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girlyswotAnd then they were back. Nicola, now a Dorm prefect, rushed off to see to her charges, leaving Lawrie to lug her stuff up to the attic she shared with Tim. After a quick check to see that all was shipshape, Nicola disappeared up the fire escape and threaded her way across the roof to meet Miranda for their tradition.
'Only one more time! Oh Nick, isn't it miserable?' Miranda was there already, looking far from miserable as she surveyed her empire.
'Not already, Miranda! We've only just got back. Can't all that wait until Last Day?'
'Oh, I s'pose. Only I can't help counting off last things. When's your first exam, Nick?'
Nicola thought for a moment. 'May 25th. Maths. You?'
'Orals next week, then May 27th, Spanish. Isn't it too dreggy?'
'But I thought you liked exams too?'
'Yes. I don't mean exams, exactly. More, no more lessons.'
'You're not going to mind no more MusApp or Country Dancing?'
'No, but Classics with the Latimer, or Maths with Crommie. Oh well, I see you're not going to mourn with me. How about the Cricket Cup? Can we win it again? Or are you going to let the others have a chance? I don't know if our lot will stand your gruelling schedule this time.'
'No,' mused Nicola. 'But then, we shouldn't need quite so much practice as some of the others. I thought maybe two early mornings and one evening a week should be manageable. That gives me time to coach some of the other forms as well. And there's the Play.'
'Mmm. Have you seen the list?'
Nicola shook her head.
'Tim's managed to wangle Assistant Director. Betcha by next week either she or Kempe'll have given up.'
'Betcha Kempe gives up.' They grinned in mutual appreciation.
In the distance a bell rang. Miranda looked at her watch. 'I ought to go, I'm seeing Keith in ten minutes and I should check my dorm first. Have you been in to yours?'
'Only for a second. I need to speak to Craven too. See you later.'
Nicola announced her proposed schedule to the assembled Sixth the next morning. Those who, like Miranda and Lawrie, had been in the winning Cricket Cup side since the Lower Fourth were pleasantly surprised by the lighter schedule, having been resigned to another summer filled with early mornings and late evenings. The first year Sixth, new to Nicola's coaching methods, were inclined to be resentful until told that they need not play at all if they chose not. The Uppers could win without any help from the Lowers if that was how they felt. One or two said it was and Nicola calmly crossed them off her list.
'Good. Everybody else, six-thirty tomorrow, then. We should know the team by the end of next week.'
'If you've finished, Commander Marlow.' Nicola nodded, glad that Tim no longer made her blush so badly. 'I have one or two words to say about the Play.'
'But isn't Miss Kempe…?'
Tim fixed a beady eye on the unfortunate Jenny Cardigan and continued. 'Me Auntie has agreed that, this being Lawrie's final term, and mine, The Play should be a Sixth Form Production, with assistance where needed from staff or other students. So I'll produce, Miranda is going to direct, Liz is in charge of costumes and props, Barby can do lighting, Pippin sound and Sally programmes and publicity. I've put a cast list on the board and a rehearsal schedule. Of course I'll be auditioning for minor roles in the next week. Anyone can sign up to try out.'
Nicola stared at Tim admiringly, wondering just how she'd persuaded Keith and Kempe to let her take over and whether she was planning to get any Levels at all. Still, it would undoubtedly be more fun with Tim in charge, and Lawrie would be happy. She looked round for her twin and spotted her, miming Nicola being St Joan. It was very funny and Nicola, who had no illusions about the extent of her acting talent, joined in the laughter.
A couple of weeks into term, Nicola was invited to join Miss Craven and Miss Redmond to determine the school teams. Tennis wasn't really her game, but she put in a good word for little Katy Howard whom she'd seen practising hard in the evenings and suggested one or two alterations to the U16 line-up which Craven accepted without comment.
'Now, swimming. Gemma Ford, freestyle; Lawrie Marlow, backstroke.' She glanced at Nicola, who nodded, keeping down her flush of pleasure. 'Miranda West, butterfly...' The names went on.
'Good. It's a pity we'll lose so many when A-Levels begin. But it's a strong team this year and plenty of reserves. Alright if we move onto cricket?' The others nodded and Craven began. There was only one school cricket team. Nicola, who coached most of the junior forms for the Cricket Cup, suggested several younger players to join the Prospects list.
'Yes, very good. Now for the team. You'll Captain, of course, Nicola. And open with Sarah. Then Miranda, Lawrie, Maggie, Catherine. We're short on decent fast bowlers. Such a shame Esther left last summer.'
'Jane Sutton in VB's not bad,' suggested Nicola.
'Ye-es,' mused Craven. 'Or Hannah Jones from VA?'
'Jane keeps her nerve better,' put in Miss Redmond.
'Well, we've probably room for both. Pomona can keep wicket. Then Laura Jenkins and Lizzie Smith?'
Nicola chewed her lip. 'How about Samantha Green? She's a jolly useful fielder and her batting's come on heaps this year. I think she'd work really hard to stay in the team. And think how smashing for Lower VB. They've got a good chance in the Cup this year.'
Miss Craven eyed her consideringly. 'Instead of whom, Nicola?'
Nicola took a deep breath. 'Lawrie.'
Both teachers stared at her.
'Lawrie?'
Nicola nodded, flushing deep red.
'Have the two of you talked about this?'
'No-oo. Only, she was saying the other day about the Play and Levels and we've put her in the swimming. And she'll play in the Cup, of course. I just think she wouldn't mind terribly not being in the team. It'd only be for three matches anyway, before we take the Sixth out. I mean, if you think… She'd play if you wanted her to, I expect.' Nicola finished, in some confusion, wondering if she'd said too much.
'Well,' said Craven, looking at her list. 'We could move Miranda up the order and put Samantha in sixth. But we're even shorter on bowling. You, Sarah, Jane and Hannah. No. I think we must play Lawrie, at least at first. But keep your eye open for anyone who can bowl at all, Nicola. Very well.'
But, as Redmond and Nicola made to leave, Craven remembered something.
'Nicola, wait a moment. I have something to ask you.' Heart sank but Nicola obediently sat back on her chair and waited.
Craven spent a few minutes talking to Redmond at the door before closing it firmly and coming back to Nicola. She looked serious. Nicola, mentally reviewing her Games Captain duties, could not bring to mind anything left undone.
'Do you remember what happened when you were in the Lower Fourth?'
Nicola struggled to cast her mind back, so unexpected was the question.
'Well, I…'
'We decided not to play you in the Junior netball team.' Memory surged back.
'Oh, that. Yes, I remember.'
'Do you know why?'
Strewth! thought Nicola. 'Well I… Rowan said something about missed practices.'
'Mmm. Did you miss practices? It seemed very unlike you, even then.'
'No.’ She paused, wondering how much to say, but Craven was looking friendly, so she shrugged and continued. ‘I was late once. It was when I had Sprog, my hawk?' Craven nodded, remembering. 'Miss Kempe and Miss Ferguson asked me to show him to the Seconds and kept me talking. I told them I had a practice but it was hard to get away. Lois didn’t want to know.'
'I see.'
'But…' Nicola hesitated, then decided she had nothing to lose. 'When I was in Miss Keith's office, once, she showed me my file. It said I'd been left out for over-confidence but someone else had marked Query. I don't know where that came from.'
'No. I see. Lois was an able sportswoman, of course. And I gather there was an incident with Miss Redmond over Guiding.' Craven decided she'd said too much and changed the subject. 'What are your plans when you leave us, Nicola?'
And suddenly, Nicola found herself explaining her dreams. 'But of course, it all depends whether I can find someone to sponsor me.'
'Do your parents agree?'
'Sort of. I mean, my father said I could if I could arrange it properly with support and training. Mum said I could if Dad agreed. But if not, I suppose I'll join up.'
Miss Craven looked questioningly.
'Sorry. The Wrens. It's not properly Navy, but it's as near as I'll get.'
Craven nodded. 'Don't do anything irrevocable until I've spoken to you again. I can't promise but I may be able to help.'
'Gosh. I mean, thank you, Miss Craven.'
'Yes, alright. Go along, then.'
Nicola said her goodnights, and more thanks and went, hugging the conversation to herself and urgently needing to tell Patrick. She avoided the clamour of the Sixth Form common room and instead ran up to her dorm to write him a letter.
His reply was swift and suitably congratulatory. His own parents, he reported, had grudgingly agreed he could accept the job at the estate. He would start in August and have his own small cottage, more a lean-to really, next to the mews. Lunch would be up at the House but otherwise he would have to find himself. 'I can't wait,' he wrote. 'At last it feels like being properly grown-up.' Nicola, reading this at breakfast, surrounded by hordes of Lower Fourths, sighed deeply and wished she felt the same.
'Only one more time! Oh Nick, isn't it miserable?' Miranda was there already, looking far from miserable as she surveyed her empire.
'Not already, Miranda! We've only just got back. Can't all that wait until Last Day?'
'Oh, I s'pose. Only I can't help counting off last things. When's your first exam, Nick?'
Nicola thought for a moment. 'May 25th. Maths. You?'
'Orals next week, then May 27th, Spanish. Isn't it too dreggy?'
'But I thought you liked exams too?'
'Yes. I don't mean exams, exactly. More, no more lessons.'
'You're not going to mind no more MusApp or Country Dancing?'
'No, but Classics with the Latimer, or Maths with Crommie. Oh well, I see you're not going to mourn with me. How about the Cricket Cup? Can we win it again? Or are you going to let the others have a chance? I don't know if our lot will stand your gruelling schedule this time.'
'No,' mused Nicola. 'But then, we shouldn't need quite so much practice as some of the others. I thought maybe two early mornings and one evening a week should be manageable. That gives me time to coach some of the other forms as well. And there's the Play.'
'Mmm. Have you seen the list?'
Nicola shook her head.
'Tim's managed to wangle Assistant Director. Betcha by next week either she or Kempe'll have given up.'
'Betcha Kempe gives up.' They grinned in mutual appreciation.
In the distance a bell rang. Miranda looked at her watch. 'I ought to go, I'm seeing Keith in ten minutes and I should check my dorm first. Have you been in to yours?'
'Only for a second. I need to speak to Craven too. See you later.'
Nicola announced her proposed schedule to the assembled Sixth the next morning. Those who, like Miranda and Lawrie, had been in the winning Cricket Cup side since the Lower Fourth were pleasantly surprised by the lighter schedule, having been resigned to another summer filled with early mornings and late evenings. The first year Sixth, new to Nicola's coaching methods, were inclined to be resentful until told that they need not play at all if they chose not. The Uppers could win without any help from the Lowers if that was how they felt. One or two said it was and Nicola calmly crossed them off her list.
'Good. Everybody else, six-thirty tomorrow, then. We should know the team by the end of next week.'
'If you've finished, Commander Marlow.' Nicola nodded, glad that Tim no longer made her blush so badly. 'I have one or two words to say about the Play.'
'But isn't Miss Kempe…?'
Tim fixed a beady eye on the unfortunate Jenny Cardigan and continued. 'Me Auntie has agreed that, this being Lawrie's final term, and mine, The Play should be a Sixth Form Production, with assistance where needed from staff or other students. So I'll produce, Miranda is going to direct, Liz is in charge of costumes and props, Barby can do lighting, Pippin sound and Sally programmes and publicity. I've put a cast list on the board and a rehearsal schedule. Of course I'll be auditioning for minor roles in the next week. Anyone can sign up to try out.'
Nicola stared at Tim admiringly, wondering just how she'd persuaded Keith and Kempe to let her take over and whether she was planning to get any Levels at all. Still, it would undoubtedly be more fun with Tim in charge, and Lawrie would be happy. She looked round for her twin and spotted her, miming Nicola being St Joan. It was very funny and Nicola, who had no illusions about the extent of her acting talent, joined in the laughter.
A couple of weeks into term, Nicola was invited to join Miss Craven and Miss Redmond to determine the school teams. Tennis wasn't really her game, but she put in a good word for little Katy Howard whom she'd seen practising hard in the evenings and suggested one or two alterations to the U16 line-up which Craven accepted without comment.
'Now, swimming. Gemma Ford, freestyle; Lawrie Marlow, backstroke.' She glanced at Nicola, who nodded, keeping down her flush of pleasure. 'Miranda West, butterfly...' The names went on.
'Good. It's a pity we'll lose so many when A-Levels begin. But it's a strong team this year and plenty of reserves. Alright if we move onto cricket?' The others nodded and Craven began. There was only one school cricket team. Nicola, who coached most of the junior forms for the Cricket Cup, suggested several younger players to join the Prospects list.
'Yes, very good. Now for the team. You'll Captain, of course, Nicola. And open with Sarah. Then Miranda, Lawrie, Maggie, Catherine. We're short on decent fast bowlers. Such a shame Esther left last summer.'
'Jane Sutton in VB's not bad,' suggested Nicola.
'Ye-es,' mused Craven. 'Or Hannah Jones from VA?'
'Jane keeps her nerve better,' put in Miss Redmond.
'Well, we've probably room for both. Pomona can keep wicket. Then Laura Jenkins and Lizzie Smith?'
Nicola chewed her lip. 'How about Samantha Green? She's a jolly useful fielder and her batting's come on heaps this year. I think she'd work really hard to stay in the team. And think how smashing for Lower VB. They've got a good chance in the Cup this year.'
Miss Craven eyed her consideringly. 'Instead of whom, Nicola?'
Nicola took a deep breath. 'Lawrie.'
Both teachers stared at her.
'Lawrie?'
Nicola nodded, flushing deep red.
'Have the two of you talked about this?'
'No-oo. Only, she was saying the other day about the Play and Levels and we've put her in the swimming. And she'll play in the Cup, of course. I just think she wouldn't mind terribly not being in the team. It'd only be for three matches anyway, before we take the Sixth out. I mean, if you think… She'd play if you wanted her to, I expect.' Nicola finished, in some confusion, wondering if she'd said too much.
'Well,' said Craven, looking at her list. 'We could move Miranda up the order and put Samantha in sixth. But we're even shorter on bowling. You, Sarah, Jane and Hannah. No. I think we must play Lawrie, at least at first. But keep your eye open for anyone who can bowl at all, Nicola. Very well.'
But, as Redmond and Nicola made to leave, Craven remembered something.
'Nicola, wait a moment. I have something to ask you.' Heart sank but Nicola obediently sat back on her chair and waited.
Craven spent a few minutes talking to Redmond at the door before closing it firmly and coming back to Nicola. She looked serious. Nicola, mentally reviewing her Games Captain duties, could not bring to mind anything left undone.
'Do you remember what happened when you were in the Lower Fourth?'
Nicola struggled to cast her mind back, so unexpected was the question.
'Well, I…'
'We decided not to play you in the Junior netball team.' Memory surged back.
'Oh, that. Yes, I remember.'
'Do you know why?'
Strewth! thought Nicola. 'Well I… Rowan said something about missed practices.'
'Mmm. Did you miss practices? It seemed very unlike you, even then.'
'No.’ She paused, wondering how much to say, but Craven was looking friendly, so she shrugged and continued. ‘I was late once. It was when I had Sprog, my hawk?' Craven nodded, remembering. 'Miss Kempe and Miss Ferguson asked me to show him to the Seconds and kept me talking. I told them I had a practice but it was hard to get away. Lois didn’t want to know.'
'I see.'
'But…' Nicola hesitated, then decided she had nothing to lose. 'When I was in Miss Keith's office, once, she showed me my file. It said I'd been left out for over-confidence but someone else had marked Query. I don't know where that came from.'
'No. I see. Lois was an able sportswoman, of course. And I gather there was an incident with Miss Redmond over Guiding.' Craven decided she'd said too much and changed the subject. 'What are your plans when you leave us, Nicola?'
And suddenly, Nicola found herself explaining her dreams. 'But of course, it all depends whether I can find someone to sponsor me.'
'Do your parents agree?'
'Sort of. I mean, my father said I could if I could arrange it properly with support and training. Mum said I could if Dad agreed. But if not, I suppose I'll join up.'
Miss Craven looked questioningly.
'Sorry. The Wrens. It's not properly Navy, but it's as near as I'll get.'
Craven nodded. 'Don't do anything irrevocable until I've spoken to you again. I can't promise but I may be able to help.'
'Gosh. I mean, thank you, Miss Craven.'
'Yes, alright. Go along, then.'
Nicola said her goodnights, and more thanks and went, hugging the conversation to herself and urgently needing to tell Patrick. She avoided the clamour of the Sixth Form common room and instead ran up to her dorm to write him a letter.
His reply was swift and suitably congratulatory. His own parents, he reported, had grudgingly agreed he could accept the job at the estate. He would start in August and have his own small cottage, more a lean-to really, next to the mews. Lunch would be up at the House but otherwise he would have to find himself. 'I can't wait,' he wrote. 'At last it feels like being properly grown-up.' Nicola, reading this at breakfast, surrounded by hordes of Lower Fourths, sighed deeply and wished she felt the same.
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(no subject)
Date: 2006-05-12 03:15 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-05-12 03:26 pm (UTC)Thank you so much, I am thoroughly enjoying this so far, and hugging to myself happily the prospect of lots more! :-D
(no subject)
Date: 2006-05-12 04:03 pm (UTC)poor departed esther though... and entirely agree with helenprev's comment what is it - that thing about only a sixth form nicola, no one else would be sensible enough to talk to!
(no subject)
Date: 2006-05-12 07:44 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-05-12 08:44 pm (UTC)Thank you so much.
(no subject)
Date: 2006-05-12 10:18 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-05-12 10:46 pm (UTC)