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girlyswotAuthor's note: Thanks so much to everyone who's read and said nice things about this so far. Just so you know, I'm moving out of college accommodation with free broadband access in just over 3 weeks, so the plan is to have this all online before then. That's how I like to read fics anyway, I hate having to wait weeks and months for updates!
Chapter 3
A few days later Nicola, returning from a Seconds cricket practice, stumbled across a knot of Sixth formers sprawled lazily on the grass. Tim had a notebook and her much-thumbed copy of St Joan and was sucking a pencil. Miranda was murmuring Spanish vocab to herself. Sally and Barby were testing each other on their Chemistry notes. Lawrie lay with her eyes shut and her lips moving. Nicola, recognising the signs of rehearsal, carefully dropped a caterpillar onto her twin's nose
Chapter 3
A few days later Nicola, returning from a Seconds cricket practice, stumbled across a knot of Sixth formers sprawled lazily on the grass. Tim had a notebook and her much-thumbed copy of St Joan and was sucking a pencil. Miranda was murmuring Spanish vocab to herself. Sally and Barby were testing each other on their Chemistry notes. Lawrie lay with her eyes shut and her lips moving. Nicola, recognising the signs of rehearsal, carefully dropped a caterpillar onto her twin's nose
and collapsed beside her, joyfully watching Lawrie yelping and writhing in disgust without lifting a finger to help.
'Vengeance,' muttered Lawrie, but sat up and began to ask Nicola about Saturday's cricket match against Wade Abbas.
'We've got to win. It'll be our last match.'
'Not mine,' said Nick, crunching on an apple. 'Keith's agreed I can keep playing so long as Redmond says.'
'But that's not fair!' cried Lawrie. 'Why you?'
'Because, idiot, I don't get flapped about exams like the rest of you poor rabbits. 'Sides, I'm not in the swimming team nor the Play.'
Tim's ears flapped at this. 'Since when aren't you in the Play?'
'I don't mean not in. I just mean not like Lal,' Nick explained. Tim seemed satisfied with this but Lawrie showed signs of wanting to continue the debate.
'Plus, Ma and Pa haven't said anything about me needing to pass my exams.' She shot a sideways glance at her twin, who was turning red.
Tim looked questioningly at this.
Lawrie evidently wasn't going to answer, so Nicola continued. 'Strue. Lal's got to get at least three honours and pass everything else otherwise they won't let her go to RADA. So you won't have time to bother with cricket and all that work.'
'I shouldn't worry,' said Miranda, consolingly. 'I've heard RADA's terribly commonplace these days. Much better to get a job in rep. and work your way up. Years of playing the dead body, that's what you need.' Everyone except Tim and Lawrie laughed at this.
Tim, seeing that her friend was genuinely alarmed, said, 'Of course you'll get the pootling little exams, Lal. Look at those poor foolish types in last year's Sixth who got strings of the things. Don't listen to them.'
The early rounds of the Cricket Cup were proceeding much as expected. The Thirds saw off the Seconds and then defeated Lower IVB much to their delight. Upper IVA gained a notable triumph against Lower VA and went on to beat Lower IVA convincingly. The Sixth won comfortably against Upper VA and Upper IVB. Nicola spent every spare hour helping the form Games Captains left in the Cup with their coaching, hardily ignoring the accusations of her own team that she was sleeping with the enemy.
Then, without any fuss, A-levels began. Nicola, taking each exam as it came, found that she was well-prepared and able to enjoy the freedom of the timetable without lessons to fit in. More often than not, she took her work up to the roof and studied in splendid isolation, surveying the school grounds and concentrating harder than she realised.
One glorious day in June, with just two exams left, the letter arrived. She'd almost forgotten about Craven's offer of help, so improbable did it seem, and mentally resigned herself to the WRNS. But, a large envelope, addressed in a hand she did not recognise, was passed to her. Still chewing toast and marmalade, Nicola opened it one handed and extracted the letter.
'Dear Miss Marlow,
I am planning an expedition to sail around the Nordic Fjords for three months, commencing September 1st of this year. Your name has been passed to me as a potential crew member by my friend Helen Craven.' Cor! thought Nicola. Helen! She could not help glancing across at Craven, deep in conversation with Crommie. Who would have thought it. 'I enclose details of the planned journey together with requirements for crew members. I should be grateful if you could reply with details of your experience and any relevant skills as soon as possible.
I should also like to meet with you before making a final decision. Perhaps you could let me know in your letter when would be a suitable time. Helen indicated your desire to make a single-handed voyage in the future. I have begun to investigate one or two likely sources of help in undertaking such a journey which I will discuss with you at our meeting.
Yours sincerely,
Roger Clayton.'
Nicola let out a Lawrie-like yelp of delight and amazement before remembering where she was. She continued swallowing her breakfast, staring down the curious faces of Lower IVB. But, as soon as Keith had departed, the Sixth came swarming down on her, determined to find out the news. Nicola looked round wildly for Craven, saw her departing, still in conversation with Crommie, decided she could wait until morning break to be thanked and told the others her news. Tim responded, predictably, with cries of Horatio and Hornblower. Lawrie looked astounded.
Miranda dragged her out to the Sunken Garden to talk.
'It's not that I'm not madly thrilled for you. It's just… please don't eat me for this, Nick… I mentioned it to Daddy. Your plans, I mean. He thought it was wildly exciting and he was going to talk to a friend of his and see what he could arrange.'
Nicola looked flabbergasted. 'Seriously? I mean, your father's not exactly the sailing type, is he?'
'No-oo. But it's one of my holiday things. And he does know people with money. Some of whom have yachts. And companies who might want to sponsor yachts.'
'But that's fantastic. And so kind. And the other might come to nothing anyway. I haven't even met this Roger Clayton yet. And even if your father does manage the sponsorship, Daddy made three months experience one of his conditions.'
'Yes. I'll tell my father you've probably got that organised and he can go ahead with the rest. If that's okay, Nick?'
Nicola nodded enthusiastically. 'I can't believe it. Yesterday I was all set to fill in my form for the WRNS and now it seems practically certain I won't need to.'
'Doesn't it scare you at all, Nick?'
'What, sailing?' She looked bemused.
'Not that. More being on your own for so long.'
'No. Besides, it never seems on your own. There's the sea with you, always.'
'Mmm.' Miranda sounded unconvinced. 'No, give me dry land any day.'
Redmond agreed Nicola could spend one of the days following her final exam in travelling to Port Wade to meet Roger Clayton. She wore her uniform self-consciously, as befitted an eighteen-year-old about to face her first proper interview. But Roger Clayton turned out to be one of those men who barely notice what anyone is wearing. Nicola took to him instantly, recognising behind the fatherly advice and seafaring tales, a shrewd judge of character and an able sailor. He asked her about her plans for her solo journey and she told him a bit about Miranda's father. 'Nothing's definite yet, of course, but I should think he'll make it happen. He's that sort of person. But I don't know if he'll be any use finding the right support team. He's not a sailing person, really. I'll still need someone to help me find the right boat and the right gear and work out plans and such like.'
Roger Clayton smiled. 'I can probably put you in touch with someone for that side of things. Money's more difficult, but this Mr West sounds as though he's got that under control. You're a very lucky lady, Miss Marlow.' Nicola blushed and agreed with him.
'Now, Helen tells me you have excellent organisational skills, you're a natural leader and extremely fit and active.' Nicola, reeling slightly from hearing Miss Craven referred to in that way, mumbled incoherently in reply.
'Where did you learn to sail?'
'In the Solent. Then a bit further along the Channel towards Wade. Father's in the Navy and both my brothers, so we always had to do things properly. I've mainly sailed dinghies on my own and a 30-foot yacht with a friend last summer. Peter, my brother, showed me a bit, too. We sailed across to France one summer.' Suddenly she realised how feeble it all sounded. 'But I can learn fast and I'll do whatever you want me too.'
He smiled. 'Ever been afraid on a boat?'
She was about to shake her head disparagingly then remembered. 'Yes. I was kidnapped one Easter. I was afraid then, several times.'
'Good. Well, Nicola. I'm taking six crew with me. We're carrying three scientists who want to study the fjords so they will determine our course. You'll get good experience in a larger boat and in the North Sea. And that's as wild as they come in winter. We won't do much in the open but there'll be plenty of shore work. You'll muck in with everyone and you'll probably be the most junior so expect the worst jobs. I don't put up with insolence or insubordination but, if you're used to Navy ways, you'll find it a nice relaxed outfit. Are you in?'
'Oh, yes!' she breathed and grasped his proffered hand.
'You'll need the right kit. I sent you the list. I'll pay fifty pounds a week plus board and we should be away for about eleven weeks. Sail September 1st from Poole. Be at the harbour the day before to make ready. Any questions?'
Nicola shook her head, unable to articulate any thought at all. 'Thank you!' she uttered.
'Thank me when we're home again. Now get on back to school.'
'Yes, of course. Goodbye!'
'So that's that.' she thought to herself. Condition number one satisfied. Mentally composing a letter to her parents she dozed off and only just awoke in time to get off at Wade. Strolling back up to school, she found, for the first time, that perhaps she might be sad to go after all.
'Vengeance,' muttered Lawrie, but sat up and began to ask Nicola about Saturday's cricket match against Wade Abbas.
'We've got to win. It'll be our last match.'
'Not mine,' said Nick, crunching on an apple. 'Keith's agreed I can keep playing so long as Redmond says.'
'But that's not fair!' cried Lawrie. 'Why you?'
'Because, idiot, I don't get flapped about exams like the rest of you poor rabbits. 'Sides, I'm not in the swimming team nor the Play.'
Tim's ears flapped at this. 'Since when aren't you in the Play?'
'I don't mean not in. I just mean not like Lal,' Nick explained. Tim seemed satisfied with this but Lawrie showed signs of wanting to continue the debate.
'Plus, Ma and Pa haven't said anything about me needing to pass my exams.' She shot a sideways glance at her twin, who was turning red.
Tim looked questioningly at this.
Lawrie evidently wasn't going to answer, so Nicola continued. 'Strue. Lal's got to get at least three honours and pass everything else otherwise they won't let her go to RADA. So you won't have time to bother with cricket and all that work.'
'I shouldn't worry,' said Miranda, consolingly. 'I've heard RADA's terribly commonplace these days. Much better to get a job in rep. and work your way up. Years of playing the dead body, that's what you need.' Everyone except Tim and Lawrie laughed at this.
Tim, seeing that her friend was genuinely alarmed, said, 'Of course you'll get the pootling little exams, Lal. Look at those poor foolish types in last year's Sixth who got strings of the things. Don't listen to them.'
The early rounds of the Cricket Cup were proceeding much as expected. The Thirds saw off the Seconds and then defeated Lower IVB much to their delight. Upper IVA gained a notable triumph against Lower VA and went on to beat Lower IVA convincingly. The Sixth won comfortably against Upper VA and Upper IVB. Nicola spent every spare hour helping the form Games Captains left in the Cup with their coaching, hardily ignoring the accusations of her own team that she was sleeping with the enemy.
Then, without any fuss, A-levels began. Nicola, taking each exam as it came, found that she was well-prepared and able to enjoy the freedom of the timetable without lessons to fit in. More often than not, she took her work up to the roof and studied in splendid isolation, surveying the school grounds and concentrating harder than she realised.
One glorious day in June, with just two exams left, the letter arrived. She'd almost forgotten about Craven's offer of help, so improbable did it seem, and mentally resigned herself to the WRNS. But, a large envelope, addressed in a hand she did not recognise, was passed to her. Still chewing toast and marmalade, Nicola opened it one handed and extracted the letter.
'Dear Miss Marlow,
I am planning an expedition to sail around the Nordic Fjords for three months, commencing September 1st of this year. Your name has been passed to me as a potential crew member by my friend Helen Craven.' Cor! thought Nicola. Helen! She could not help glancing across at Craven, deep in conversation with Crommie. Who would have thought it. 'I enclose details of the planned journey together with requirements for crew members. I should be grateful if you could reply with details of your experience and any relevant skills as soon as possible.
I should also like to meet with you before making a final decision. Perhaps you could let me know in your letter when would be a suitable time. Helen indicated your desire to make a single-handed voyage in the future. I have begun to investigate one or two likely sources of help in undertaking such a journey which I will discuss with you at our meeting.
Yours sincerely,
Roger Clayton.'
Nicola let out a Lawrie-like yelp of delight and amazement before remembering where she was. She continued swallowing her breakfast, staring down the curious faces of Lower IVB. But, as soon as Keith had departed, the Sixth came swarming down on her, determined to find out the news. Nicola looked round wildly for Craven, saw her departing, still in conversation with Crommie, decided she could wait until morning break to be thanked and told the others her news. Tim responded, predictably, with cries of Horatio and Hornblower. Lawrie looked astounded.
Miranda dragged her out to the Sunken Garden to talk.
'It's not that I'm not madly thrilled for you. It's just… please don't eat me for this, Nick… I mentioned it to Daddy. Your plans, I mean. He thought it was wildly exciting and he was going to talk to a friend of his and see what he could arrange.'
Nicola looked flabbergasted. 'Seriously? I mean, your father's not exactly the sailing type, is he?'
'No-oo. But it's one of my holiday things. And he does know people with money. Some of whom have yachts. And companies who might want to sponsor yachts.'
'But that's fantastic. And so kind. And the other might come to nothing anyway. I haven't even met this Roger Clayton yet. And even if your father does manage the sponsorship, Daddy made three months experience one of his conditions.'
'Yes. I'll tell my father you've probably got that organised and he can go ahead with the rest. If that's okay, Nick?'
Nicola nodded enthusiastically. 'I can't believe it. Yesterday I was all set to fill in my form for the WRNS and now it seems practically certain I won't need to.'
'Doesn't it scare you at all, Nick?'
'What, sailing?' She looked bemused.
'Not that. More being on your own for so long.'
'No. Besides, it never seems on your own. There's the sea with you, always.'
'Mmm.' Miranda sounded unconvinced. 'No, give me dry land any day.'
Redmond agreed Nicola could spend one of the days following her final exam in travelling to Port Wade to meet Roger Clayton. She wore her uniform self-consciously, as befitted an eighteen-year-old about to face her first proper interview. But Roger Clayton turned out to be one of those men who barely notice what anyone is wearing. Nicola took to him instantly, recognising behind the fatherly advice and seafaring tales, a shrewd judge of character and an able sailor. He asked her about her plans for her solo journey and she told him a bit about Miranda's father. 'Nothing's definite yet, of course, but I should think he'll make it happen. He's that sort of person. But I don't know if he'll be any use finding the right support team. He's not a sailing person, really. I'll still need someone to help me find the right boat and the right gear and work out plans and such like.'
Roger Clayton smiled. 'I can probably put you in touch with someone for that side of things. Money's more difficult, but this Mr West sounds as though he's got that under control. You're a very lucky lady, Miss Marlow.' Nicola blushed and agreed with him.
'Now, Helen tells me you have excellent organisational skills, you're a natural leader and extremely fit and active.' Nicola, reeling slightly from hearing Miss Craven referred to in that way, mumbled incoherently in reply.
'Where did you learn to sail?'
'In the Solent. Then a bit further along the Channel towards Wade. Father's in the Navy and both my brothers, so we always had to do things properly. I've mainly sailed dinghies on my own and a 30-foot yacht with a friend last summer. Peter, my brother, showed me a bit, too. We sailed across to France one summer.' Suddenly she realised how feeble it all sounded. 'But I can learn fast and I'll do whatever you want me too.'
He smiled. 'Ever been afraid on a boat?'
She was about to shake her head disparagingly then remembered. 'Yes. I was kidnapped one Easter. I was afraid then, several times.'
'Good. Well, Nicola. I'm taking six crew with me. We're carrying three scientists who want to study the fjords so they will determine our course. You'll get good experience in a larger boat and in the North Sea. And that's as wild as they come in winter. We won't do much in the open but there'll be plenty of shore work. You'll muck in with everyone and you'll probably be the most junior so expect the worst jobs. I don't put up with insolence or insubordination but, if you're used to Navy ways, you'll find it a nice relaxed outfit. Are you in?'
'Oh, yes!' she breathed and grasped his proffered hand.
'You'll need the right kit. I sent you the list. I'll pay fifty pounds a week plus board and we should be away for about eleven weeks. Sail September 1st from Poole. Be at the harbour the day before to make ready. Any questions?'
Nicola shook her head, unable to articulate any thought at all. 'Thank you!' she uttered.
'Thank me when we're home again. Now get on back to school.'
'Yes, of course. Goodbye!'
'So that's that.' she thought to herself. Condition number one satisfied. Mentally composing a letter to her parents she dozed off and only just awoke in time to get off at Wade. Strolling back up to school, she found, for the first time, that perhaps she might be sad to go after all.
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Date: 2006-05-13 11:24 pm (UTC)