Chapter 15
As Jack made his way out, on the way to the chalet where he expected to find Edmund and Peter at this time of day, he encountered Jo Bettany, who was just coming up the stairs.
"Hello," she said cheekily, "have you come for some lessons?"
"Don't be silly Jo," said Jack, wondering if she was ever going to grow up.
"I've just dropped in to see some patients and now I'm off to visit some new friends of mine."
Jo's eyes widened in surprise.
"What friends?" she exclaimed.
"Two brothers who are staying in the chalet Madge and Jem keep for visitors down here. I met them up at your sister's house. Actually, you would know their sisters very well, since both girls come to school here."
Jo's face darkened. He had to be talking about Susan and Lucy. By now, all the girls were aware that the two girls had their brothers staying nearby the school. Jo was no closer to liking either girl, than she had been at the beginning of their acquaintance. She especially disliked Lucy, who had done nothing to deserve her animosity.
If truth be known, Jo had become rather jealous of Lucy, who she saw as her rival in everything. Lucy seemed to have a gift for learning languages, even more so than Jo. Her lovely singing voice delighted Plato, who, it seemed to Jo, spent every lesson marvelling at its power and range. She excelled at games, earning praise from Miss Nalder. She was popular with the other Seniors and all the Juniors loved her, especially – and this was the crowning insult for Jo – the Robin. The Robin had taken a fancy to the tall, fair-haired girl, who could run so fast on the sporting field and who was never too busy to tell stories to the little ones or play games with them. Something about Lucy's wistful expression as she told these tales (tales which Tumnus the faun had told her) recalled deeply buried memories of the Robin's long-dead mother. It was mainly for this reason that the Robin followed Lucy around and often spoke of her to Jo, when they were alone.
"I suppose you mean Lucy and Susan's' brothers," she said. "Yes, I know they live nearby – we all do."
Jack knitted his brow at her tone, but continued, "I'm going over there now, perhaps you and Frieda, or Simone may like to come for the walk and meet them. Why don't you go and ask for permission and I'll wait at the gate for you?"
Jo hesitated. She really had no wish to meet Peter and Edmund again, but she had had little opportunity for walks lately and was longing for one. Jack was staring at her (such indecision being rare in Jo Bettany) so she made up her mind.
"All right then, I'll go and ask Miss Wilson and see if one of the others is free. Thanks Jack!"
Jack nodded at her and continued on his way. Jo went off to seek Miss Wilson, who readily gave her permission. Frieda was not free, as it happened, but Simone had a free period and jumped at the chance to go for a walk with her adored Jo. They met Jack at the gate, who led the way to the small chalet where Peter and Edmund were staying.