Alice-Miranda on Vacation

by Jacqueline Harvey

  “We should keep an eye out for clues,” Jacinta suggested. “Perhaps Mr. Ridley dropped something while he was out here last night.”

  “I went to see him this morning before you woke up,” said Alice-Miranda.

  Jacinta stopped and turned to face her friend. “What did he say?”

  “He wasn’t there. The window was open and the breeze had scattered papers all over the floor. I picked them up,” Alice-Miranda began. “And?” Jacinta gripped Alice-Miranda’s hands tightly.

  “Well, I didn’t look at anything on purpose, because it’s wrong to pry into other people’s private things, but there was a letter. I couldn’t help seeing it.”

  “What did it say?” Jacinta shook Alice-Miranda’s arms.

  “I didn’t read it.”

  “Why not?” Jacinta demanded.

  “I couldn’t! That would be very bad manners. But I did see who it was from.”

  “Who?” Jacinta was practically bursting.

  “I’m pretty sure it said Kitty.”

  “Who’s Kitty?”

  “I don’t know for sure. But didn’t Jasper say something about Aunty Kitty yesterday when we were asking about Lucas?” Alice-Miranda replied.

  “Yes, he did. Mr. Ridley must be up to something,” Jacinta insisted. “It’s all too much of a coincidence, him meeting your father by accident at the club. I can’t believe that he just happened to meet someone out here in the middle of the night by accident too.” She shook her head in disbelief.

  “I don’t know. I’ll talk to him as soon as I can. But for now I think we should just go and find Jasper and Poppy and enjoy our first proper day of holidays.”

  Alice-Miranda looked at her friend, who answered with a very loud “Aah-choo!”

  “Bless you again.” Alice-Miranda smiled.

  “All right. But you must admit, it’s pretty exciting—for me, anyway.” Jacinta frowned. “It’s not every day you get to stay in the same place as a real live movie star—and especially not one as handsome and mysterious as Lawrence Ridley,” she gushed.

  “That’s true. Oh, look.” Alice-Miranda pointed toward the barn near Rose Cottage. “There’s Jasper—let’s see if he wants to play.” She began to run.

  Alice-Miranda called out to Jasper as they neared the building. He had his back to the girls and as they drew closer they could hear shouting.

  “You’ve wrecked everything! It took me forever to put this together and look what you’ve done!” He rushed forward into the shadows, his fists pummeling.

  “Jasper,” Alice-Miranda called.

  This time he swiveled around. “Go away!” he yelled.

  Jacinta caught up to Alice-Miranda, and as their eyes adjusted to the light, the girls saw that Lucas was standing in the shadow against the barn wall, the object of Jasper’s anger.

  “Oh, look—so sweet—your little girlfriend’s come to save you,” Lucas said with a sneer.

  “Shut up!” Jasper yelled. “She’s not my girlfriend.”

  “Hello, Jasper. Hello, Lucas,” Alice-Miranda interrupted. “Is there something the matter?”

  “He’s wrecked everything—as usual.” Jasper was fuming.

  “It was only a stupid model.” Lucas’s black eyes glinted in the half-light. “You’ve got hundreds of them. And it’s not wrecked—you just have to repaint it.”

  “Look!” Jasper demanded, holding out a miniature tank that appeared to be missing its tracks. “I’ve been working on this for weeks and it’s ruined.”

  “Gee, you’re getting a bit worked up, aren’t you? It’s only a toy.” Lucas smirked.

  “May I have a look?” Alice-Miranda reached out and Jasper reluctantly gave her the model. “It does look a bit worse for wear.” She gently turned it around in her hands. “Maybe you could fix it,” she suggested to Lucas.

  “Yeah, and maybe you could drop dead!” he yelled.

  “Lucas, that’s really not very nice,” Alice-Miranda replied.

  “I told you yesterday, I’m not very nice. And I really don’t feel the need to be nice to you.” Lucas snatched the model from Alice-Miranda’s hands and threw it to the ground. Then he proceeded to jump up and down on it until it was smashed beyond recognition. Jasper, Alice-Miranda and Jacinta stood staring, their mouths gaping as if they were a choir of singing codfish. Lucas reached down and picked the model up, then thrust it toward Jasper.

  “I didn’t wreck it in the first place, but since I’m going to get the blame for everything around here, just like at that stupid school …” He shoved Alice-Miranda out of the way and stormed around the corner of the barn, disappearing from sight.

  “Monster!” Jacinta shouted after him.

  Jasper examined the ruined model, then looked at Alice-Miranda. “Why did you have to butt in?”

  “I was just trying to help.” Alice-Miranda patted his shoulder.

  Jasper flinched. “I didn’t need your help. Look what you did—at least before it could be fixed. Now it’s totally wrecked.” His voice quavered and the moisture in his eyes threatened to spill. “Just go back to that dumb school and leave me alone!” he cried, and ran toward the house.

  “I guess that means Jasper doesn’t want to come on the picnic,” Jacinta croaked.

  “No, I suppose not,” Alice-Miranda replied thoughtfully. She had never seen Jasper so upset before, and Lucas—she couldn’t believe there was anyone in the world even angrier than Alethea Goldsworthy. Alice-Miranda made up her mind that she should talk to Lily as soon as she had the chance. Jacinta sneezed, “Ah-choo, ah-choo, ah-choo.” Her nose was red, and despite the warm morning she had started to shiver.

  “You look terrible,” said Alice-Miranda, realizing that Jacinta was really unwell. “We should go home and get you to bed.”

  Jacinta felt terrible.

  “It’s not fair,” she said, plodding along beside her friend. “I hate being sick.”

  “Not to worry.” Alice-Miranda squeezed Jacinta’s hand. “You just need a rest, that’s all, and I’m sure you’ll be better in no time.”

  “Maybe if I sleep today I will be better by tomorrow, and then we can have some proper adventures,” Jacinta said sulkily. “I don’t want to miss anything.”

  Alice-Miranda realized that having some time to herself was exactly what she needed. She planned to talk to Lily, then find Lucas and see if he would apologize to Jasper. The last thing she wanted was for Jasper to be upset.

  The girls reached the kitchen and found Mrs. Oliver writing some notes in her special cookbook.

  “Oh dear me!” she exclaimed as she caught sight of Jacinta and her ruby nose. “You two didn’t get far.”

  Jacinta promptly dropped the backpack on the kitchen floor and answered with another three loud sneezes.

  “Bless you and bless you and bless you again,” Mrs. Oliver replied.

  She strode into the pantry and produced two of her special tonics, which she measured into two medicine glasses. “This one’s for you, Miss Jacinta—it will ease the sniffles and sneezes.” She handed Jacinta a glass of blue potion. “And this, darling girl, is for you—stop a bull in its tracks, it will.”

  Alice-Miranda took a swig of the green goop and shuddered. “That’s disgusting.” She pulled a face.

  Jacinta swallowed, anticipating an equally terrible taste. “That’s lovely,” she cooed. “It’s the best-tasting medicine I’ve ever had.”

  “Why does this one taste so bad?” Alice-Miranda asked as she placed the empty glass down on the table.

  “My apologies.” Mrs. Oliver popped the corks back into the bottles. “I’m still working on an acceptable flavor—just can’t seem to get it right.”

  “This one tastes like honey and chocolate and crisp green apples all rolled into one,” said Jacinta, licking her lips.

  “Well, this one tastes like pond scum.” Alice-Miranda poured herself a large glass of water from the tap and swished it around in her mouth.

  “And how would you know
what pond scum tastes like, my girl?” Mrs. Oliver asked, her eyes smiling.

  “It smells like it,” Alice-Miranda replied, “so I imagine that’s what it tastes like too. But I’m sure it has some powerful medicine that will keep me from catching whatever it is that Jacinta has.”

  “It certainly does,” Mrs. Oliver replied. “In fact, I’ve been testing it lately, and every single person who has had it has kept the best of health. Wish I’d finished perfecting it before poor old Granny Bert almost caught her death. Now—Miss Jacinta, I think we should be putting you to bed. Up you go. I will be there shortly with some tea and toast. Alice-Miranda, can you get Jacinta organized with some books and a tray?” Mrs. Oliver requested.

  “Of course,” Alice-Miranda replied as she led Jacinta upstairs.

  With Jacinta tucked up in bed being fussed over by Mrs. Oliver, Alice-Miranda headed off to the stables. She planned to take Bony out for a ride and find Lily, then Jasper and Lucas too.

  “Hello, Max,” Alice-Miranda called as she entered the cool stone building, which smelled of leather and wax and alfalfa hay. Max was mucking out the stall her father’s hunter, Shergar, usually occupied.

  “Morning, miss, it’s good to have you home,” he replied. “Bonaparte’s in there.” He pointed to the stable at the end.

  “Hello, fat boy,” Alice-Miranda called. At the sound of her voice, Bonaparte whinnied in reply. Alice-Miranda opened the stable door and he immediately nuzzled her arm looking for treats. “How about a ride?” she asked.

  Max appeared beside her with the tack and the two of them began saddling and bridling the pony together.

  “I lunged him this morning, so he’ll likely be a bit quiet,” Max explained. “He’s on a diet at the moment, and I’ve devised a strict exercise routine too. I’ve called it ‘Biggest loser for fat ponies with bad attitude.’ ” Max laughed. Bonaparte turned around and bared his teeth. “I reckon that pony is smarter than he looks.” Max bared his teeth back at Bony and began to struggle with the girth strap. Each time he pulled, Bonaparte took a deep breath and his stomach inflated.

  “Come on, Bonaparte. Be a good boy and I’m sure I can find you some treats while we’re out.” Alice-Miranda nuzzled his mane.

  At the mention of treats Bonaparte whinnied and Max strained the girth strap to its usual notch.

  Max gave Alice-Miranda a leg up into the saddle. She checked her stirrups before urging Bonaparte out into the sunshine.

  “Bye, Max, see you later,” she called, then leaned forward and scratched Bonaparte between the ears. “Let’s go and find Lily,” she said, giving his tummy a squeeze as they trotted down the drive.

  It was a glorious morning. With the breeze on her face, Alice-Miranda clicked her tongue and Bonaparte lengthened his stride into a canter. She loved the rhythm of the horse under her, and although Bony was still considered a pony—just on fourteen hands—he was quite big enough to have a loping rather than bone-shuddering gait, especially for a child as small as she was.

  “Hello, Mr. Greening,” Alice-Miranda called as they neared the gatehouse. Bonaparte slowed to a trot, then a lazy walk. Mr. Greening was trimming a photinia hedge that had pushed its way through the fence and was poking untidily into the driveway.

  He looked up and waved. “Hello there. You on your own?” he inquired.

  “Yes, Jacinta’s not feeling well, so she’s gone to bed. And just between you and me,” Alice-Miranda said with a smile, “I think she’s quite enjoying Mrs. Oliver making a big fuss of her.”

  Mr. Greening laughed.

  “So I thought it was a good opportunity to take Bony out—Jacinta’s not fond of horses, and I’ve been neglecting him since I arrived home. I’m off to see Lily,” Alice-Miranda babbled.

  “Oh, I thought Lily would be up at the Hall with Mrs. Greening and your mother and just about anyone else who knows anything about dusting and polishing and cleaning,” Mr. Greening offered. “I’m not going near the place this morning in case they put a bottle of silver polish in my hand.”

  “No.” Alice-Miranda shook her head. “Mummy said that Lily was busy with other things.”

  “I’m surprised,” Mr. Greening replied. “I know it’s all hands on deck so the place can be ready in time for Fri—” He stopped suddenly.

  “Friday?” Alice-Miranda’s eyes were wide. “What’s happening on Friday?”

  “Oh, umm, nothing, nothing at all,” Mr. Greening said, trying to backtrack.

  “You’re telling a big fat fib,” Alice-Miranda prodded. “Last night Daddy said something and Mummy cut him off. I thought he said ‘par—.’ Is it a party? Let me see—why would we be having a party? It’s not Mummy’s birthday and it’s not Daddy’s or mine. I think Granny’s is in a month or so. Oh!” Alice-Miranda’s mouth formed a perfect letter O. “It’s Aunt Charlotte’s—it’s her birthday on Saturday. Mummy and Daddy must be throwing a party for her. It must be a special one—I think she must be … now, let’s see … I wonder how old she is? Daddy’s forty-five and Mummy’s forty and I know Aunt Charlotte is quite a lot younger than her.…” Alice-Miranda thought for a moment. “She must be turning thirty—that’s it!”

  Mr. Greening frowned and looked as if he’d just been caught with his hand in Mrs. Oliver’s biscuit tin.

  “That’s it, isn’t it?” Alice-Miranda exclaimed. “There’s a big party!” She was very pleased with herself for working it out.

  “Well, I didn’t tell you anything.” Mr. Greening shook his head. “And I will not confirm or deny—but don’t you go saying anything to your mother or father.” He wagged his right forefinger at her. “It’s a surprise.”

  “It’s okay. I won’t tell,” she promised. “I’m very good at secrets. But what about a present?” Alice-Miranda thought out loud. “I haven’t got her anything, and if I’m not supposed to know then I can hardly ask Mummy and Daddy to help me arrange one. Will you help me?” She beamed at Mr. Greening. “I think I’ve got an idea.”

  “All right then—out with it.” Mr. Greening put the hedge shears down and walked over to give Bonaparte a scratch on his head.

  “Well, what do you think about …” Alice-Miranda lowered her voice—just in case the trees had ears.

  Mr. Greening listened while Alice-Miranda explained exactly what she had in mind. “Charlotte’s always saying how much she misses Highton Hall. I’m sure that no one would notice if just one went missing. And I’m positive she’d have room for it.”

  Mr. Greening laughed and said that he would get straight to work. He didn’t quite know how he would arrange things without arousing suspicion, but Alice-Miranda assured him that if anyone could get it done, he certainly could.

  Bonaparte was dozing in the sunshine, occasionally twitching his ears or tail to get rid of a pesky fly.

  “Well, I think we’ll head over and see if Lily’s home. But maybe we should call in and see Granny on the way.” Alice-Miranda pulled gently on the reins, and Bonaparte opened his eyes. “I did promise we’d see her today. Come on, boy, let’s go.” Alice-Miranda clicked her tongue and Bonaparte swayed lazily from side to side before walking forward. “See you later, Mr. Greening.” She winked. “You’re the best.”

  “You take care there, lass.” Mr. Greening raised his hand to wave and winked back at her.

  Alice-Miranda and Bonaparte trotted down the laneway toward Rose Cottage. She eased him into a canter again. Her mind was awhirl as she thought about the surprise party on Friday.

  Bonaparte slowed to a trot and then to a walk. Alice-Miranda pulled softly on the reins and he stopped outside the gate to Rose Cottage. She tied him carefully to the fence along the gravel road.

  “You stay here, boy, and I’ll be back soon. Maybe Granny has a carrot to spare,” she said, patting his neck. At the mention of food, his ears pricked up and he nickered. Alice-Miranda laughed. “Okay—I’ll do my best,” she promised.

  Alice-Miranda opened the creaky cottage gate and walked up the path. Just as she wa
s about to enter the side door, something caught her eye. It was a black car, quite possibly the same one she and Jacinta had seen yesterday. It was parked around the back of the cottage, mostly hidden behind a screen of jasmine. Alice-Miranda headed straight into the kitchen as she had done a hundred times before, wondering if she might meet the car’s owner.

  “Hello, Granny, it’s Alice-Miranda.” She waited for a reply but none came. “Hello, is anyone home?” she said again.

  Upstairs the floorboards creaked.

  “Granny, are you up there?” Alice-Miranda called. There was no reply and the noise from upstairs stopped. She was heading into the hallway toward the stairs when she spotted Granny in the front sitting room, dozing in her favorite armchair with a steaming cup of tea on the table beside her.

  “Granny, Granny,” she whispered, not wanting to startle her.

  Alice-Miranda thought it was funny that Granny should make herself a cup of tea and then doze off before drinking it, but she had been unwell and was getting old. Granny’s breathing was deep and even. There was a loud grunt and Alice-Miranda watched, hopeful that she might open her eyes.

  She didn’t, and Alice-Miranda retreated to the kitchen. She couldn’t help wondering who owned that car and where they might be. She knew that Daisy was up at the Hall with her mother and the rest of the cleaning team. Alice-Miranda had an uneasy feeling that she and Granny were not alone. And there was only one way to find out.

  Rose Cottage wasn’t quite as small as the name implied. There was a large eat-in kitchen with its own side porch. On the opposite side of the long hallway was a pretty sitting room; then farther along the hall were the stairs, and beyond those, a funny sort of a utility room, which Daisy used as a laundry and storage area. It had a door that led straight out to the back garden. Upstairs there were three large bedrooms and a bathroom.

  “Is anyone up here?” Alice-Miranda called as she bounded up the stairs straight into Granny’s pink bedroom, which smelled of lavender oil and starched sheets. There was no one there. She wandered into the matching pink bathroom, with its 1940s suite that still sparkled like new. Alice-Miranda was admiring Daisy’s housekeeping skills when something caught her eye. She could have sworn she saw something move in the mirror behind her.