty and the Beast. I wonder what she felt, when she woke up: the sleeping princess; with dust thick around her and roses at her window, and the Prince looking at her.

Ah well, fairy tales are all well enough, but real life calls – I promised to run some errands for Mamma – she is busy with planning for a new novel – and then to collect the twins from Kindergarten. The term ends next Thursday, so we will have Felicity and Cecil back soon, and the boys break up the week after that.

Do let me know if you can come to visit – you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.

With love from
Con

Author:  Jennie [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 1:59 pm ]
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I think Con ought to get out of Freudesheim, ASAP, or Jo will be clinging on to her, and might even try to marry her off to Reg.

Author:  JS [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 2:05 pm ]
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Thanks Emma - I think Con should go back to Oxford too.

Author:  Emma A [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 2:19 pm ]
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Jennie wrote:
I think Con ought to get out of Freudesheim, ASAP, or Jo will be clinging on to her, and might even try to marry her off to Reg.

I've got other plans for Reg... :D

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 3:12 pm ]
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Emma A wrote:
Jennie wrote:
I think Con ought to get out of Freudesheim, ASAP, or Jo will be clinging on to her, and might even try to marry her off to Reg.

I've got other plans for Reg... :D


I'm really intrigued now!!

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 3:15 pm ]
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Quote:
I've got other plans for Reg...


Oh good -so long as they don't involve Con by default, I'm happy!!

That was a really understanding letter from Con to Odette - I hope the latter will indeed be able to visit Freudesheim for a short time. Even though she will doubtless realise the vast contrast between her own somewhat lonely existence and the hectic Maynard family life, simply having the chance of a break from clearing up her mother's affairs will help her come to terms with things, and also renew her energies for the task ahead of her.

I'm another one joining those wishing that Con will not simply settle down at Freudesheim - the chance of an Oxford doctorate is a good suggestion, but there must be other alternatives if she decides against that.

Thanks, Emma, I'm continuing to enjoy this.

Author:  Liz K [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 3:22 pm ]
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Emma A wrote:
Jennie wrote:
I think Con ought to get out of Freudesheim, ASAP, or Jo will be clinging on to her, and might even try to marry her off to Reg.

I've got other plans for Reg... :D


:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

Oh good, something nice and sinister, I hope. :wink:

Author:  KJX [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:22 pm ]
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Emma A wrote:
Jennie wrote:
I think Con ought to get out of Freudesheim, ASAP, or Jo will be clinging on to her, and might even try to marry her off to Reg.

I've got other plans for Reg... :D
Oooh, crikey!

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:06 pm ]
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I think Con should do back to Oxford and study for that doctorate. Reg and Odette might make a good pair.

Author:  Cat C [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:35 pm ]
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Agree with Con continuing her studies - although if she wants somewhere new, she could go somewhere else - maybe Edinburgh, so she can be with Margot?

Most intrigued by the plans for Reg too!

And poor Odette, it's good she has Con being such a good friend to her.

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 10:00 pm ]
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Lovely letter from Con - also intrigued about Reg - could Odette be the one? They are both orphans now, have no family - at least I'm assuming his Auntie has died?


Thanks Emma.

Author:  Elbee [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 8:01 am ]
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PaulineS wrote:
I think Con should do back to Oxford and study for that doctorate. Reg and Odette might make a good pair.

Exactly what I was thinking! We shall have to wait and see...

Thanks, Emma.

Author:  Carolyn P [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 9:53 am ]
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Seriously hoping Con does not get sucked into the Freudesheim vortex.

Author:  JayB [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 9:57 am ]
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I agree that Reg and Odette might be well suited. Living on the Platz with a ready made social circle, being cosseted by Joey, never having to make a decision for herself, would probably be just right for her.

But Con, with a First from Oxford, has the world at her feet. Even if she decides against the doctorate, she shouldn't stay on the Platz beyond the summer.

Author:  Emma A [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 10:15 am ]
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Dr Reginald Entwistle to Mrs Francis Peters

‘Der Goldener Apfel’
St Paul im Lavanttal
Carinthia
13th July 196-

Dear Phoebe,

Well, I promised to write and let you know that I arrived safely. I’m most comfortably installed in this inn – very clean and well-kept – and am, I’m ashamed to confess, glad to be away from the Platz, to be where no-one knows me, and to have time to spend alone. You were against me coming alone, and I know at least some of the reason why you asked me to write, but rest assured, I shan’t be doing anything stupid. Mine host will ensure that I don’t leave lighter than when I arrived – the food is delicious, and in quantity – and the place is very peaceful.

I arrived yesterday evening, rather too tired to do anything apart from eat and sleep. But I woke this morning feeling thoroughly refreshed, and looking out over a beautiful view of hills and forests, and streams, and a sky so blue and limitless it seemed to go on for ever. I even felt hungry, and that’s not a sensation I’ve felt for some time. After breakfast I walked up to the abbey church of St Paul, a Benedictine monastery, and spent a while admiring the architecture and the astonishing variety of art. I even managed a whole conversation in rather halting German with a priest who came out to put new candles in the sanctuary. I found it very comforting.

I had originally intended to convert solely for Helena’s sake (would you believe how difficult I found it to write her name just now?), but after my long discussions with Vater Johann, in preparation, I am beginning to feel that my initial impulse was not so impulsive. I feel drawn to Catholicism in a way that I’ve never felt with the Church of England – I suppose that was always in the background, and familiar because of use – and I might well consider converting in any case.

They speak an odd variety of German round here, with very long vowels, so that I have to concentrate quite hard. Slovenian is also spoken, and as you might guess, I have no idea how to deal with that! Still, everyone I’ve met so far seems to speak German, and I’m pleased I kept it up, when it’s hardly necessary at the San.

I have a whole itinerary of places to visit and rivers to fish, compiled by my colleagues and the travel agent in Interlaken, but I might not be as energetic as I originally planned. For the first time since my world broke, I seem to see some of the pieces are large enough to stick back together, and worth mending. Perhaps it’s the peace of the place and the anonymity, but I can be myself and not care about what anyone else might say or feel or think. Back on the Platz, everyone knows, and that is what is particularly galling – that I might just as well be a goldfish in a bowl. And it isn’t because everyone talks about it, either, it’s just that I was constantly aware, back at the San, that almost everyone I knew had heard the news. It didn’t matter whether they were sorry for me or thought that it served me right, or were entirely indifferent: the fact was that they knew, and I found that the hardest to bear after the loss itself.

But the sun still shines, and the flowers bloom, and the rivers flow, however many hearts are broken, and one finds, after some time, that one can go on again. When Auntie died, I didn’t feel the same grief, for that is what this has been, for I knew she’d had a good life and she was ready to go. I felt alone afterwards, but not so alone as I’ve felt in the last two months. Bless you Phoebe, for being so kind and understanding, and not saying platitudes, and sparing the time to listen to me talk. I am really grateful for it, and for everything you’ve done for me, since I was a boy.

I’ll collect some postcards from the places that I visit and send them to you – they won’t say anything controversial, so please feel free to show them to Frank and Lucy – I hope they’re both well.

Now I’m going to have a ramble down to the river and watch for birds, and perhaps sit on the bank and snooze in the sunshine. The tension of the past few weeks is ebbing, and I feel very tired.

With love from
Reg

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 10:36 am ]
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Glad that Reg is feeling better. This must all have been so hard for him, Len breaking off their engagement and everyone around him gossiping about it. And, as I assume Odette is also a Catholic, this could work out very well ...

Author:  Liz K [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 11:03 am ]
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Thought it was about time we heard from Reg.

Author:  Cat C [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:03 pm ]
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That was a nice letter - glad to hear Reg is feeling better.

Although if the hints about him leaving the Platz are followed up, Jack and Joey are going to be bereft! No trips or Reg or school... What will they do with themselves? :shock:

Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:14 pm ]
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Jack is hoping to return to England and I suppose Joey will go with him. I wonder if Reg will stay in Switerland or return to England.

The interweaving of the different people certainly keep me on my toes keeping the threads in order.

Author:  JS [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 1:00 pm ]
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Hmm, maybe Reg will be tempted to become a monk and then a medical missionary, and then meet Margot in the field.....

Thanks Emma.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 1:16 pm ]
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A very calm letter from Reg here - I can well understand he would feel better away from the inevitable 'fishbowl' of the Platz. At least he is now beginning to feel he will re-build his life and move on, even though it's very early days yet.

Thanks, Emma

Author:  JustJen [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 2:16 pm ]
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I do feel very bad for Reg having is private affairs becoming public but that is a huge problem with the Platz.

Thanks again Emma.

Author:  Vick [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 3:17 pm ]
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Lovely letter from Reg, thanks Emma :D

Author:  claireM [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 4:16 pm ]
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Good to see Reg coming to terms with things. The Platz must of been an awful place for dealing with such news.

Author:  Emma A [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 6:23 pm ]
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Grr! I've just been reading Redheads, where Joey gives the news of Sybil's almost-engagement and Josette's actual engagement, and realised that it's Sybil's fiance who is in the Navy and Josette's who's the lawyer... I had it the other way round completely. Is this statement contradicted anywhere else? Jennifer's excellent family trees seem to think so! Do I have to completely rewrite Josette's correspondence?

Author:  Lesley [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 7:56 pm ]
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No, just have Joey mention at one time 'that funny occasion when I muddled their professions up' to explain the bit in Redheads.


Lovely letter from Reg - nice to see he's not an ogre here, just someone that len thought she was in love with but is not now.

Hope he can find happiness elsewhere.

Thanks Emma

Author:  Carolyn P [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 9:13 pm ]
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Like Lesley's solution! :D

Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 10:20 pm ]
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Interesting to hear Reg's perspective; I don't think there's any doubt that he loved Len and that he was hurt by the ending of their engagement, but he is clearly starting to accept that life goes on, and that it can be pleasurable again. And persisting in a mismatch would not have been a good idea for either of them.

Author:  Celia [ Tue Oct 28, 2008 11:51 pm ]
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Two more most enjoyable letters, thanks Emma.

I hope Odette manages to come to the Platz, and that Reg
continues to relax and come to terms with his loss.

Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Oct 29, 2008 2:23 am ]
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Just count it as an EBDism and we'll never notice Emma. Some interesting updates there, especially the one from Reg

Author:  Emma A [ Wed Oct 29, 2008 1:06 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks for the comments and suggestions! I've decided to ignore the info from Redheads, and go on assuming Josette's husband is a Navy man. In the mean time, here's a letter from Isaac...

Mr Isaac Mendel to Miss Helena Maynard

Denning Road
Hampstead
London
9th July 196-

Darling Helena,

It feels rather strange to be writing to you at Freudesheim when you’re still in Devon – but if I send it to the Quadrant it will only follow you home, late. So it seems like some sort of time travel, projecting what I feel now to when you’ll open the envelope and read what I’ve written.

I’ve no idea how to write a love-letter, and I have the feeling anyway that you probably wouldn’t appreciate anything too flowery or sentimental. But I do love you, and I miss you. I miss talking to you, and seeing the sun glint on your hair, and your eyes sparkling with interest and amusement, and the way you laugh at me. I miss seeing things with you, and you showing me sides of arguments or issues that I hadn’t previously thought about. I miss your occasional lapses into German or French, and the way you grin at me when we’re together. I miss the scent of your soap and the smell of your hair against my mouth, and the feel of you in my arms and the taste of you on my lips.

Gosh, I’ll stop there, or I’ll have to start this letter afresh, and not write about how I feel at all.

I suppose this yearning was inevitable, given how frequently we had seen each other at Oxford – and now you’re miles away (I’m addressing you as though you are in Switzerland, reading this) and the distance feels like infinity. I hope you’re having a restful time at home and that life up there on the Platz is not too intrusive – do give my regards to your parents and to Con. I wish I could be with you to see the place for myself, for you to show me around and meet the people you love – just as, when you come to London, I shall for you.

I’ve had a few lazy days since coming home – reading and lounging in the garden or walking on the Heath. It’s been quite a change, and I’ve enjoyed it, though I’m now wondering what else I should do. I can’t possibly laze around at home for the next few months, so I’ve asked Dad and Mum (and Lewis) for advice about how to usefully occupy my time. Lew has made the sensible suggestion that I find work, so I may seriously buckle down to that – I could ask my brother if his firm would take on any students for the summer, but David and I aren’t particularly close and I’m not sure whether he’d really want me around for three months! Dad said that he would ask at his old chambers whether anyone wants a legal slave to do some legwork, so we shall see which turns out better. Most of my fellow law students were going to spend long, idle vacations – and I meant to do the same, but I find I can’t.

I read Swords Crossed last week, by the way – feel free to tell your mother that I enjoyed it (if she’d appreciate the compliment) – I see why you’re proud of her writing. Has she written any for adults? I’ve asked the library to keep a few more for me when they come back – they’re evidently popular with the children of Hampstead! The local library is pretty good, and the staff are helpful – so that I haven’t felt required to explain that the books are not for me but my young niece (artistic verisimilitude etcetera) – though I think Yessica is rather young for these books: she is only six.

These last few days I’ve been doing lot more recreational reading than I allowed myself at Oxford – quite apart from Josephine Bettany’s book, I’ve made my way through the gargantuan Atlas Shrugged (not bad, if overlong and selfish), some thrillers by Dashiell Hammett, a Patricia Wentworth, and all of Sherlock Holmes. I’m feeling a bit adventured-out now, and will embark upon a staid piece of natural history or biography, instead.

The weather has been glorious, even here in London, hot and clear, and not even very humid. I helped tidy the garden – though normally we have a jobbing gardener who does all the weeding and mowing and pruning. I found it quite satisfying, tying up honeysuckle and jasmine – and gosh, do they smell heavenly – and the bees on the lavender. I’m going into town tomorrow to have lunch with Sol – and possibly hear about his ongoing courtship of our second cousin Judith – Judith is Sol’s age, very striking-looking – tall, very dark-haired, with very pale blue eyes – and fearsomely intelligent. She studied music at Cambridge, and writes learned papers on early music, and plays some sort of lute – a theorbo, I think it’s called.

I feel it’s rather strange to be in the same situation as Sol, since I’ve been used, all my life, to him having done everything before me – and now we’re contemporaries in love. If one can phrase it that way!

Dearest Helena, don’t stop being you, ever. Don’t ever change to be what you think I want – because all I want is you. I wish you were here so that I could kiss you, and talk about gardens, and the invocations of scents, and everything: and just be – together.

Have a fabulous time in Switzerland, my love, and come back refreshed and eager and altogether wonderful – I will be waiting for you (not very patiently, I fear, but that isn’t one of my virtues).

With all my love,
Isaac

P.S. Will you be busy on the 27th of July? My friend Lewis is travelling from Frankfurt on the 26th and we aren’t getting the train to Scotland until the evening, so I would like it if you could meet each other. He’s a nice chap, and we’ve been friends since we were small children.

Author:  Chris [ Wed Oct 29, 2008 1:12 pm ]
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What a lovely letter - he is quite besotted, isn't he!

Author:  Alison H [ Wed Oct 29, 2008 1:58 pm ]
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He's so lovely!

Author:  Jennie [ Wed Oct 29, 2008 1:58 pm ]
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Wonderful letter. I just hope Jo doesn't realise who wrote it and confiscate it.

Author:  Liz K [ Wed Oct 29, 2008 2:12 pm ]
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Isn't there something about writing the senders address on the back of the envelope and, if the sender's address is omitted, then Joey may guess who the letter's from?

Author:  JS [ Wed Oct 29, 2008 3:08 pm ]
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C'mon, Joey might not be happy about it but she wouldn't hide/open someone else's letter (although she might read it 'inadvertantly' then broadcast its contents around the Platz :D )

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Oct 29, 2008 3:31 pm ]
Post subject: 

Lovely letter - and he does have it badly! :lol: I don't think Joey would stoop to confiscating her daughter's mail.


Thanks Emma.

Author:  Mona [ Wed Oct 29, 2008 4:51 pm ]
Post subject: 

Oh, what a lovely letter from Isaac! Thank you Emma.

Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Oct 29, 2008 9:22 pm ]
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Isaac has got love badly! What a lovely letter. Interesting had he does not want a lazy summer. Hope his father can find him somework.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Wed Oct 29, 2008 9:30 pm ]
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Awww! What a lovely letter from Isaac - hope Helena can read it without Joey looking over her shoulder, either actually or metaphorically.

Really liking the way this is developing, Emma - thanks :D

Author:  Cath V-P [ Wed Oct 29, 2008 11:39 pm ]
Post subject: 

What a lovely letter for Helena to receive.

Author:  Miss Di [ Thu Oct 30, 2008 5:14 am ]
Post subject: 

I thought it was nice that he was complimentary about Joey's talents. Thank you Emma.

Author:  Cat C [ Thu Oct 30, 2008 11:32 am ]
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Lovely letter - thank you Emma.

And echoing hopes that Helena gets it to herself!

Author:  champagnedrinker [ Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:48 pm ]
Post subject: 

Loving this, Emma! Many thanks.

I'm chuckling about the idea of Isaac thinking that he might have to mention the niece when buying books ... wonder how many of us have done that in the past when buying CS books when apparently "too old" to read them, yet young enough to care what shop assistants think!

Reg's fate ... Now, I was wondering if you were somehow going to end up with him going climbing in the same area as Isaac & his mate ...

Author:  Emma A [ Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:54 pm ]
Post subject: 

champagnedrinker wrote:
Reg's fate ... Now, I was wondering if you were somehow going to end up with him going climbing in the same area as Isaac & his mate ...

Isaac, Lewis and Keith are going to Skye to climb - Reg is in Austria. No meetings planned... yet :twisted:

Author:  Abi [ Fri Oct 31, 2008 12:33 pm ]
Post subject: 

Lovely letter from Isaac. Also interested in Reg's future - very sorry for his lack of privacy on the Platz. I suppose it must be like that for everyone, but it must be much worse when something that should be private happens.

Thanks Emma.

Author:  ibarhis [ Fri Oct 31, 2008 12:37 pm ]
Post subject: 

Abi wrote:
Lovely letter from Isaac. Also interested in Reg's future - very sorry for his lack of privacy on the Platz. I suppose it must be like that for everyone, but it must be much worse when something that should be private happens.

Thanks Emma.


I have every sympathy for Reg but surely an engagement is not a private action it is a public affirmation that a marriage is contemplated and hence breaking off an engagement is also public.

A friend of mine added a pre-existing and long-standing engagegagement to her Facebook profile and was astonished by how many people a. seemed ignorant of it and b. how many people took the opportunity to congratulate her.

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sun Nov 02, 2008 3:23 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks, Emma; just caught up on the last two letters. Such lovely men, both of them!

Author:  Emma A [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 1:35 pm ]
Post subject: 

Mrs Henry Parminter to Miss Helena Maynard

Sydney
July 7th 196-

Dear Helena,

Your letter came as a big surprise, since I’d not heard your news from Mummy nor Sybil. I hope that by the time you receive this that Aunt Jo will have calmed down a little and is ready to support your decision. It’s not surprising that Reg will have taken the news badly, though it reflects well on him that he was able to write to you. Of course if you have fallen in love with someone else, then you couldn’t possibly marry Reg – that would be deeply unfair to everyone – to you, to Reg and to Isaac. Reg will come round in time, and may be able to be friends, but it will take time, I’m sure.

You asked about Hal in your letter. Well, I must confess that I fought against falling in love with him. I meant to return to England after my trip with the parents to Australia, and start my course at LSE. I had determined that nothing would stop me. And I struggled for a long time before I realised that I would be miserable without him. Of course, it’s not easy with him being away so much, but at least I’m not half a world away, and he’s due home in a few weeks for a good long shore leave. I think it makes things less complicated when one is married – I feel joined to him, in some indefinite way, which has nothing to do with physical closeness – and more secure, knowing that he’s thinking about me when he’s not on watch, and misses me when he’s away.

Yes, Mummy was horrified when Hal and I became engaged: she had always envisaged us – Sybil and me – returning to England with them, and perhaps settling down in the home country. She got over it, though, and she is very fond of Hal (and indeed of Hugh, and she raved over Betsy, who was only a newborn when she and Daddy were last here). I do regret that I’m so far from her and Daddy, and Ailie and my brothers – letters aren’t the same, and telephone calls are almost worse than useless. At least Sybil is not far, and we’re both enlarging our circle of friendship. I’ve decided to enrol at university again, next year, to study economics: Hal is all for it, and in fact said why on earth hadn’t I started before now! To be honest, I’d assumed that we would start a family when we got married, and I’d not have time, but it seems as though we’re not destined to be parents. You might as well know (though I’d be grateful if you didn’t broadcast the information) that I can’t have children. Dr Mlynski, my gynaecologist, doesn’t think it has anything to do with the accident – for which I am profoundly grateful – Sybil has been feeling bad enough about that all her life, and I’m so glad that there isn’t anything else that she feels she’s to blame for. At present, the loss of children isn’t so much of a blow, though I can foresee growing very weary telling people that we don’t have children. Mummy knows, of course, and so do Sybil and David – but I’m not sure I could bear any other kindly meant comments.

From my perspective, I don’t think it really matters how different you and Isaac are, in terms of family or religion, as long as those differences don’t drive a wedge between you. A husband and wife can live together with many points of disagreement between each other, as long as they’re on the unimportant things. For example, this childless future of ours would be harder to bear if Hal was set on having children – but he’s happier to have me, and so that makes things much easier. It’s possible that you could live together in a mixed-religion household, celebrating both Jewish and Christian feasts (wouldn’t the children enjoy that!), but that would only work if you each decide that the other is more important than your religion. Compromise is the essence of marriage, it seems to me – I don’t nag Hal to give up the Navy, though of course I’d rather he wasn’t engaged in a dangerous job (but then, would he be the same Hal if he was not in the Navy?) – and he doesn’t tell me to be more like the other wives.

Why don’t you want to be married? If it’s because you don’t want to start children early, or because you’re unsure? If the former, then there is such a thing as family planning – even for Catholics, I understand (and especially if you wouldn’t get married in a Catholic service). If the latter, then do wait until you are sure. Would you have to give up teaching on marriage? I think it’s a crying shame that women have to give up their professions when they marry – even if many probably look forward to it. I know Mummy always felt a little disappointed that she had to give up teaching when she and Daddy married, but then David came along quite soon afterwards, and then all Uncle Dick and Auntie Mollie’s children, and the Venableses, so she couldn’t have gone back to teaching if she’d wanted to!

I hope you’ve done well in your exams, you and Con – do give her my love, and tell her she owes me a letter!

I saw Sybil last week – she and Hugh invited me for dinner, which I very much enjoyed. I’m getting the hang of driving quite nicely now, and the car is very convenient. Sybil is a super hostess, and Hugh cooks really well – yes, a surprise that he does the cooking – and she talked about some design work that she’s doing for a big mining firm. It’s very interesting to see what she’s able to do from home – she has an office, with a big desk and wide windows, and shelves of books about art and design. She and Hugh are very happy together, and of course, she’s so proud of Betsy, who’s now old enough to go to school, and that leaves Sybil free to get on with her work during the day. I gave them your love, and now I pass on their love to you, too.

I must stop here, since I’ve almost run out of paper – do let me know how things go for you and Isaac.

With much love from
Josette

PS I have some snaps of Sybs, Hugh and Betsy, and me and the new flat, which I shall send you in my next letter by sea mail – do let me know your address in London.

Author:  Emma A [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 1:37 pm ]
Post subject: 

Sorry, tried to edit a previous post (now deleted quote). :oops:

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 1:51 pm ]
Post subject: 

Such a lovely letter from Josette - balanced, objective and affectionate all at the same time, and one I'm sure Helena will be glad to receive. As she will the one from Isaac!

Thanks, Emma

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 2:01 pm ]
Post subject: 

Nice to hear how Josette and Sybil are getting on - and what a lovely letter.

Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 2:07 pm ]
Post subject: 

Nice to catch up on Josette's news. Thanks!

Author:  Cat C [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 3:09 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thank you Emma!

That's a lovely letter from Josette - glad to hear she's planning a degree, too. And all the news of Sybil was interesting to see.

Most intrigued as to what response (if any) there'll be on the subject of family planning if Helena really is as naive as her mother seems to think!

Author:  abbeybufo [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 3:29 pm ]
Post subject: 

Great letter from Josette - lots of interest there, and wide area of subjects covered

Thanks Emma :D

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 3:48 pm ]
Post subject: 

Josette was lovely, though am sorry she can't have kids, that is pretty heartbreaking. All I can say is I hope Joey is tactful about it. Also glad Reg was able to get away. It would be hard everyone knowing that Len had broken up with him

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 5:49 pm ]
Post subject: 

Glad Josette can start a degree, sorry she cannot have children. Interesting that she does not want Joey to know.
Thanks for the news from Australia.

Author:  Celia [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 6:51 pm ]
Post subject: 

Another lovely letter Emma. Good to hear news of Josette and Sybil.
Thanks very much.

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 8:33 pm ]
Post subject: 

A lovely letter and although sad that Josette cannot have children I must say she doesn't sound absolutely devasted about the news. Glad she and Sybil are close and that she is able to enjoy her niece. I wonder if Josette's thinkiing about anyone in particular in asking Helena to keep the news to herself - judging by how Joey reacted when Simone finally had a second shild and her comments about being the one with the most children I would imagine that Josette could be wary of her reaction. Not that I think Joey would say anything to deliberately hurt - but she can be very tactless and rather thoughtless.


Many thanks Emma.

Author:  JS [ Tue Nov 04, 2008 5:08 pm ]
Post subject: 

Lots of food for thought there - thanks Emma.

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Tue Nov 04, 2008 6:27 pm ]
Post subject: 

Poor Josette. I am glad she's not too bothered about not having children.

Author:  Vick [ Tue Nov 04, 2008 8:49 pm ]
Post subject: 

Lovely updates, thanks Emma :D

Author:  Josie [ Tue Nov 11, 2008 9:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 03/11/08, p17)

Finally read this through and it's lovely, Emma. Thanks.

Looking forward to more. :)

Author:  Abi [ Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 03/11/08, p17)

Lovely letter from Josette there, she gave Len some very sound advice about marriage.

Thanks Emma.

Author:  Jennie [ Thu Nov 13, 2008 10:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 03/11/08, p17)

When are we going to get another letter, please?

Author:  Cat C [ Thu Nov 13, 2008 11:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 03/11/08, p17)

I would love to see more of this too - but have been enjoying Emma's other efforts in the meantime.

Author:  abbeygirl [ Thu Nov 13, 2008 1:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 03/11/08, p17)

when you have a spare minute Emma...... more please? (although I don't want you to stop writing the other drabbles either.... I suppose you could just sort of stop sleeping for a while, free up some time to write?)

Author:  LizzieC [ Thu Nov 13, 2008 2:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 03/11/08, p17)

abbeygirl wrote:
...I suppose you could just sort of stop sleeping for a while, free up some time to write?


Contributes some coffee to that fund... :devil:


:coffee: :coffee: :coffee: :coffee: :coffee:

Author:  Elle [ Thu Nov 13, 2008 2:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 03/11/08, p17)

LizzieC wrote:
abbeygirl wrote:
...I suppose you could just sort of stop sleeping for a while, free up some time to write?


Contributes some coffee to that fund... :devil:


:coffee: :coffee: :coffee: :coffee: :coffee:



Can I also add coffee please? :twisted:

:coffee: :coffee: :coffee: :coffee: :coffee: :coffee:

Author:  Emma A [ Thu Nov 13, 2008 2:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 03/11/08, p17)

No more coffee, please! I don't drink it. Tea is always gratefully received, though :roll:
An update will be posted soon, I just have to complete it...

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Thu Nov 13, 2008 3:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 03/11/08, p17)

Oh bother! I hoped that would be it....

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Nov 13, 2008 5:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 03/11/08, p17)

*Sends a huge vat of tea.*

Author:  JellySheep [ Fri Nov 14, 2008 1:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 03/11/08, p17)

Sends a Hermione-type Time Turner so that you can do lots of writing and yet also such things as sleep...
I really enjoy this and am eager for more!

Author:  Emma A [ Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:17 am ]
Post subject:  Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08)

Thanks for the comments, everyone (and for the tea!) - sorry this hasn't been updated for a while. Here's the next letter...

Miss Margot Maynard to Miss Emerence Hope

St Rule’s House
Edinburgh
8th July 196-

Dearest Emmy,

You really are the world’s worst correspondent, Emmy! I’ll admit that I’ve been rather busy lately, and haven’t written much myself, but I haven’t heard from you in ages, apart from that measly cable, and I don’t count that. It’s not to say that I’m not happy for you, because I am, but you’ve told me nothing about him! Do write properly and let me know all about Francis Curran, and where you met him, and how long you’ve known him – and everything! It’s a measure of how long it’s been since you last wrote that you’ve made no reference to him in any of your previous letters (I’ve looked back, and see that the last you wrote was in April, and I’ve already replied to that one).

Enough of my scolding. Please don’t believe that just because I’m planning to take orders that I shan’t be interested in your engagement: I do hope you’ll be very happy with him. Shall you live in Manly? There are so many questions that I want to ask!

Exams went well, I think, and I will be returning home for the holidays before next term’s clinical work. I’m looking forward to that – in some ways, these last three years have been very frustrating – all the theory and none of the practise. I’m really looking forward to actually seeing some patients. I hope to lurk at the San during the vacation, hopefully not getting in anyone’s way, and help out when I can – and may. I do need a break, I think, and am looking forward to spending some time at the Tiernsee again this year.

I hope you’re well, and your family, too. Is your father still whizzing off round the world? Have you gone with him on any trips lately? I still remember my visit to see you, all those years ago, and it’s odd to think that it was the last time I saw you. It must be almost five years ago, I guess.

Have you heard Len’s news? She’s decided that she can’t marry Reg, and has fallen in love with someone else. Isolated here I haven’t had much of the fall-out, but I gather from Con that Mum wasn’t too happy, partly because the man Len has fallen in love with is Jewish. And I think she (Mum, that is) was looking forward to bringing Reg officially into the family. She and Dad have always been very fond of him. I must admit that hearing her news made me question my vocation for a while: I’d always thought that if Len could make such a momentous decision at eighteen, so could I. So it was rather a surprise to find that she could change her mind. But I haven’t. There was some soul-searching, it’s true, but I can’t ignore the call.

I’ve done very little apart from work over the past few months, though I managed to get away to Fife for some walking around Loch Leven, and have taken up golf – well, I am in Scotland. Of course, I can’t afford to buy a full set of clubs, but green fees are not too expensive here, and I seem to manage with the six or seven clubs I’ve managed to acquire from friends. I’m still in the Hockey Club, too, but rarely get a chance for a game. It’s a far cry from the days of school, and daily exercise.

Len and Con have both now graduated – Con with a First and Len with a Second. The results don’t entirely surprise me, since Con’s dreaminess is well-controlled nowadays, and when she puts her mind to things, she can come up with the most extraordinary, insightful comments. I’ve sometimes wondered if she also feels the call to God, but have come to the conclusion that it’s merely the call of words. She’s always talked about becoming a journalist, but more because that would be a way to make a living, and I don’t think she has sufficient general curiosity to make a good journalist. Besides, her tutor is trying to persuade her to return to Oxford for a PhD, so who knows? I don’t doubt that she’ll make a name for herself, whatever she chooses to write.

I shall leave off here – and please write to me soon about your plans.

With love from
Margot

Author:  JB [ Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

Great to see this back - and what a lovely, thoughtful letter from Margot.

Author:  Sarah [ Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

Yay!!! a new letter!!! :D

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

Nice to see Margot's views on things.

18 was very young for Margot to make such a big decision, especially as there was no indication that she'd even spoken to any nuns about it (I'd like to've seen Robin involved), but I'm glad that she seems sure that she's doing the right thing.

Author:  Cat C [ Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

She's still very Margot, isn't she? Referring to her sisters by the names chosen by Joey and Jack rather than the versions they prefer, and referring to Joey as 'mum'. And doesn't know a doctorate at Oxford would be a DPhil (or hasn't taken it on board).

Interesting to see her thoughts about Con's dreaminess too! I am enjoying Con's (academic) flowering - I've wondered if she had the potential to do athletic things too - there's a mention in one of the books (Ruey?) that she's the fastest runner of the triplets.

Do we know if Margot has any contact with Josette or Sybil?

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

Margot may have made a decision at 18 but she did not join the Order as many of her generation did and then did their training as nuns. She has also questioned it and kept in touch with Emmy and life generally, like the idea of her playing golf.
Thasnks for the new letter.

Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Nov 17, 2008 2:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

Great to see a new letter, and lovely to see Margot's views on things.

Author:  Jennie [ Mon Nov 17, 2008 3:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

Thanks, Emma. Isn't it interesting to see that Margot also thinks that the exam results are right, leaving Jo as the only one who thought that Helena ought to be the one to get a First.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Mon Nov 17, 2008 5:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

Lovely letter from Margot, thanks Emma :D

*also agreeing with what has been said before*

Author:  abbeygirl [ Mon Nov 17, 2008 7:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

Quote:
You really are the world’s worst correspondent, Emmy! I’ll admit that I’ve been rather busy lately, and haven’t written much myself,
I think there is little else to say!!!!!! Thanks for the update though!

On a more serious note - an acquaintance of mine decided to become a priest at 16 - she took a degree in theology and never deviated from her chosen path. She is a full time curate now - as well as having two small children and a husband. But it seemed unusual to have such a strong vocation in one so young and it still seems that way with Margot - but at least it makes it seem more convincing!

Thanks Emma (ps sorry about the quote but I couldn't resist!)

Author:  Miss Di [ Tue Nov 18, 2008 1:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

Interesting to see Margot questioning her vocation and not changing her mind (after all how many people would want to be married to the boy they loved at 18?).

Maybe she doesn't use her sister's prefered names because she isn't in frequent contact with them and it hasn't sunk in yet. I have relatives who still call me Dianne although I announced at 11 that I was to be Di in future!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Nov 18, 2008 2:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

Miss Di wrote:
Maybe she doesn't use her sister's prefered names because she isn't in frequent contact with them and it hasn't sunk in yet. I have relatives who still call me Dianne although I announced at 11 that I was to be Di in future!


And families tend to stick to family names whatever else everyone else calls them!

Thanks Emma, loved seeing the letter between Margot and Emmerence. It's funny but I've never doubted Margot wanting to be a nun. I've met too many people like Margot who are as rebellious as she was and then turn around and become a Pastor or Minister etc.

Author:  Lesley [ Tue Nov 18, 2008 6:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

Nice to see Margot and Emmy still keeping in contact - and interesting that Margot was not surprised about the results.


Thanks Emma

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Tue Nov 18, 2008 6:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

Thanks, Emma - great letter, and I'm glad Margot still feels the same as she did at 18, but even more glad that she has been questioning her then feelings.

And I agree - you always use your family names for family members, whatever other people call them. We - my family - call my sister a different form of her name to that by which she is generally known; she accepts it from us, but not from other people.

Author:  JS [ Tue Nov 18, 2008 6:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

Thanks Emma - nice that Margot and Emmy are still friendly.

Author:  Emma A [ Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 17/11/08, p18)

I'm assuming that Margot is growing further apart from her triplets, partly because of being in Edinburgh and partly because of her vocation. This next letter is something of a digression, and which I'm not sure works entirely well with the rest of the letters (but I couldn't leave her out!). Thanks to everyone for their comments - there will be another break for a while, since I'm off to Egypt tomorrow for a week (only work, I'm afraid).

Miss Mary-Louise Trelawney to Mrs John Maynard

Sirt
9th July 196-

Dear Jo,

Thanks for your last letters – the post is apt to be disorganised round here, and it depends very much on how often we can spare someone to collect it. As a result, I had a bagful of letters and postcards, your last two among them. Thanks also for the snaps – aren’t the children getting older! Geoff and Philippa, particularly. I hope all is going well for Maynard number twelve – do let me know how you get on. As it is, I shall have to spend the next few days replying to all the post!

Well, as my cable will have told you, I finally arrived in Tripoli three weeks ago after an endless round of trips to the embassy for my visa, and Dr Spoelstra sent Grey to collect me the next day. I haven’t seen so much of the country yet, since the dig is several miles from Sirt, but I’m picking up some Arabic. When spoken it sounds a little like French, but I’m finding it harder to read the writing, since it’s so different to the Roman script. Still, I have a year here to learn it, though the lingua franca at the dig is English, at least among the professional archaeologists. Although it is very hot here, and rather dusty, it’s a dry heat, and not unbearable, so rather a change from Turkey.

I shall sketch the set-up here for you. Dr Spoelstra, who is Dutch, heads the dig, of course, and his second is Louis Franck, a Frenchman. Then we have a pottery specialist, Emilia Tedesco, who is Italian-American; Grey Mortimer, who seems to think that he knows everything, and as far as I can tell does – very annoying; Wim den Bosch, also Dutch, who deals with bones; and yours truly, a general dogsbody. Then we have sundry assistants about whom I’ll tell you another time.

Emilia amuses me – she manages to attain effortless glamour in the midst of a sand pit, and is also extremely expert in her field: I think I’m learning a lot from her. So far we are all getting on well together – this can be a hazard on isolated sites, I’ve found. Some quirks of personality rub against each other, and it becomes very difficult to avoid finding that person annoying. So far, so good. My first dig, in Syria, was a real eye-opener: as a result I’ve had to become slightly more piano, partly in deference to Arab sensibilities. This place is a treasure trove of good things – we’re finding artefacts almost every day, from pots and vases to jewellery and tools – mostly dating from the Hellenic colonisation of these shores. Buildings, too, which fire my imagination to wonder how those far-off people lived.

Enough of my archaeological shop – do let me know if it interests you, and I shall update you in my later letters. To family: in my letter from Verity I heard that she is expecting again – I do hope everything works out for her and Alan this time, since they do very much want a child.

I don’t wonder at your shock at Len’s announcement – she and Reg were going to be married this year, weren’t they? I’m rather surprised myself – in my last year at Oxford I never noticed her paying anyone special attention, and Reg was mentioned fondly, when he was mentioned. Of course, I don’t know what might have changed in H. or their relationship after I left. I hope she’s made the right decision. She is a sensible girl, though, and conscientious, so if that’s what she’s decided, then I suspect that it’s right for her.

I also had an odd letter from school, asking for comments about what I’ve heard called extra-curricular activities, and if I would like to suggest any improvements to the girls’ lives outside of lessons. I’ve been wondering about this all afternoon, in fact, and I’m not entirely sure that I do have any comments or suggestions. I enjoyed my time at school immensely, despite the various things that went badly, and I don’t think I’d change anything about the experience. It certainly prepared me for life at Oxford, though I regret now that I made so few friends there. Still, I keep in touch with Philippa Carte and Ghislaine O’Connor, and I feel they’re as close to me as Vi Lucy or Doris Hill are. Incidentally, I haven’t heard from Doris for a while – perhaps it’s because I don’t have a base in England any more, that she’s not sure where to write to. I’d hate to think that we’d grown apart so much that she thinks we’re no longer friends.

I should finish this now, since it’s become cool enough to return to digging – and besides, I hear Grey demanding my assistance. Odd name, isn’t it? It’s his mother’s maiden name, apparently. I rather like him, despite his bossiness, since he does know what he’s talking about – and away from archaeology is good company.

Do give my love to the family and my congratulations to Con and Len on their results.

Love from
Mary-Lou

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 20/11/08, p19)

Good to see Mary-Lou's career progressing well, but interesting that she says she wouldn't change anything about her time at school and that she thinks it prepared her well for Oxford (where she made very few friends!).

Hope Egypt goes well :D -whereabouts are you going?

Author:  Cat C [ Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 20/11/08, p19)

Quote:
Emilia amuses me – she manages to attain effortless glamour in the midst of a sand pit...


Oh, don't we all know people like that!

And am I sensing a budding romance between OOAO and Grey there? :wink:

:lol: about ML thinking that the school could not be criticised in any way, she would!

Thanks Emma.

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 20/11/08, p19)

Glad Mary Lou is enjoying her career and seems to be doing well - thought it was interesting what she said about having to change her attitude and become more 'piano'. Also like that she accepts that Helena might know her own mind.

Her comment about the School is interesting because she obviously doesn't see there is a need for change - yet in the same breath admits she made only a few friends at Oxford - and does she really only keep in touch with two from the Gang?


Thanks Emma - worked very well as far as I'm concerned.

Author:  Jennie [ Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 20/11/08, p19)

I agree with Lesley. In fact, I think that whilst the school might have prepared her for the work at Oxford, it in no way prepared her for the life there.

Wasn't it Jellysheep who was writing a drabble about what happened to OOAO following on from one of mine?

Author:  abbeybufo [ Thu Nov 20, 2008 12:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 20/11/08, p19)

Emma A wrote:
Grey Mortimer, who seems to think that he knows everything, and as far as I can tell does – very annoying. . .I rather like him, despite his bossiness, since he does know what he’s talking about – and away from archaeology is good company


:lol: :lol:

Takes one to know one?

Good to catch up on OOAO and get her views on the situation, even though they are at odds with most others - how incredibly blinkered she must have been to think school had prepared her for Oxford :shock: :roll:

Thanks Emma

Author:  JellySheep [ Thu Nov 20, 2008 12:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 20/11/08, p19)

Yup, that was me (it was a bit of an extreme-situation drabble). Glad to see this again, and the Mary-Lou story too - very thought-provoking.

Author:  Caroline [ Thu Nov 20, 2008 12:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 20/11/08, p19)

Lovely letter, Emma - thank you. And so interesting to catch up with OOAO.

Poor Verity - I'm assuming she has miscarried in a previous pregnancy. Hope it goes OK for her this time.

And I laughed too at M-L's obliviousness to the contradictions in her statements re. school preparing her well for Oxford yet regretting making few friends there and losing touch with her friends from school.

No, M-L - the Chalet School did not prepare you well for Oxford or life after Oxford, and you will realise that one day; hopefully that realisation will come after not too many painful piano versus fortissimo lessons....

Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Nov 20, 2008 1:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 20/11/08, p19)

Thanks for the update. Hope the work visit to Egypt goes well.

Author:  Sarah J [ Thu Nov 20, 2008 2:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 20/11/08, p19)

Thanks for the update. Had to smile at the thought of ML becoming 'piano'.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 20/11/08, p19)

Lovely to hear from ML. Can understand why she didn't make as many friends at Oxford-she did have a very disjointed course with time off cos her mother was ill. She wasn't completely friendless and did make close friends just not a gang like at school and even that was dying off or breaking up towards the end. Friends do just drift apart from school friends in a lot of cases especially when they move away.

Thanks Emma

Author:  JS [ Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 20/11/08, p19)

Cat C wrote:
Quote:
And am I sensing a budding romance between OOAO and Grey there?


Me too!
Thanks Emma, enjoy Egypt.

Author:  Vick [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 20/11/08, p19)

Lovely letters, thanks Emma :D

Author:  Emma A [ Fri Nov 28, 2008 8:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Letters, part 2

Miss Theodora Grantley to Miss Helena Maynard

London
16th July 196-

Dear Helena,

Well, thank goodness that’s all done with – I had my results in the post this morning, and I have a 2(i). I’m really quite relieved, since I had been worrying that missing so much while Mother was ill would have a detrimental effect on my exam performance. I’d like to have done better, of course, but I’m more relieved that I’ve passed the thing! Lucas got a 2(i) too, and Max a First – they rang me up separately this morning for a spot of mutual congratulation!

I hope you had a great time in Devon – your letter seemed to indicate as much, anyway. I don’t think I ever met Bride, though obviously I heard a lot about her at school and from you and Con. She sounds nice (as does Simon, too). It seems like you had a good break. I hope the flight was good – I’ve only ever travelled by train, so am rather jealous! How are things at home? I hope you aren’t the butt of everyone’s curiosity, and that your mother has got over her initial disappointment about you and Reg. He’s not around, is he? That would be very awkward. Oh no – you said he was going to take his leave when you were at Freudesheim – well, at least that’s one good thing.

Have you been over to the school at all? Are there changes afoot there after all? I suppose I could write to the Abbess myself, but that would feel rather like poking my nose into somewhere it’s not wanted.

Lucas’ parents came up to London yesterday, and I met them for tea (it was a scrumptious tea, with sandwiches and cakes and petits fours and scones and so much tea – I didn’t need another meal afterwards!). Helena, they are lovely, and they liked me! Dean Black is not as tall as his son, and has dark eyes and rather fierce-looking bushy eyebrows, but is the best sort of clergyman – learned but kind. Mrs Black is the tall one (only an inch or so shorter than her husband in her stockings, I’d guess): she has well-kempt greying dark hair and hazel eyes, and was dressed elegantly but not in the highest kick of fashion. I suppose even Deans don’t have vast stipends. They were very chatty and interested, and whilst obviously very proud and fond of Lucas, took the time to talk to me and find out about me, and my likes and dislikes – I couldn’t help contrasting their interest with how my mother would have behaved if she had been meeting Lucas. For one thing, she’d be disgusted that he doesn’t have private means and doesn’t come from a wealthy family! They went home in the evening, since they don’t like to leave Imogen with only her nurse for too long – I said that I hoped to visit them in Chichester soon, and they invited me to tea and to meet Imogen. After they’d gone I almost cried, and felt so stupid, but I think Lucas understood, because he hugged me and stroked my hair and said “never mind” rather a lot. He’s not met Mother, but I have talked to him about her.

Incidentally, I had a letter from Liliane the other day, letting me know that Mother had arrived safely, and was settling down reasonably well. She’s always liked the boys better than me, so I’m hoping that she won’t annoy Liliane too much. I’ve never met her (L., I mean), except through letters – she’s far more conscientious than my brother about writing to me and sending me snaps and news – and she’s very easy-going. Anyway, they’d given her a bedroom and a sitting room for herself, and Liliane’s a great cook, so all seems to be well at present. Mother seems to have had a good time on the boat to New York, and is corresponding with a gentleman she met on board, who’s from Boston. So if she leaves me alone as a result, it’s all to the good. Still, I’m glad that she seems to be recovering well – I’m not callous enough to wish otherwise!

I’ve been pottering around here for a while, spending a lot of time with Lucas and Max, and am calling on chambers in an attempt to get taken on as a pupil. No luck so far, but since most of the barristers are on recess at the moment, I’m not discouraged. My allowance will last for a few more months, too, and by then I’m hoping to have some income. I’m really looking forward to having you stay with us – Mrs C has been spring-cleaning your room and I painted the window frames last weekend, so all should be fresh and clean for your arrival.

Cheerio for now, and love to Con and the family, and to your own good self,
from Teddy

Author:  abbeybufo [ Fri Nov 28, 2008 8:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 28/11/08, p19)

Another lovely letter Emma, thank you :D

Good to see Teddy being taken into the bosom of such a lovely family, too, and hope her mother stays on the far side of the 'pond' :evil:

[edited to correct spellos :( ]

Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Nov 28, 2008 9:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 28/11/08, p19)

Thanks for the new letter. Glad Ted got a 2i despite her interupted study. Hope she finds a chamber soon.

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Nov 28, 2008 10:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 28/11/08, p19)

Glad that things are going well for Ted :D .

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Nov 29, 2008 10:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 28/11/08, p19)

Really pleased Ted was so well received by Lucas' parents.


Thanks Emma.

Author:  Jennie [ Sun Nov 30, 2008 12:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 28/11/08, p19)

Thanks, Emma, it's great to see that Teddy's getting on well. i'm sure she'll find a pupillage somewhere.

And it's good that she can develop her relationship with Lucas without her mother interfering.

Author:  leahbelle [ Sun Nov 30, 2008 8:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 28/11/08, p19)

Thanks for the new letter, Emma.

Author:  Cat C [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 5:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 28/11/08, p19)

Thank you! Nice to see Ted so up-beat and happy.

Author:  Cath V-P [ Wed Dec 03, 2008 12:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 28/11/08, p19)

What a lovely letter, and how good to see that Lucas's parents liked her - and how sad to think of the contrast between them and Teddy's own mother.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Dec 07, 2008 7:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 28/11/08, p19)

Glad Ted's visit with Lucas's parents went well

Author:  Jennie [ Sun Dec 07, 2008 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 28/11/08, p19)

I hope there'll be more of this very soon. Please, Emma.

Author:  Bride [ Wed Dec 10, 2008 10:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 28/11/08, p19)

Update, pretty please!!! :hiding:

Author:  Emma A [ Thu Dec 11, 2008 11:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 28/11/08, p19)

Miss Hilda Annersley to Lady Russell

Chalet School
Görnetz Platz
14th July 196-

Dear Madge,

Many thanks for your letter. I hope you find this coherent, since I am dictating this to Rosalie and am in something of a hurry. Exams are proceeding as usual, and none of the girls has come to any of us in tears saying that they haven’t prepared enough, and so I’m hoping that’s a good sign. Papers have been sent off to England for marking – we aren’t allowed to scrutinise them before they leave, so have little idea at present how the girls have found them.

I agree that we ought to have some sort of selection criteria, now that the school is oversubscribed, and we’re beginning to have a waiting list for entrance at eleven. Do you think we ought to select on the basis of academic potential, or increase the size of the school to match demand? We’ve virtually eliminated girls coming to us without languages after the age of thirteen, and I’d like to keep it that way. We really can’t spare the time now for remedial language coaching when we ought to be teaching our subjects. Apropos of that, we definitely need two specialist languages teachers – Miss Denny will step down at the end of next year, and I guess Mr Denny will also leave, though he has not yet given me his notice. Sarah has been talking about travelling while they still can. Another music teacher, specialising in singing, would also be required if he leaves us.

Joey’s suggestion of languages tuition prior to entrance is a very good one: the girls coming from Glendower House junior school of course won’t have this problem, since they’ve been learning French and German since the age of seven (and that was one of Dolly’s finest innovations, I think). You’re right that it would need a good deal of working out: after term ends Nell and I will try to make a rough estimate of how much we think it would cost to run, and submit this for the Board’s consideration.

I have also drafted an advertisement for a Bursar which I enclose herein.

I’m glad that nothing happened to Joey and Jack – and yes, she does have a great propensity to fall into scrapes. But she’s like an indiarubber ball, always bouncing back! I can’t say that the news about the San is at all surprising, and I’ll admit that it will be both with relief and sadness that we’ll say farewell to the Maynards next door. I’m sure Dolly will be pleased not to have the prospect of Jo turning up on her doorstep with advice and offers of assistance, not to mention her astonishing web of acquaintances and friends which give her such valuable insight into problem pupils.

If a developer wants to buy the San, then the school should also attract a buyer. I should imagine that the Platz would be quite successful now that winter sports are not solely reserved for the rich “jet-set”. I’m glad that the staff can be accommodated at the Welsh San, and if the place is bought for winter sports, then the domestic staff could be easily employed there. I expect to take most of the school’s staff with us, since the majority live in, and don’t have homes on the Platz. Which brings me to your two likely places.

First, the Vevey hotel. It looks suitable, except for the lack of land, which could make expansion more difficult. Nancy and Kathie went to have a look at it on Monday, and were favourably impressed. The building is certainly large enough for the school at present, and has been well-maintained and recently refurbished. There is an adequate hot water system, many more bathrooms than we have at present, and although the rooms are smaller than the dormitories at our present location, there are a good deal more of them. I admit that I like the idea of three or four to a room, rather than eight or twelve, for girls of fourteen and more; it would certainly give the girls a little more privacy than they enjoy at present. There are enough rooms to use as classrooms, and practice rooms; the kitchen and store-rooms are extensive and modern, and there is a proper laundry (with, so Nancy informed me, acres of space for drying!). I’m not sure that the building could also house all of the staff, but obviously there would be flats to rent in Vevey for those who wanted to live out – and a number of staff would appreciate being able to do this.

The grounds are well laid out, the tennis courts are well kept, and there is a pavilion for changing which has showers installed. There is a swimming pool, of reasonable size, which could also be used for diving. There is enough space for a netball court, but not for a hockey or lacrosse pitch, unless we convert all the grounds to this purpose. Kathy asked if there was anywhere to rent or lease nearby which could be used for games, but the nearest is a good mile from the site. Admittedly that’s nearer than Thun is to here, but having decided to move I feel we ought not to settle for second best.

The chateau at Sundlauenen is nearer at hand, and I have seen it several times: I had an order to view yesterday. The building has been very much neglected, as you note, and the grounds are extensive – there is plenty of space should we need to add classrooms or other facilities. Boating would be easy, since there is a landing stage and a boathouse, and the grounds slope directly down to the lake’s edge. The place certainly has enough space for us – even to spare – but I guess that it will be costly to renovate. The roof needs repairing, the whole place needs painting (and cleaning) – though oddly enough the electric wiring is relatively new, put in only two years ago. Until then, the agent told me, there had been an ancient and dangerous system dating from 1920!

The place is only two kilometres from Interlaken, so would be an easy walk into town: again, any of the staff who wanted to live out could do so. We could also admit day girls from Interlaken or Thun, which is not feasible here.

Of the two, if we can afford to spend what is needed to refurbish and repair the chateau, I consider it a much better prospect than Vevey. Trains run regularly into Interlaken, and there is a good road from the chateau to the town. It’s close enough to the town so that we can take advantage of its amenities, but far enough that we can be decently private. I’d recommend asking a reputable builder to supply us with an estimate for undertaking the works, and submit this for the Board, before deciding.

I hope this has been of use to you – do let me know what you think. I shall respond to your other comments when I have a little more time to spare! With all best wishes to you and the family.

Sincerely,
Hilda

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Dec 11, 2008 12:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 11/12/08, p20)

The new place sounds lovely.

Author:  wheelchairprincess [ Thu Dec 11, 2008 12:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 11/12/08, p20)

I agree with Alison. Both new places do sound great.

Author:  leahbelle [ Thu Dec 11, 2008 1:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 11/12/08, p20)

I wonder which they'll choose?

Author:  JS [ Thu Dec 11, 2008 1:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 11/12/08, p20)

All very exciting - nice to see this back.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Thu Dec 11, 2008 2:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 11/12/08, p20)

Interesting - hope they can afford the chateau :D

Thanks Emma

Author:  Cat C [ Thu Dec 11, 2008 4:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 11/12/08, p20)

Ohhhh, most exciting! Thank you Emma

As an aside, I've just realised for how long I've been neglecting Nigella too... Must.write.more.soon.

Author:  JB [ Thu Dec 11, 2008 5:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 11/12/08, p20)

Lovely to see this back - and great to see the school planning for a move in this way.

Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Dec 11, 2008 5:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 11/12/08, p20)

Thanks for the you letter. Glad they have found a suitable site. Hope they can afford to update the Chateau.

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Dec 11, 2008 8:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 11/12/08, p20)

The larger one sounds the best - even though it will need a lot doing to it.


Thanks Emma.

Author:  Miriam [ Sat Dec 13, 2008 7:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 11/12/08, p20)

I thought the objection to Thun was always that it was so hot down in the valley during the summer. Still maybe if they're out of the town they might get more of a breeze, especially next to the lake.

Author:  Vick [ Sat Dec 13, 2008 9:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 11/12/08, p20)

Lovely update, thanks Emma :D

Author:  Elle [ Sun Dec 14, 2008 5:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 11/12/08, p20)

Maybe they should take both!!!

Thanks for the update.

:D

Author:  Emma A [ Mon Dec 15, 2008 12:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Letters, part two

Miss Helena Maynard to Mr Isaac Mendel

Freudesheim
Görnetz Platz
nr Interlaken
16th July 196-

Dearest Isaac,

Thank-you so much for your lovely letter: it arrived yesterday, when I was feeling particularly low, and I’ve read it over several times now, to cheer myself up. I should stress that I’m not unhappy, but I do miss you, very much, and am particularly noticing this vacation how small and enclosed the Platz is. You can walk along it in an hour, from school to San, and there’s rarely anyone there who doesn’t know me. I actually liked the fact that in Oxford there was always the possibility that I would meet someone new, someone whom I had never seen before, and who would not recognise me.

The weather is fabulous, and all the school girls are stewing in classrooms with exam papers – it always seemed unfair to me that exams should always take place during the best weather, when one can’t appreciate it! Especially so in Switzerland, where we can count on more days of better weather in the summer than in England.

I haven’t had much of a lazy time here, since I’ve been helping with the kids – it’s a somewhat depleted family, since the boys are still at school, and won’t break up for another week; Erica, Flick and Cecil are day girls, and Geoff and Phil are home in the afternoons. Little Claire, of course, isn’t old enough for kindergarten yet. By the way, Erica and Claire aren’t really my sisters: Erica’s a ward, like the Richardsons I’ve told you about, and Claire is adopted. It’s lucky we have such a big house, or we’d be utterly crammed together, and metaphorically kicking and scratching at each other. Con has been doing a good deal of writing in the few days we’ve been home – she’s thinking seriously about a postgraduate degree, and is preparing what she’d actually like to research (among the many possibilities!). We’re also expecting a friend from school to visit soon – Odette has recently been orphaned, and Con is pretty much her only friend. Con tells me that her letter sounded very unhappy – and I’m not surprised. She hasn’t told me exactly why she’s so worried about Odette, but I know her from old, and can sympathise.

You wrote that you didn’t know how to write a love-letter, but it seems to me, on this evidence, that you know very well how. I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved and honoured. I don’t know what to write in return except that I miss you too, and the way you rumple up your hair when you’re thinking, and the way your eyes dance with amusement, and how your hands feel in mine, and how I could go on kissing you for ever. I carry your snapshot around with me in my purse, and I take it out to look at, and imagine that you can see me, and know how happy it makes me to think about you.

I’ve done now – for the present.

I should be working on the 27th, since it is a Tuesday – and only the second day at St Catherine’s, so I don’t think I could take time off. I could meet you both for an early dinner, though, before your train leaves. The sleepers leave from Euston, don’t they? I would very much like to meet Lewis – and to see you again before your trip to Skye. You will be careful, won’t you? I know how easy it can be to slip and fall, or be caught in a storm or fog, even in summer time. I shall be expecting postcards, and pictures of the views from the hills, to look at when you return.

I’ve not made any attempt to visit the school yet, since I know how busy they are at this time of year, and how little they would welcome my presence! I hope to be able to visit at the Sale, next week, and buy some things for Christmas presents, and chat to some of my former teachers.

We had a paddling pool set up for the kids this afternoon, which they very much enjoyed – even Phil was splashing, and it does me good to see how healthy she now looks. She’s still much slower and more delicate than Geoff, and limps very badly, but Flick has begun teaching her some ballet, and I believe it’s actually helping her. Flick is very restless – she hasn’t any big exams yet, and so isn’t working unduly hard. She will flee the nest as soon as possible, if I read her correctly, and is openly (but not, thankfully, rudely) rebellious about her restricted life. The parents will, I think, find her feelings difficult to deal with.

Anyway, I may be worrying for nothing, since Papa’s told us that the San will be closing next year, and the family will be moving with him to Wales. Flick and Erica will board at the school, but the younger ones will go to Glendower House (the British branch, which is in Carnbach). I guess the boys will be pleased to have their parents close enough to visit at half-term, but I can’t help thinking that for Steve at least this comes too late. He’ll be off to London in October, and I don’t think they’ll see much of him. The rest of the family are going out to the Tiernsee in August – and I’ve persuaded the parents that it would be a perfect time for Anna to have a holiday, too, away from the family. They’ll still need Rosli, I expect, but when they return home, Rosli could have her holiday then. I do dislike the way that the two of them are so taken for granted: I don’t think either has had a proper holiday in years, and keeping Freudesheim in order requires a lot of hard work.

I’m sorry this letter has been so full of family things, it’s just that nothing else much has happened since I’ve been at home. I had a lovely time in Devon, with my Bettany cousins, sailing and walking and sitting in the sun, and playing tennis. I felt thoroughly refreshed, even after only a few days there.

I must leave off here, and help prepare the children’s tea. More soon, I’m sure.

With all my love,
Helena

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Dec 15, 2008 12:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 15/12/08, p21)

Lovely to see someone showing some consideration for Anna and Rosli!

That was a really sweet letter ... but I can't help worrying about this trip to Skye ...

Author:  JB [ Mon Dec 15, 2008 12:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 15/12/08, p21)

What a lovely thoughtful letter.

Nothing could go wrong on Skye, could it .................. ?

Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Dec 15, 2008 12:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 15/12/08, p21)

Also glad to see someone taking Anna and Rosli into consideration!

Author:  JayB [ Mon Dec 15, 2008 1:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 15/12/08, p21)

Len, as she was known then, always seemed especially fond of Anna in the books.

Wonder what Anna and Rosli will do when the Maynards move away from Switzerland?

I am enjoying all the twists and turns of this story.

Author:  Jennie [ Mon Dec 15, 2008 1:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 15/12/08, p21)

Len is thoughtful and kind in this, as ever, but really, Jo ought to have thought of that.

If anything happens to Isaac, I will probably stop speaking to Emma, because I don't think that I could cope with Jo's demands that Helena should now marry Reg.

Author:  LizzieC [ Mon Dec 15, 2008 3:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two

Emma A wrote:
I know how easy it can be to slip and fall, or be caught in a storm or fog, even in summer time.


:lol: Of course she does, having been a good Chalet girl! :D

This is one of my favourite of the letters so far, thanks Emma :)

Author:  Cat C [ Mon Dec 15, 2008 4:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 15/12/08, p21)

Lizzie just wrote was I was going to!

Lovely letter - and I enjoyed the bit about Felicity (I wonder if/when she'll start insisting on her full name, or a different variation thereon?) being rebellious.

Interesting though - I wonder if she might insist on staying on at, or going back to the Swiss branch with all her friends, but well away from the family home!

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Dec 15, 2008 6:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 15/12/08, p21)

Very interesting letter - and Helena can see very clearly where the family dynamic seems to be creaking at the seams.


Thanks Emma.

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Dec 15, 2008 8:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 15/12/08, p21)

Wonder if Felicity will use the move to Wales to press for going to a Ballet school and if Cecil will stay in Switzerland on her own?
Thanks for the update Emma

Author:  Carolyn P [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 15/12/08, p21)

Lovely letter and very interesing to hear about Felicity, would like to hear more about her.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 1:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 15/12/08, p21)

Loved reading both letters. Glad Len was able to pick up on the family rumblings and can probably be a foil for Joey's restrictions

Author:  Emma A [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:29 am ]
Post subject:  Letters, part two

Dr Phyllida Powell to Miss Constance Maynard

Shrewsbury College
Oxford
July 15th

Dear Con,

I hope you’re enjoying a well-earned vacation, and are giving some thought to your future. Congratulations again on your excellent result, though I should have been most astonished had you not failed to gain a First. Please do also give my best wishes to your sister.

I have had a proposal from a colleague of mine at Cambridge – she’s a Fellow at St Barbara’s college, of whom you may have heard, Dr Ishbel Lamont. Dr Lamont requires a student to undertake research on the Metaphysical poets, and asked me if I knew someone who would be suitable and interested. Your name came to mind immediately. Dr Lamont’s area of interest is English literature of the Stuart and early Georgian periods, and she has written a number of papers about Milton, in particular, though is more interested in his polemic than his poetry. I’m sure you must have read some of the papers, anyway, judging by your essays on the subject.

For your information, Dr Lamont is an exacting but very competent supervisor: she knows exactly how to get good work from her students, and she is scrupulous when it comes to publishing credit. You may think this is a minor consideration, but if you are thinking at all of an academic career, it is a very important one: there are some supervisors who publish students’ work under their own names. Personally, she is brisk and Scottish, naturally non-Conformist in sympathy, and really quite kind. I have written to recommend you to her, so expect to receive a letter from her shortly.

I hope you’ll consider the proposal seriously, Con, since I think you would be happy studying such a subject, and would gain much from Cambridge. We Oxonians tend to think of it, somewhat scornfully, as The Other Place, but it is all merely rivalry. Cambridge is a nice town, quieter than Oxford, and more isolated (though there is a good train service to London), and St Barbara’s is more comfortable and more architecturally distinguished than Shrewsbury (that’s what comes from having a wealthy benefactress, of course).

Do let me know what you decide – and if you feel you’d like further advice, don’t hesitate to write to me.

With all best wishes,
Phyllida Powell

Dr P. Powell BA MA DLitt.
Fellow and Senior Tutor


This letter was written after a suggestion from Cat C, so I hope this fits in with her plans... :P

Author:  Lesley [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/12/08, p21)

Well done Con - go for it!


Thanks Emma.

Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 12:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/12/08, p21)

What a positive suggestion. Hope it goes well and Con and Dr Lamont can make a sucessful working plan.

Go for it Con.

Author:  Jennie [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 12:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/12/08, p21)

Grab it with both hands, Con.

Author:  Cat C [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 1:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/12/08, p21)

I like it!

And a fictional college gives one some license :wink:

It might be a while in coming, what with thesis writing and what-not :oops: but nice to have a foundation :D

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 1:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/12/08, p21)

Grab the opportunity with both hands, Con - it sounds wonderful!! :) :) I loved the comments on the 'rivalry' between Oxford and Cambridge, too.

Thanks, Emma A.

Author:  JS [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 1:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/12/08, p21)

Sounds a good move. Brisk and Scottish sounds fine to me (she says briskly and Scottishly :D )

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/12/08, p21)

Hope Con goes for it (if its what she wants to study)

Author:  leahbelle [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/12/08, p21)

Seems like a really good chance for Con. I hope she takes it. Thank you.

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 6:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/12/08, p21)

Well done Con!

Author:  linda [ Sat Dec 20, 2008 6:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/12/08, p21)

That sounds like an interesting offer for Con. :D

Author:  Cath V-P [ Sun Dec 21, 2008 1:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/12/08, p21)

That sounds perfect.... :D

Author:  MJKB [ Sun Jan 11, 2009 5:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/12/08, p21)

I can't wait for the next letter. This is THE best blog EVER!

Author:  Emma A [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 12:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Letters, part two

Thanks for the comments, everyone, and sorry it's been ages since I updated. It is the kind of thing that could go on for ever, but I can't possibly keep all these plots in my head for that long! Here's the next one.

Mrs John Maynard to Lady Russell

Freudesheim
Gornetz Platz
July 17th 196-

Dearest Madge,

I hope you received my cable letting you know that we had arrived safely. I haven’t had a free moment since to put to pen to paper. All appears to have calmed down somewhat, so that I now have a few hours to spare for correspondence. Thank-you so much for having us stay – we had a splendid time, and it was lovely to see you and Jem – and Wales – again.

We’re expecting Odette Mercier to arrive on Monday – the poor kid is an orphan now, since her mother died in June. She wrote to Con about it, and we offered to have her stay here for a while, until she can get used to the idea of being alone, and then to sort out her mother’s things. There’s a big house which now goes to a cousin, according to Simone – he’d kindly let the Merciers live there while Mme Mercier was still alive, but now, of course, he’ll want it for his own family. You may remember Odette from my letters a few years back: she was at the School, and never really adjusted to being away from home and from her mother – always terrible homesickness at the beginning of every term, and nothing anyone could do or say made any difference.

Margot will come home at the end of July – she’s in the midst of exams at present, and will want a rest when she does. She starts clinical work when she returns to Edinburgh in October. She seems very happy with the work she’s chosen, though I can’t help worrying about her. Con is thinking about her future since she isn’t sure whether she’d like journalism: this was her original plan, to work at this until she was making money from her writing. With a First, though, she could go on to study for a doctorate, and at present, this is, I think, appealing more to her. We shall leave her to make her own decision, naturally, but I’m torn between wanting her to take up her opportunity, and wishing that she would write at home. Len will be returning to England at the end of next week: she’ll have a room in Ted Grantley’s digs: Jack and I had a look at the place on our way home, and it seems a decent house, so we’re not too worried about her on that score.

It’s lovely to have the two of them home, even if Len’s stay is a short one. They’ve been helping out with the children, and Len’s been insisting that we give Anna a holiday when we go to the Tiernsee in August. It’s true that I won’t need her as much as I do at Freudesheim, but given the way I’m feeling at present, I don’t really want to have to manage without her and Len. Maynard number twelve is being a recalcitrant child, but I’m not ill enough to take Phil’s suggested remedy: Daisy strongly recommended against taking any drugs during this pregnancy, so I’ll heed her advice.

Madge, I’m worried about Felicity. She’s not doing very well at school, scorns sport, and spends most of her weekends at the Peters’. She does the minimum of chores, and is occasionally defiant and wilful. She ought to be in Upper Four by now, and is languishing in Lower Four B, seemingly interested in nothing but ballet and music. It’s not even as if she had a realistic chance of becoming a dancer: the Royal Ballet school were quite clear about that: she just wasn’t advanced enough, and we couldn’t possibly have sent her to a special school, just to improve her ballet. I do think that she ought to set her mind to another goal, one more realistic. Len has refused to talk to Felicity, as I asked – which startled me – though she has taken out Erica and Felicity this afternoon, which makes me hope that she will say something to her sister about bucking up her ideas.

Perhaps the move to Wales will help, though I fear that out from under our eye, she’ll slack even more.

Dear me, aren’t children a trouble! And I haven’t given Len and Isaac a thought in days. They are writing to each other, and Len said, rather rudely, though I guess she didn’t mean it to be, that she would write to Isaac no matter what we said, and nothing would stop her. I had only suggested that she need not write while she was at home for such a short time. He has written here, and whatever was in it made her go around all day in an absent-minded dream – like Con at her mooniest!

Will stop here now, since I’m in charge of getting tea: Rosli took out the twins and Cecil, and Anna is busy with ironing. Jack is doing a long operation at the San today, and so won’t be home until tomorrow. I do miss him when he’s not at home.

With much love to you and the family,
Jo


ETA I had Jo write this letter where she talked about Con's offer to study, completely forgetting that the letter from Dr Powell would not have arrived at Freudesheim by the time Joey was writing :oops: . So I've changed a bit.

Author:  Jennie [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 12:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

Still as self-centred as ever, that's our Jo.

Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 12:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

Poor Anna! I really hope Con takes up the offer or she'll be trapped at Freudesheim babysitting for ever.

I can understand Jo's concern about Felicity, though. If she has no real chance of a career in dancing then she's going to have to do something else to earn a living, but just asking Len to tell her to "buck up" isn't really going to help - and well done to Len for refusing to act as Joey's mouthpiece.

Author:  Jennie [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 12:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

I can understand that Jo does want Felicity to buck up, but for someone with her famous insight, she clearly doesn't realise just what depth of disappointment Felicity is feeling. And the poor girl isn't getting any help and encouragement at home, is she?

Author:  JB [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 12:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

Love this letter. It's Jo at her best (Odette) and worst (where do I start....).

Spooky reference to drugs in pregnancy given the time of the letter. Good advice from Daisy - and glad Jo remembered she's STILL a doctor!

Can't tell you how much i'm enjoying this (and your other drabbles), Emma.

Author:  abbeygirl [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 3:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

But the Royal Ballet only said she wasn't advanced enough (yet?) but with Jo and Jack refusing to allow her to get specilaist training, "just for ballet" (?!) she won't be able to get up to the required standard. In that case I think I would be more than a little rebellious! Great letters again Emma - don't know how you keep all of the drabbles up in the air at once!

Author:  JS [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 3:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

Poor Felicity - maybe she could go and stay with the Rutherfords in Northumberland and go to Miss Martin's for ballet lessons. Then maybe she could go to the Dominick's boarding school at Chalk Green (to mix my authors completely)

Thanks Emma - nice to see this back.

Author:  Liz K [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 4:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

JS wrote:
Poor Felicity - maybe she could go and stay with the Rutherfords in Northumberland and go to Miss Martin's for ballet lessons. Then maybe she could go to the Dominick's boarding school at Chalk Green (to mix my authors completely)

Thanks Emma - nice to see this back.



I've just started reading the Sadlers Wells books again, finished Veronica at The Wells about 10 minutes ago, yes, send Felicity to Northumberland!!

Author:  Cat C [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 6:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

I do feel sorry for Felicity!

(And also love the idea of sending her to Lorna Hill land - sort of a reverse of Veronica at the Chalet School).

Funny, reading earlier episodes of this drabble, I caught myself wondering if it would morph into a Maisie Moscow-type crossover, with a Jewish grandmother a al Sarah Sandberg appearing to sort everyone out (including Joey!)

Looking forward to however much more there is...

Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 9:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

Thanks for the update. Hope Felicity speakss to Len about the ballet. If Jo and Jack are moving back to England prehaps Felicity could go to a day school and an associate School for the Royal Ballet at weekend and gain the skills and experience she needs.

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

The letter is very interesting as Jo comes across as a very concerned mother but without the famed empathy for her children. I wonder if she has even spoken to Felicity about her disappointment? She is concerned about the drop in her school standards but doesn't wonder if it could be related to her being upset about her ballet? Maybe she intended her suggestion for Len to speak with Felicity to be well-met - after all sometimes children will tell siblings things they will not tell parents - but it comes across as unfeeling. Even worse though is Joey's suggestion that Len not correspond with Isaac while at Freudisham - did she really expect Len to meekly accede to that?

Thanks Emma - you make the characters come alive.

Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

Cat C wrote:
Funny, reading earlier episodes of this drabble, I caught myself wondering if it would morph into a Maisie Mosco-type crossover, with a Jewish grandmother a al Sarah Sandberg appearing to sort everyone out (including Joey!)



What an absolutely wonderful idea! I've spent years trying to work out how to get Chalet School characters into North Manchester :lol: .

Re Felicity, I've always thought that the Rutherfords must have known the Scotts et al because they were from the same kind of social background as well as the same neck of the woods ...

Sorry for drivelling, Emma :oops: - loving this and looking forward to more when you get chance.

Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu Jan 15, 2009 4:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

Jo means well, but doesn't seem to be able to take on board other people's points of view. Felicity might prefer to choose who she talks to rather than have someone told to do it - and as for expecting Len not to write to Isaac.....well really!

Author:  Cat C [ Thu Jan 15, 2009 10:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

Alison H wrote:
Cat C wrote:
Funny, reading earlier episodes of this drabble, I caught myself wondering if it would morph into a Maisie Mosco-type crossover, with a Jewish grandmother a la Sarah Sandberg appearing to sort everyone out (including Joey!)



What an absolutely wonderful idea! I've spent years trying to work out how to get Chalet School characters into North Manchester :lol: .


So there you have your answer: have a Chalet clan member marry into the Sandberg-Moritz family and away you go! Glad to have been of help :lol:

Author:  JackieP [ Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

Cat C wrote:
I do feel sorry for Felicity!

(And also love the idea of sending her to Lorna Hill land - sort of a reverse of Veronica at the Chalet School).


I did a start on that (well, Jean Estoril land as opposed to Lorna Hill land) as a bedtime drabble for one of the Gather's - not sure if I ever posted it though...

JackieP

Author:  leahbelle [ Thu Jan 15, 2009 1:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

I do think Jo means well here but despite all her famed attempts to "butt in", she really doesn't seem to understand what makes people tick or to get inside their characters and understand what makes them behave in a certain way. I can quite appreciate how disappointed Felicity must be and its not surprising that she's struggling

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Jan 16, 2009 5:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

Poor Felicity. To love to do something so much and yet niot be allowed to pursue. She may never be a prima ballerina but surely going to a school that specialises in Ballet and Music would be better for her. Joey should understand that as she's only talented at writing and not a genius. How would she feel if she was told she couldn't do it much cos she would never write a brillant novel, merely ordinary ones.
Can understand her suggesting Len talk to her if it was meant as a sympathetic ear not a buck up and get on with it

Thanks Emma, looking forward to more

Author:  jennifer [ Fri Jan 16, 2009 7:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

To be fair, sending Felicity away to a ballet school is pretty major, both in money and arrangements, particularly when it's very much a 'maybe' thing. By the sounds of it, it looks like her chances of becoming a ballerina are pretty slim in the first place, so they would be shelling out for years of specialized boarding school in the hopes that it *might* improve her enough to get into the Royal Ballet School. Becoming a ballerina is a pretty lofty ambition, and most girls who dream after it as children aren't going to get it, no matter how much they love it, and how hard they work. (Along with career aspirations like "I want to be a rock star/concert musician/famous actor/professional artist").

But it's perfectly reasonable that she would be disappointed and upset over having her dreams dashed, however unrealistic they were to begin with. It sounds like she needs something else to focus her energy and creativity on, and someone who understands her point of view.

But basically, I don't see not sending your daughter to a specialist ballet school as a form of parental neglect.

Author:  JackieP [ Fri Jan 16, 2009 12:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

jennifer wrote:
But basically, I don't see not sending your daughter to a specialist ballet school as a form of parental neglect.


Not neglect - but it doesn't look favourable when Joey's vaunted understanding of everyone is brought up. Surely they could have tried to find a compromise... Could Felicity have lived with one of her aunt's in the UK and gone to perhaps a better ballet school than the one in Switzerland. Expecting the girl to give up her ambitions just like that after such a vast disappointment isn't really very understanding at all.

JackieP

Author:  Lyanne [ Tue Jan 27, 2009 11:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 14/01/09, p22)

JackieP wrote:
jennifer wrote:
But basically, I don't see not sending your daughter to a specialist ballet school as a form of parental neglect.


Not neglect - but it doesn't look favourable when Joey's vaunted understanding of everyone is brought up. Surely they could have tried to find a compromise... Could Felicity have lived with one of her aunt's in the UK and gone to perhaps a better ballet school than the one in Switzerland. Expecting the girl to give up her ambitions just like that after such a vast disappointment isn't really very understanding at all.

JackieP


Also, does Felicity know her parents don't have to pay for her school fees? She must know the Chalet School is expensive, and if she believes they pay for her being there, it would seem selfish not to pay for a school better suited to her.

Author:  Emma A [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 7:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two

Sorry this hasn't been updated for ages. Inspiration struck with this one - some good news for Joey... :D

Mr Paul Abbott to Mrs John Maynard

Randolph and Abbott Ltd.
15 Queen Anne’s Gate
London SW1

Dear Mrs. Maynard,

Thank-you very much for visiting us when you were in London: it was lovely to see you again, and to hear about your plans for coming books. I hope you had a safe journey home and that this letter find you in good health.

I have been in negotiation with Keith Hopgood at Carruth’s, but they aren’t willing to renew your contract except at very disadvantageous terms. I realise that you have had a long association with the firm, but I would recommend that you don’t take up their offer, particularly as I have had an approach from Ellis & Lester. They are an old firm, well established, but with not much of a children’s list: they’re more interested in your adult novels. They had a lot of good things to say about Swords Crossed and None So Pretty, and would like similar stuff.

I enclose details of the draft contract, so please glance at it, and see what you think.

Secondly, I’ve also had an approach from a company called Paradigm, who would like to buy the film rights for Lady of the Plantation, since your contract with Carruth’s specifically excluded these rights from their possession. Their literary editor spoke with me (at great length and what must have been considerable expense) on Friday from Los Angeles. There is considerable interest in making a film of the America War of Independence, although your book is one of three they’re considering.

Still, they’re offering a good sum for the rights – $35,000 – about equivalent to £12,400 – unconditionally (so, whether they film the book or not). Likewise, a draft contract is enclosed for your perusal. Please do reply as soon as possible, since these film people seem to want everything done immediately.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,
Paul Abbott

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 7:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 04/02/09, p23)

Pleased for Joey - and interesting that it's her novels for adults that are causing interest.


Thanks Emma.

Author:  LizzieC [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 8:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 04/02/09, p23)

Excellent. Thanks for the update Emma :D

Author:  abbeybufo [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 8:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 04/02/09, p23)

What fun! Well done Joey :D

Thanks Emma

Author:  Cat C [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 8:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 04/02/09, p23)

Gosh, I wonder what Joey would do with all that money?

(Knowing her, probably build the school a swimming pool, and still deny Felicity the chance of ballet school, but here's hoping!)

Author:  Celia [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 8:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 04/02/09, p23)

Thanks for the update Emma.
I wonder what Joey will think of all that.

Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 9:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 04/02/09, p23)

Hope the request for more adult books from Joey will encourage her to look for pastures new for herself and more accepting of other changes.

Author:  Alison H [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 10:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 04/02/09, p23)

Hope this will give Joey something new to think about! The books sound really good, BTW :D . And £12,400 in the late '60s would've been a lot!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Feb 05, 2009 3:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 04/02/09, p23)

Well done Joey! Glad her adult books are doing well even if her children's books are dropping off

Author:  Abi [ Thu Feb 05, 2009 1:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 04/02/09, p23)

I guess children's literature was undergoing a big change - Joey's style wouldn't really be what publishers wanted at that point. Very exciting about wanting to buy the film rights though - maybe a way to send Felicity to ballet school?

Thanks for the update, Emma!

Author:  JS [ Fri Feb 06, 2009 11:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 04/02/09, p23)

How much would £12,400 have been back then, does anyone know? For example, how long (months, years?) would Jack have to work as a doctor to make that amount of money? I'm guessing maybe two years?

And did you pick on the dollar amount because of Joey's first contract amount?

Sorry, so many questions when really I should just say thanks for such an ingenious development!

Author:  Becky [ Fri Feb 06, 2009 12:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 04/02/09, p23)

Thanks Emma, really happy to see this back!

Author:  snowmaiden [ Fri Feb 06, 2009 12:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 04/02/09, p23)

Thanks Emma, I love this drabble.

Author:  Emma A [ Fri Feb 06, 2009 1:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 04/02/09, p23)

I was trying to pick what might have been a reasonable amount in the early 1960s. Margaret Mitchell sold the rights to Gone With The Wind for $50,000 in 1939, and as far as I can tell, there wasn't a large appreciation in prices in the next 20 years.

£12,000 would have been a lot of money in 1961 (which is roughly when this is set).

Author:  JS [ Fri Feb 06, 2009 4:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 04/02/09, p23)

I've just found a website which tells me that $35,000 in 1961 would be worth almost $250,000 in 2008. Go Joey! (please don't make her turn it down for puritanical reasons...)

Author:  Emma A [ Mon Feb 09, 2009 9:20 am ]
Post subject:  Letters, part two

Miss Constance Maynard to Miss Richenda Fry

‘Freudesheim’
Görnetz Platz
20th July 196-

Dear Richenda,

I hope you’re well and enjoying life. Thank-you again for having me to stay – it made a lovely break between Oxford and home. It’s interesting that being at home now is slightly different to other vacations. I’ve done my course, obtained my degree, am no longer a student. Now I’m some sort of limbo that’s not quite child and not quite adult, and I feel I really must do something positively different, or else I will find myself staying here, helping in the house and with the children, and writing in my spare time. In fact, I have some ideas for short stories, and I’m trying to research in the school’s library as well as ours (which is full of historical publications and medical books and journals).

The school’s librarian, Mlle de la Rivière – they have a full-time librarian now, rather than a couple of prefects – has given me a visitor’s pass to study there. The library has grown considerably since we left school: so much so that Mlle de la Rivière is lamenting that they need more space. But, since the school will be moving next year to new premises – no-one’s entirely sure just yet, where, but it’s likely to be still in Switzerland – there’s little chance of that. It’s rather surprising to see Sixth-formers who are responsible in their maturity, whom I remember as Middles, now studying diligently in the library during their free periods.

Helena and I took Felicity (she’s taken to calling herself ‘Flick’, after a character she encountered in a P G Wodehouse novel, which I can’t see is much different from ‘Fliss’, or ‘Flixy’, which she dislikes) and Erica down to Interlaken on Saturday. It’s the first time Dad trusted me with the car since I passed my test (admittedly in England, where the conditions are slightly different), though I have been out with him a couple of times since I came home, just so that he could see I was perfectly well able to handle the car, and for him to give me hints about coping with the steep inclines, of which there aren’t very many in Oxford! I don’t think he’d have let me go without him in winter, but I wouldn’t have tried: the motor road is bad enough in summer without having to drive with chains on packed snow. Anyway, I have digressed, so, back to Interlaken. We had a super time: I think it’s probably the first time we’d been into the town on our own, in charge of ourselves, so we did things that the parents probably wouldn’t have thought of. We went window-shopping, and had to curb Erica from buying make-up, and Helena saw a dress that she really liked, though it was very expensive, so Felicity sketched it for her so that she could find a pattern to make it herself.

Do you know that Felicity drew very well? I was rather excited by it, because she’s been a little down in the dumps lately – end of term blues, I think, and resigned to the fact that she won’t make ballet a career, but not happy about it, particularly since the parents, although sympathetic, were rather relieved. If she had passed the audition, that would have involved all sorts of complicated logistical arrangements, and the parents were terrified of her living in London, even if Helena was there to act in loco parentis. White Lodge wouldn’t have been a possibility, I gather (that’s the residential school). Anyway (and I do apologise for incessantly side-tracking this story), it seems that Felicity has quite a knack for sketching, and I wanted to ask her what Miss Yolland thought. However, it seems that Miss Yolland likes her sketches, but finds fault with the final execution. I can see this, because Felicity’s sketches are very rough and unfinished, but they capture the essence of the thing she’s drawing very well: the sketch of the dress captured all the salient details that Helena would need to make it, without being at all detailed.

My enthusiasm has, I think, cheered her up – certainly she went back to school on Monday with more eagerness than last week – and I want to talk to the parents about her talent. They do tend to think of her as being less hard-working, less bright than the three of us, and I think she feels it badly, being our younger sister. I don’t think she has ever said so, but I felt it when compared to Helena, so I can only imagine what the staff say to Felicity because she’s not highest in her form.

I’m sorry to be letting go in this letter, it’s just that I’m very fond of Felicity, and I’d like her to be happy – but happy in her way, not mine, or Helena’s, or Mamma’s. Sometimes it’s hard for the parents to see that. I think it’s difficult with their own children – Mamma, for example, is so understanding about other children, but with her own she doesn’t have quite the same insight.

I’m also sorry that this letter is getting to be so long – goodness knows what the postage will be, but I felt I had to write to someone.

Odette arrived yesterday. I was prepared a little for what I might find, since she has been grieving hard for her mother. She was never anything but slim at school, but now has got positively skinny – all eyes, and so sad. She looks as though she expects never to be happy again. She joins in with conversation at meals – mostly in French, since it’s the language in which she feels most comfortable – but one can tell that she finds it hard. We went for a walk this morning, and we went down to Welsen, and strolled around there. I think the warmth and the peaceful air did her some good, and me being there, even if we didn’t talk much, gave her some comfort. I think it’s what she needs now – not to feel alone. But the ache of pity is difficult to bear (not cathartic at all), being unable to do anything about it.

It must be very hard to be left with no family – there would have to have been some astonishing cataclysm for me to be left entirely alone in the world! And you still have Nanny, though I expect you can guess more of what Odette feels at present than I can. The boys aren’t at home yet, and I hope she isn’t too much upset or bewildered by them when they do come. Stephen has finished his exams and is staying on just to accompany Chas, Mike and Felix home. It will be nice to see them again, though we won’t all be together, because of course Helena is returning to London at the end of this week. Margot is due on Thursday, so we’ll have only two days together again as triplets. I wonder what differences there will be.

I really must conclude this letter here, and hope I haven’t bored you too much!

With love from
Con

Author:  Elbee [ Mon Feb 09, 2009 9:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/02/09, p24)

That was a lovely, chatty letter from Con. I'm glad she's trying to help Felicity and Odette.

Thanks, Emma.

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Feb 09, 2009 9:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/02/09, p24)

Poor Felicity - it was bad enough when there were all those comments about Margot not doing as well as Len and Con or Con not being as naturally intelligent as the other two. Glad that she's found something else she's good at. Glad that Con's there for Odette, and looking forward to seeing what Margot makes of everything.

Author:  JS [ Mon Feb 09, 2009 11:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/02/09, p24)

Maybe Stephen can find a way to help Odette cheer up...Did I detect a small hint there?

Thanks Emma.

Author:  ibarhis [ Mon Feb 09, 2009 12:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/02/09, p24)

Personally I was thinking Reg - Odette would probably appreciate his 'stifling' affection

Author:  JS [ Mon Feb 09, 2009 1:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/02/09, p24)

Or maybe Margot? That would fling spanners into so many works!

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Feb 09, 2009 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/02/09, p24)

A lovely long catch up letter from Con; I'm sure she will be a great help to Felicity, especially since she appreciates some of her younger sister's feeling of 'not being as good' as her siblings, having been there herself to some extent. I also hope that she and the rest of the family will be able to help Odette in the long run - if no more than to help her to feel safe and secure among them.

Thanks EmmaA

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Feb 09, 2009 5:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/02/09, p24)

Thank you for the lovely update. It is good the Con can help Felicity, and hopefully Felicity's art is good enough for an Art College. She could become involved in set design and costume for ballet even if she can not dance.

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Feb 09, 2009 8:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/02/09, p24)

Pleased that Con has been able to help Felicity.


Thanks Emma.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Mon Feb 09, 2009 8:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/02/09, p24)

Enjoyed that letter from Con - pleased she's helping Felicity.

Also wondering if Reg & Odette can make each other happy :wink:

Thanks Emma :D

Author:  Abi [ Mon Feb 09, 2009 9:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/02/09, p24)

A really nice letter from Con there - she's being really caring towards everyone (and aren't all these people articulate - my letters are NEVER that beautifully expressed!!). It's nice to see her realising that she has to step out and do her own thing, to avoid just pottering about on the Platz being a sort of Jack-of-all-trades.

Thanks Emma!

Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Feb 10, 2009 7:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/02/09, p24)

Con really is clear-sighted, especially about her own family. In fact it seems to me that she has the insight that Joey is credited with, but doesn't always display. Poor Felicity - yes, I can see how difficult it must be, following the triplets like that, and trying to establish ehrself as a person. And hopefully Con will be able to help Odette too.

Author:  Cat C [ Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/02/09, p24)

I'm glad Felicity is getting some family support at last, and with any luck Con will now be more determined to go and do something other than hang around the platz now she's finished at Oxford (whether it's taking up the Cambridge place or something else). And with all the triplets gone, with a bit of luck Joey might find a bit more time to get to know her younger daughters.

Author:  Emma A [ Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two

Miss Helena Maynard to Miss Theodora Grantley

‘Freudesheim’
Görnetz Platz
Wednesday 21st July

Dear Teddy,

Congratulations, my dear, on your results! I know it’s silly to be writing to you now, when I shall see you before you receive this letter, but I had to voice my feelings as if you were here to hear me. I’m so glad for you, and proud of your success, and I’m sure you’ll be able to find a job soon. I’m so looking forward to coming to London and seeing you again properly, rather than on stupid short little visits. I’m also looking forward to meeting Lucas, and to introducing Isaac to you. I’m sure you’ll like each other.

I’m glad that your mother had a safe trip, and that she seems to be enjoying herself. It’s also reassuring news about her health, too. I wonder how she’ll like Canada. I liked what I saw of it, in that year we were there, but we didn’t see much apart from Toronto and Montréal. Your brother is out in British Columbia, isn’t he? I’ve no idea what the country there is like, though I think Papa visited Vancouver for a conference of some sort.

Lucas’s parents sound lovely, so friendly and welcoming. I’m glad you had a lovely day. Con has indeed read some of Mrs Black’s poetry, and has lent me a volume, called Gargoyle, which I’m dipping into from time to time. I rather like it, I think: very economical style, but every word chosen with care. I tend to stick to the old favourites when it comes to English poets (though I’ve had to be rather more adventurous in German and French poetry, at least to the extent of reading it, though I admit a sneaking preference for the old-fashioned forms). Con, of course, came home from Oxford with two trunks, one of which was completely packed full of books – it arrived yesterday, and so she was unpacking most of the day, trying not to become too side-tracked by re-reading her favourites.

Luckily, I suppose, Odette is staying with us, and so Con was rather conscious of the need to stay awake in the real world for a while. Though I am maligning her, really: she’s nowhere near as dreamy as she was, and is presently full of plans and energy. She really doesn’t want to live at home and write in her spare time, and so is wondering whether she should aim for a doctorate, or plunge into the world of paid work: I’m not sure she’d enjoy journalism. We three (and Steve) have some money from Granny Maynard, my share of which I haven’t touched yet. I had originally planned to put it aside for the children when I married Reg, but now things have changed. It’s reassuring to have a financial cushion, in case life doesn’t work out as well as I hope.

Odette is not too well. Her mother died a month ago, and she is grieving badly. Con has been more patient with her than I could be, I think, and they’ve been going out for walks and playing with the children. Odette seems to have taken a shine to Marie-Claire, who hails her arrival in the nursery with glad cries, and I think she likes having someone, even it’s only a toddler, to look after. She looked terrible when she arrived – thin and pale and listless – but seems to be relaxing a little now. Mamma has been simply splendid with her – kind but not pushy, and rather gentler than I expected. It makes me feel a little rueful that she doesn’t seem to find it so easy to sympathise with her children as she used. I haven’t found myself too much of a nine-days’ wonder here, which is a relief. It’s helped that Reg hasn’t been here, and I really appreciate that. He might have absented himself for purely selfish reasons, but it has been so much easier without him, that I can only be glad. I hope we’ll be friends again, at some time, but I’ll understand if he doesn’t want that.

Con and I have been wondering whether to try and intercede for Felicity with Mamma. Flick is not the most academic of students, but she tries hard, and it must be rather galling for her to be always compared to her elder sisters. She’s very artistic, though – she can sketch wonderfully – and of course she loves ballet and theatre. She’s acknowledged, I think, that she’ll never be a good enough dancer for a top-flight company, which was a big disappointment. But she still practises every day, and she certainly moves more gracefully than I ever did at her age! And she’s teaching Philippa, too, which is doing them both good. Phil is still inclined to be frail (despite Anna’s cooking, which seems to get better and better!) and the ballet exercises appear to be strengthening her muscles. So I’m hoping that the parents will see that Flick isn’t destined for university or domesticity, but perhaps a life in art, instead. Anyway, she’s only thirteen, so who knows what will turn up? Mamma asked me to “have a word” with young Flick, but I didn’t do so. I was top of the form (mostly) at school, true, but that’s not sufficient reason that Flick should be so too. Perhaps I’m growing less concerned with being a good example to the children than I once was – a few years ago, I would have sat down with Flick and earnestly lectured her about how it was her Maynard duty to come top, and not to disappoint our parents. But now, I realise how unimportant it really is: she’s in the right form for her age, she’s near the top, because she works, she has friends with whom she likes to spend time (and honestly, criticising the child for spending time at the Peters’! Lucy doesn’t have brothers and sisters, and Flick’s about the only other person on the Platz her age, so why shouldn’t they spend a lot of time together? I wonder if it’s because Mrs Peters lets them be. I think it’s very generous of her, for she must get quite lonely, and could easily think of Lucy as a companion rather than a child). That’s alright, isn’t it?

Sorry, this has turned into something of a raging complaint! But I do feel very strongly that Flick should be allowed to go her way, and do her thing, and not be expected to be a younger copy of me, or Con, or Margot.

Speaking of Margot, she’s coming home tomorrow, and we’re expecting her around late afternoon. She is planning to come by train, so I’ll probably go down with Papa to meet her at the station. I should have done like Con, and learned to drive in Oxford – it gives one a lot of freedom (at least once one has persuaded one’s father that one is perfectly capable of driving his precious Mercedes!) – but I think it will be easier in London, and then I won’t confuse myself by trying to drive on the right.

Must end here, since I am running out of writing paper! I shall buy some more when I go to the post office to post this.

With love from,
Helena

P. S. Con and Odette and everyone send their congratulations and best wishes.

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/02/09, p24)

I'm starting to feel very sorry for Felicity ...

Author:  JS [ Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/02/09, p24)

Gosh, imagine anyone thinking it would be easier to learn to drive in London. How times change.

Thanks Emma.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/02/09, p24)

Thanks Emma. I think I got most of my driving experience driving in London and that was hair-raising to say the least!

Glad Odette is relaxing and that Con (and Joey) are helping. Parents do tend to be more sympathetic at times with other children than their own. Hope Felicity is allowed to go her own way. For goodness sake it's a lot better for her to be in the right form than leaping ahead like the triplets did

Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu Feb 19, 2009 11:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/02/09, p24)

Helena's understanding of Felicity reveals a lot of her own insight and compassion - and she's right to be concerned for the girl. Felicity could so easily develop a permanent sense of inferiority because of this. I don't think it's deliberate on Jo and Jack's part - more of an expectation that because their oldest daughters were accelerated through their schooling, this is the norm for their family. With this view, Felicity's different gifts can be easily overlooked.
And how comforting for Odette that Marie-Claire has taken to her.

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Feb 19, 2009 7:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/02/09, p24)

Hope Helena manages to persuade Joey to think again about Felicity - after all, I don't think Joey was ahead of the rest of her age-group - and she while was very good at some subjects she was very poor at others.


Thanks Emma.

Author:  Cat C [ Fri Feb 20, 2009 9:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/02/09, p24)

It's odd, isn't it? I don't think we ever hear Madge being anything other than philosophical about her daughters being other than she might have hoped (Ailie not being a nice, quiet little girl - maybe she was hoping for a Peggy-a-like at some point?) - but then she'd had the experience of bringing up Joey - who was never very conventional.

Joey, on the other hand, can't seem to cope with her off-spring being anything other than exemplary.

Author:  jmc [ Fri Feb 20, 2009 10:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/02/09, p24)

I hope that Joey lets up on Felicity a bit and acknowledges that she is different from Helana. With a bit of understanding from her mother she might settle down a bit.It's nice that both Helena and Con are on her side. Thanks Emma

Author:  crystaltips [ Sun Feb 22, 2009 4:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/02/09, p24)

Thanks Emma, this is a fascinating drabble.

Author:  Carolyn P [ Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/02/09, p24)

Good for Len, I hope she does find a way of interceeding for Flick, but given that she isn't exactly what Joey hoped for herself now, will it do any good?

Author:  Sandra [ Sat Mar 07, 2009 10:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 19/02/09, p24)

Intrigued to find out what happens to Odette and to see if anyone can cheer Felicity up.

Author:  Emma A [ Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two

Um, everything Emmy says in the first paragraph could be applied to me... Will try to update this more regularly.

Miss Emerence Hope to Miss Margot Maynard

Manly
Sydney
22 July

Dear Margot,

You’re right – I am a truly terrible correspondent. I can’t believe it’s been three months since I last wrote to you! Still, you’re better at keeping track of these things than I am, so I apologise.

About Francis. When I last wrote, I’d only just met him, and I think I didn’t mention him to you because I hadn’t really thought about him much, then. Compared to most of the young men I’ve dated he was a bit square: the sort of man Dad would approve of, and the sort of man who would disapprove completely of me! But he confounds my first impression by being rather fun. We went surfing one Saturday, a week or so after we first met, and he was pretty good at it, which I liked, and we talked a lot about sailing and skiing. We went on a few more dates, and every time he seemed nicer and I started thinking about him between dates, and storing up things to tell him and share with him. He likes a lot of the same things as I do, particularly swimming and water-skiing (which, by the way, is such fun – I recommend it). He’s tall, and fair-haired, with green eyes and a really big smile. He’s from Brisbane, originally, and his family still live there, but he’s been living in Sydney since he was at university here. He’s three years older than me, and works at the Reserve Bank of Australia, which was only set up last year. He says his job is really interesting, and although I don’t understand anything about currency, he does seem to enjoy it. Each to his own, I guess!

What else would you like to know? Although we’re engaged, we won’t be married until next year: his mum is poorly, and is scheduled for a major op. in a month’s time. She’s a very sweet woman, gentle and calm: I met her when we travelled up to Brisbane a few weeks ago. His dad is a rather fierce looking man with a huge moustache and very dark eyes, but he’s really kind and friendly. They both seem quite pleased to have me as a potential daughter-in-law, and I liked them both very much. So all is well there.

I’d love you to come and be my bridesmaid, if you can – could you spare the time from study if we make it during a holiday? I explained to Francis that I would rather move the wedding date than have you not come, and he quite understood. So please say when – and if – you could visit. Would this time next year be reasonable? If it’s too expensive, we’d gladly help you with plane fares: it’s a purely selfish gesture on my part.

Anyway, enough of my news. I was surprised to read about Len in your letter – I’ve seen Josette recently, and she didn’t mention it. Of course, I didn’t see them (Reg and Len) together, so what I know about it is what you’ve told me. Well, good luck to Len if that’s what she’s decided. I know I dated quite a few young men before I found Francis, but Len’s always been more steady than me! And I hope Reg isn’t too hurt – I’m sure it’s for the best.

Do give my congratulations to Con about the First (and to Len for her degree, too) – I’m always in awe of you three being clever enough to go to university and study for degrees. I hope your exams went well. When do you start the clinical work? Are you still sure about the tropical medicine? I think it would be fascinating.

I must leave off here, since I have to change for dinner, and if I don’t rush I shall be late meeting Francis.

With much love from
Emmy

Author:  Cat C [ Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/03/09, p25)

Nice to hear from Emmy again, at last! I think she is so funny - didn't mention Francis three months ago, because they'd only met once, and now she's planning the wedding :D

Hope it all works out well for her and that Margot can get to the wedding.

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/03/09, p25)

That's a lovely letter from Emmy - pleased she has kept in touch with Margot.


Thanks Emma.

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/03/09, p25)

I loved the way she said he had "a really big smile". He sounds lovely. How sweet too that Emmy's so keen for Margot to be a bridesmaid that she's willing to work the wedding date round her.

Author:  JS [ Tue Mar 10, 2009 9:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/03/09, p25)

Sounds like Emmy has met a nice chap - hope Margot can make it to the wedding (and maybe even try water-skiing).

Author:  JellySheep [ Tue Mar 10, 2009 10:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/03/09, p25)

Great to see this back - a jolly nice pick-me-up for the morning!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Mar 12, 2009 7:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/03/09, p25)

Alison H wrote:
I loved the way she said he had "a really big smile". He sounds lovely. How sweet too that Emmy's so keen for Margot to be a bridesmaid that she's willing to work the wedding date round her.


I know I did when it came to my wedding. I put it off so my overseas friends could make it out to Australia for it. Really hope Margot can make it out

Author:  Carolyn P [ Sat Mar 14, 2009 7:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/03/09, p25)

That was lovely, Emmy really shines through the page (well, screen in this case.)

Author:  Abi [ Sat Mar 14, 2009 8:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Letters, part two (new letter 09/03/09, p25)

Francis sounds lovely - lovely letter from Emmy altogether (I can so imagine her being a bad correspondent!).

Thanks Emma.

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