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elen_nareTitle: Misinformation
Chapter: 7
Fandom: Chalet School series
Rating: T
Length: 2127 words
(See Chapter 1 for full header).
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“Dr Maynard? Dr Travers is just coming out of surgery, you asked to be notified.”
Jack looked up from his desk. “Ah, thank you, Nurse Amiel. I’ll be along in a second.”
With a nod, the nurse vanished. Jack hastily swept his paperwork together, running through his plans for the upcoming conversation in his mind. He was furious on Nell’s behalf, but had the sense to realise that a huge row would solve nothing, and might well make matters worse. He had to remain calm and sensible, however provoking Travers was.
‘Though I’d give a good deal never to have taken him on!’ he thought grimly. ‘I wish Jem was here to deal with him; there’s an aura of respect about Sir James Russell M.D. that plain Dr Jack Maynard doesn’t quite command. Well, wishing won’t make him appear, so I’ll just have to handle it myself.’
Meeting Dr Travers just outside the surgery, he inquired first about the operation, relieved to hear it had gone well.
With that out of the way, he went on, “Would you step into my study a moment, Doctor? We never finished our discussion this morning.”
Dr Travers inclined his head. “Certainly, though perhaps I might trouble you to ring for coffee? I’m rather thirsty.”
Agreeing, Jack led the way to his study, where he waved the other man to a chair and sat down behind the desk.
“You made a very serious accusation this morning, Dr Travers. I’ve spoken to Miss Wilson, since I needed to know her side of the story. You didn’t tell me you had proposed to her?”
The doctor shifted uncomfortably at that. “Ah, yes. I didn’t find it relevant.”
“You didn’t?” Jack asked skeptically. “I find it extremely relevant, since it gives a context to, and an explanation for, her remark that she ‘isn’t the marrying kind’. It was always flimsy evidence at best, and in that context it becomes even flimsier.”
“I fail to see how the context matters,” Dr Travers snapped. “What other interpretation can one give such a phrase?”
“A far more likely one, I should think, is simply that she has no wish to give up teaching, as she would have to if she married!” Jack retorted, his temper beginning to rise despite himself. “That’s hardly unusual; there are many teachers, and many women in professions such as our own, who choose to remain single out of devotion to their work. I find that something worthy of praise, not suspicion.”
At that moment, one of the maids entered, bearing coffee for both of them. Jack fell silent, grateful for the interruption that gave him time to calm himself. When she had left, he continued more evenly, “I’m sure that’s what Miss Wilson meant, and I expect she intended to soften her rejection. I can’t say you’re repaying her well for that kindness. Besides, I don’t understand you. You must have had a good opinion of her if you wished to marry her. How can one phrase affect that so much?”
“It isn’t simply that remark; if it were, I would be willing to consider your explanation for it,” Dr Travers replied stiffly, sipping his coffee. “It was the first thing to arouse my suspicions, and once it had I began to remember the rumours about her at Oxford.”
“My good man, rumours are the most unreliable thing in existence. Why, in my family alone, quite half my children are not really mine if rumour is to be believed - though I’ve yet to hear agreement as to which half it is.” Jack suppressed a smile at the thought. The varied colouring of his family kept giving rise to speculations, and Joey especially with her sharp ears and fluency in Schweizerdeutsch had overheard a good many, to her mixed indignation and amusement.
“Indeed?” Dr Travers seemed startled, but swiftly recovered his equilibrium. “You’ll forgive my saying so, but it’s hardly the same thing.”
“The principle is the same - wild, unfounded speculations. As I recall, universities tend to be especially fertile ground for them... and even in my time, women in the sciences tended to be subject to the type of gossip you speak of. I expect it was even worse when Miss Wilson was studying, and I’m sure she wasn’t the only woman you heard such rumours about.” Jack had decided not to reveal he’d asked Nell about them directly, and thinking back had brought to mind a number of scandals from his student days which fitted well with the explanation she had given him.
“No, she wasn’t,” Dr Travers conceded grudgingly. “I suppose it is possible I have been mistaken.”
“I’m sure you have,” Jack replied instantly. “I’ve known Miss Wilson from the time when both the San and the School were in Tirol. I’ve seen her in terrible times - we were both part of a group that had to escape from Austria to Switzerland on foot, fleeing the Gestapo - and I’ve always found her a person of great courage, integrity and faith. In fact, she’s my eldest daughter’s godmother. I find it impossible to reconcile my knowledge of her with the way you would describe her.”
“Sometimes, even our nearest and dearest can grievously disappoint us,” Dr Travers sentenced, and Jack felt a sudden desire to fling his coffee, cup and all, at the man.
“It is possible, but in this case I find it wildly improbable,” he said, setting down his coffee before he could give in to irrational urges. “No, Dr Travers, I think this is a bad mistake caused by wounded pride at best.”
“At best?”
“It could also be an extremely vicious revenge. She refused you for her career, so you’re attempting to destroy it.” Jack had been horrified when Hilda had suggested this to him, but he had to acknowledge it made sense.
Dr Travers leapt to his feet, his face very red. “Dr Maynard, you go too far! I was disappointed, certainly, but I would never stoop to such planned cruelty.”
“I’m glad to hear that, and I apologise for insulting you,” Jack replied with as much dignity as he could muster. “You must see it was a possibility, and I had to be sure that was not the case. And you may not have planned to stoop to such cruelty, but you have done so all the same. Please, sit down! If I had simply let you go on spreading rumours, Miss Wilson’s career would certainly have suffered. Didn’t you think the consequences through?”
“Given what I believed, I was hoping to see her removed from her post. I suppose I must accept I was wrong, but I could hardly have allowed such a person to be in charge of young girls.” Dr Travers had resumed his seat, but he still looked nearly apoplectic.
Jack could have punched the air in glee at this grudging admittance, but he kept his face serious. “Yes, but did you consider the probable consequences for the School - and the San?”
Dr Travers frowned, puzzled. “I suppose the School might have lost some pupils over it, but it shouldn’t have caused it a great deal of harm. I’m afraid I fail to see how the Sanatorium could suffer, though.”
“You know their history, I suppose? Both were founded in Austria, in Tirol, before the war. The Chalet School was started by Madge Bettany, now Lady Russell and my sister-in-law, and the San by Sir James Russell, though he was just Dr Russell then. From the very beginning, they’ve been closely linked; many of our patients have children in the School. Surely you can see that anything that damaged the reputation of the Chalet School must, by association, damage the San? And I’m afraid you greatly underestimate how much the School would have suffered. Such an accusation against one of its Heads would have immersed the School in scandal, and we’d have been embroiled in it too.”
Jack watched the other man’s reaction to his speech with distinct satisfaction. It was most enjoyable to see the anger fade from his face, to be replaced by chagrin at his thoughtlessness.
“I see. I hadn’t thought of that,” Dr Travers replied slowly. Then his tone became defiant. “Even if I had, I would not have let it stop me from doing what I believed to be morally right.”
“Certainly! But it’s well to consider things carefully first. I notice you said ‘believed’ - you no longer believe it, then?”
“No, it appears I have made a mistake. I appreciate your correction, and shall apologise to Miss Wilson.” His voice didn’t exactly suggest appreciation, but Jack decided to take the words at their value.
“I’d advise doing it by post,” he warned. “She asked me to convey the message that she never wanted to see you again, and threatened to have you forcibly removed from the premises if you attempted to visit her. She’s quite likely to carry that out, too.”
“I see. I shall write to her, in that case. Is that all?”
“Not quite,” Jack answered, considering how to word this. “I’m glad this has been simply a mistake, though a very serious one, not a calculated revenge. I know we couldn’t have kept someone whose character was so vicious he’d plan such a thing. But as it is, I’m still unsure.”
“Are you threatening to dismiss me?” Dr Travers looked furious.
“It’s not a threat, it’s an honest observation.”
“And what have I done to deserve it? Does a simple mistake merit such reaction? Or...” his eyes suddenly gleamed, “have I struck close to the truth, and are you getting rid of me to protect your precious Miss Wilson?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Jack replied coldly. “Miss Wilson has nothing to hide, and there is no truth in your twisted fabrications. My doubts are entirely due to the character you have displayed.”
He paused for a second to collect his thoughts, suddenly devoutly glad he had never pressed Nell for the truth. He had his suspicions, had had them for years, but had long ago decided it was really none of his business. Nell’s private life was her own, and while he would never judge her for who she loved, he understood the fear that prompted secrecy. Still, not really knowing had made it easier to refute the accusation so firmly. To his relief, Dr Travers seemed to accept it, looking slightly ashamed of himself at having jumped to conclusions once more.
“Think about it!” he finally continued. “In these events, you have shown yourself overbearingly proud, you have reacted with horrible vindictiveness, you have made wild surmises from practically inexistent evidence, and you have shown a profound failure to reason through the probable effects of your actions. None of these are good characteristics, and they’re extremely undesirable in a doctor. How do I know you won’t react poorly if someone questions your decisions, or risk a patient’s life through wild guessing?”
“My qualifications, I believe, should speak for themselves,” Dr Travers retorted stiffly.
“Your qualifications are excellent, as you know. It’s your character that worries me.”
“Am I to consider myself under notice, then?” It was a good question, Jack thought, one he was having difficulty making his mind up about.
“No,” he said at last. “This is, after all, a single event, and I shouldn’t wish to misjudge you. We have always believed in second chances. But my opinion has been influenced by this; if similar situations should arise, I will have to reconsider my decision. Is this clear?”
“Perfectly.” The word was bitten off as if Dr Travers was afraid of exploding if he said anything else.
“Then I think that is nearly all; there’s just one thing more. I must ask for your word of honour that you will not continue to spread rumours about Miss Wilson, or anyone else. I can’t allow that to go on.” Jack hoped this was unnecessary - after all, Dr Travers had agreed that he’d been wrong - but it was best to take all precautions.
“You have my word. Sir.” It was given instantly, much to Jack’s relief. It wasn’t a perfect guarantee, of course, but it was something.
“I am sure you will keep it. Now, that is all. You may go, I expect you have other things to do.”
With a curt nod, Dr Travers left the room, and Jack leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples.
‘Well, that’s over and done with! And I hope I never have to do such a thing again,’ he thought. ‘I’d better phone Hilda and let her know it went well. I’ll ask her to get Nell to stay this evening, too, so I can drop in and tell them about it.’
Chapter: 7
Fandom: Chalet School series
Rating: T
Length: 2127 words
(See Chapter 1 for full header).
Previous | Next
“Dr Maynard? Dr Travers is just coming out of surgery, you asked to be notified.”
Jack looked up from his desk. “Ah, thank you, Nurse Amiel. I’ll be along in a second.”
With a nod, the nurse vanished. Jack hastily swept his paperwork together, running through his plans for the upcoming conversation in his mind. He was furious on Nell’s behalf, but had the sense to realise that a huge row would solve nothing, and might well make matters worse. He had to remain calm and sensible, however provoking Travers was.
‘Though I’d give a good deal never to have taken him on!’ he thought grimly. ‘I wish Jem was here to deal with him; there’s an aura of respect about Sir James Russell M.D. that plain Dr Jack Maynard doesn’t quite command. Well, wishing won’t make him appear, so I’ll just have to handle it myself.’
Meeting Dr Travers just outside the surgery, he inquired first about the operation, relieved to hear it had gone well.
With that out of the way, he went on, “Would you step into my study a moment, Doctor? We never finished our discussion this morning.”
Dr Travers inclined his head. “Certainly, though perhaps I might trouble you to ring for coffee? I’m rather thirsty.”
Agreeing, Jack led the way to his study, where he waved the other man to a chair and sat down behind the desk.
“You made a very serious accusation this morning, Dr Travers. I’ve spoken to Miss Wilson, since I needed to know her side of the story. You didn’t tell me you had proposed to her?”
The doctor shifted uncomfortably at that. “Ah, yes. I didn’t find it relevant.”
“You didn’t?” Jack asked skeptically. “I find it extremely relevant, since it gives a context to, and an explanation for, her remark that she ‘isn’t the marrying kind’. It was always flimsy evidence at best, and in that context it becomes even flimsier.”
“I fail to see how the context matters,” Dr Travers snapped. “What other interpretation can one give such a phrase?”
“A far more likely one, I should think, is simply that she has no wish to give up teaching, as she would have to if she married!” Jack retorted, his temper beginning to rise despite himself. “That’s hardly unusual; there are many teachers, and many women in professions such as our own, who choose to remain single out of devotion to their work. I find that something worthy of praise, not suspicion.”
At that moment, one of the maids entered, bearing coffee for both of them. Jack fell silent, grateful for the interruption that gave him time to calm himself. When she had left, he continued more evenly, “I’m sure that’s what Miss Wilson meant, and I expect she intended to soften her rejection. I can’t say you’re repaying her well for that kindness. Besides, I don’t understand you. You must have had a good opinion of her if you wished to marry her. How can one phrase affect that so much?”
“It isn’t simply that remark; if it were, I would be willing to consider your explanation for it,” Dr Travers replied stiffly, sipping his coffee. “It was the first thing to arouse my suspicions, and once it had I began to remember the rumours about her at Oxford.”
“My good man, rumours are the most unreliable thing in existence. Why, in my family alone, quite half my children are not really mine if rumour is to be believed - though I’ve yet to hear agreement as to which half it is.” Jack suppressed a smile at the thought. The varied colouring of his family kept giving rise to speculations, and Joey especially with her sharp ears and fluency in Schweizerdeutsch had overheard a good many, to her mixed indignation and amusement.
“Indeed?” Dr Travers seemed startled, but swiftly recovered his equilibrium. “You’ll forgive my saying so, but it’s hardly the same thing.”
“The principle is the same - wild, unfounded speculations. As I recall, universities tend to be especially fertile ground for them... and even in my time, women in the sciences tended to be subject to the type of gossip you speak of. I expect it was even worse when Miss Wilson was studying, and I’m sure she wasn’t the only woman you heard such rumours about.” Jack had decided not to reveal he’d asked Nell about them directly, and thinking back had brought to mind a number of scandals from his student days which fitted well with the explanation she had given him.
“No, she wasn’t,” Dr Travers conceded grudgingly. “I suppose it is possible I have been mistaken.”
“I’m sure you have,” Jack replied instantly. “I’ve known Miss Wilson from the time when both the San and the School were in Tirol. I’ve seen her in terrible times - we were both part of a group that had to escape from Austria to Switzerland on foot, fleeing the Gestapo - and I’ve always found her a person of great courage, integrity and faith. In fact, she’s my eldest daughter’s godmother. I find it impossible to reconcile my knowledge of her with the way you would describe her.”
“Sometimes, even our nearest and dearest can grievously disappoint us,” Dr Travers sentenced, and Jack felt a sudden desire to fling his coffee, cup and all, at the man.
“It is possible, but in this case I find it wildly improbable,” he said, setting down his coffee before he could give in to irrational urges. “No, Dr Travers, I think this is a bad mistake caused by wounded pride at best.”
“At best?”
“It could also be an extremely vicious revenge. She refused you for her career, so you’re attempting to destroy it.” Jack had been horrified when Hilda had suggested this to him, but he had to acknowledge it made sense.
Dr Travers leapt to his feet, his face very red. “Dr Maynard, you go too far! I was disappointed, certainly, but I would never stoop to such planned cruelty.”
“I’m glad to hear that, and I apologise for insulting you,” Jack replied with as much dignity as he could muster. “You must see it was a possibility, and I had to be sure that was not the case. And you may not have planned to stoop to such cruelty, but you have done so all the same. Please, sit down! If I had simply let you go on spreading rumours, Miss Wilson’s career would certainly have suffered. Didn’t you think the consequences through?”
“Given what I believed, I was hoping to see her removed from her post. I suppose I must accept I was wrong, but I could hardly have allowed such a person to be in charge of young girls.” Dr Travers had resumed his seat, but he still looked nearly apoplectic.
Jack could have punched the air in glee at this grudging admittance, but he kept his face serious. “Yes, but did you consider the probable consequences for the School - and the San?”
Dr Travers frowned, puzzled. “I suppose the School might have lost some pupils over it, but it shouldn’t have caused it a great deal of harm. I’m afraid I fail to see how the Sanatorium could suffer, though.”
“You know their history, I suppose? Both were founded in Austria, in Tirol, before the war. The Chalet School was started by Madge Bettany, now Lady Russell and my sister-in-law, and the San by Sir James Russell, though he was just Dr Russell then. From the very beginning, they’ve been closely linked; many of our patients have children in the School. Surely you can see that anything that damaged the reputation of the Chalet School must, by association, damage the San? And I’m afraid you greatly underestimate how much the School would have suffered. Such an accusation against one of its Heads would have immersed the School in scandal, and we’d have been embroiled in it too.”
Jack watched the other man’s reaction to his speech with distinct satisfaction. It was most enjoyable to see the anger fade from his face, to be replaced by chagrin at his thoughtlessness.
“I see. I hadn’t thought of that,” Dr Travers replied slowly. Then his tone became defiant. “Even if I had, I would not have let it stop me from doing what I believed to be morally right.”
“Certainly! But it’s well to consider things carefully first. I notice you said ‘believed’ - you no longer believe it, then?”
“No, it appears I have made a mistake. I appreciate your correction, and shall apologise to Miss Wilson.” His voice didn’t exactly suggest appreciation, but Jack decided to take the words at their value.
“I’d advise doing it by post,” he warned. “She asked me to convey the message that she never wanted to see you again, and threatened to have you forcibly removed from the premises if you attempted to visit her. She’s quite likely to carry that out, too.”
“I see. I shall write to her, in that case. Is that all?”
“Not quite,” Jack answered, considering how to word this. “I’m glad this has been simply a mistake, though a very serious one, not a calculated revenge. I know we couldn’t have kept someone whose character was so vicious he’d plan such a thing. But as it is, I’m still unsure.”
“Are you threatening to dismiss me?” Dr Travers looked furious.
“It’s not a threat, it’s an honest observation.”
“And what have I done to deserve it? Does a simple mistake merit such reaction? Or...” his eyes suddenly gleamed, “have I struck close to the truth, and are you getting rid of me to protect your precious Miss Wilson?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Jack replied coldly. “Miss Wilson has nothing to hide, and there is no truth in your twisted fabrications. My doubts are entirely due to the character you have displayed.”
He paused for a second to collect his thoughts, suddenly devoutly glad he had never pressed Nell for the truth. He had his suspicions, had had them for years, but had long ago decided it was really none of his business. Nell’s private life was her own, and while he would never judge her for who she loved, he understood the fear that prompted secrecy. Still, not really knowing had made it easier to refute the accusation so firmly. To his relief, Dr Travers seemed to accept it, looking slightly ashamed of himself at having jumped to conclusions once more.
“Think about it!” he finally continued. “In these events, you have shown yourself overbearingly proud, you have reacted with horrible vindictiveness, you have made wild surmises from practically inexistent evidence, and you have shown a profound failure to reason through the probable effects of your actions. None of these are good characteristics, and they’re extremely undesirable in a doctor. How do I know you won’t react poorly if someone questions your decisions, or risk a patient’s life through wild guessing?”
“My qualifications, I believe, should speak for themselves,” Dr Travers retorted stiffly.
“Your qualifications are excellent, as you know. It’s your character that worries me.”
“Am I to consider myself under notice, then?” It was a good question, Jack thought, one he was having difficulty making his mind up about.
“No,” he said at last. “This is, after all, a single event, and I shouldn’t wish to misjudge you. We have always believed in second chances. But my opinion has been influenced by this; if similar situations should arise, I will have to reconsider my decision. Is this clear?”
“Perfectly.” The word was bitten off as if Dr Travers was afraid of exploding if he said anything else.
“Then I think that is nearly all; there’s just one thing more. I must ask for your word of honour that you will not continue to spread rumours about Miss Wilson, or anyone else. I can’t allow that to go on.” Jack hoped this was unnecessary - after all, Dr Travers had agreed that he’d been wrong - but it was best to take all precautions.
“You have my word. Sir.” It was given instantly, much to Jack’s relief. It wasn’t a perfect guarantee, of course, but it was something.
“I am sure you will keep it. Now, that is all. You may go, I expect you have other things to do.”
With a curt nod, Dr Travers left the room, and Jack leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples.
‘Well, that’s over and done with! And I hope I never have to do such a thing again,’ he thought. ‘I’d better phone Hilda and let her know it went well. I’ll ask her to get Nell to stay this evening, too, so I can drop in and tell them about it.’
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Date: 2013-07-31 12:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-07-31 09:42 pm (UTC)