Gerry Goes To School
Key Facts (Possible Spoilers)
On the train to school on Gerry's first day, Jill ignores her, but Rosamund Atherton takes pity on her and introduces her to her younger sister Con and to Muriel Hatherley.
The staff at St Peter's are rather surprised at Gerry's unusual education, but Gerry is surprised and pleased to be placed in IIIA with Con and Muriel.
Paul offers to help Gerry with her maths homework, which antagonises Jill. After supper Gerry accompanies some of the family on the piano and Paul recognises that she has a gift for music.
The following weekend Gerry accompanies Larry and Nell on a visit to the Comptons, who take her to the cinema. By the end of the day Gerry has developed a hero worship of Marcia Compton, who is also the head girl of St Peter's. On the way home from the Comptons, the horse bolts but Larry manages to hold her and none of the party are injured.
At school the Middle School decides to strike. Gerry writes out a letter, which they all. The prefects call for a delegation of the strikers, and Gerry is among those who visit the Prefects' room. Gerry has a conflict of loyalties because of her admiration for Marcia, but decides to stick with the other Middles.
Back home, the family plan a skating trip for the following day but that evening brings a thaw. Paul and Nell forget to tell the rest of the family this, and Jill decides to go skating alone - being seen only by Gerry. A short while later Gerry hears that the ice isn't safe and goes after Jill. She manages to save Jill who has gone through the ice, and they come to no harm. The incident leads to the friendship of Gerry and Jill, and to Mr Maitland becoming engaged to Margaret Trevennor.
Gerry's happiness is complete when she learns that she is to make her home permanently with the Trevennor family.
Gerry Challoner becomes friends with ex-Chalet School pupil Grizel Cochrane, when Grizel is studying in Florence. Gerry later visits the Chalet School with Grizel (see RIVALS OF THE CHALET SCHOOL).
Rosamund Atherton marries Nigel Willoughby and becomes the mother of Blossom and Judy who later go to the Chalet School.
Francesca (Cesca) Atherton marries Mr Eltringham (see SEVEN SCAMPS) and becomes the mother of Nita who goes to the Chalet School with Peggy Bettany.
contributed by Susan Vass, Scotland __ working from a hardback edition