Clementine Rose and the Treasure Box 6 by Jacqueline Harvey Read Free Book Online

smiled at the child. ‘Very good, Clementine. That’s not a bad idea at all.’
    â€˜What about a fair?’ said Mrs Mogg.
    â€˜Yes, we could have a fair but it might take a little while to organise,’ Father Bob replied. ‘Is there something we could do quickly?’
    Basil leaned over and whispered in Lady Clarissa’s ear. She turned to him and smiled. ‘That’s a great idea, Basil. If you think people would come?’
    â€˜Absolutely,’ he said.
    â€˜What about we open Penberthy House and the garden and charge visitors a fee for a guided tour?’ Lady Clarissa said.
    There was a murmur of approval around the room. Aunt Violet glared at Lady Clarissa.
    Mrs Tribble raised her hand.
    â€˜Yes?’ Father Bob looked at the woman. He hoped her suggestion was sensible, given thatshe looked as if she might cry if it wasn’t well received.
    â€˜What about a jumble sale on the lawn at Penberthy House at the same time?’ she said.
    â€˜Oh, godfathers no,’ Aunt Violet moaned. ‘I don’t think we want a whole lot of other people’s junk masking the beauty of our home.’
    Mrs Tribble’s lip began to tremble.
    â€˜I don’t know, Miss Appleby. I think that’s rather a good idea. Surely we all have some bits and pieces at home that we’d like to clear out,’ said Father Bob. He gave Mrs Tribble a wink.
    â€˜You’re not getting rid of my toys,’ Joshua whined. His father glared at him.
    â€˜What if we have a cake stall at the same time?’ Mrs Mogg suggested. ‘I’m sure Pierre Rousseau would be willing to lend a hand.’
    â€˜It could be like a mini fete,’ Clyde Mogg said. ‘Instead of a pet show, Clementine, perhaps people might pay to have their picture taken with your Lavender?’
    Clementine’s eyes lit up.
    â€˜We should take a vote,’ said Father Bob.
    Heads nodded all over the church.
    â€˜Who would like to support a fete hosted in the grounds of Penberthy House?’
    Hands shot into the air.
    Father Bob glanced around and noticed only one person without a raised hand – both of hers were firmly clasped in her lap.
    â€˜Miss Appleby, do you have a better idea?’ the man asked.
    Ana Hobbs turned to Lady Clarissa and whispered loudly, ‘What wonderful community spirit. I’m so glad we moved here.’
    Aunt Violet heard her and gulped.
    â€˜Well, Miss Appleby, is there something else you think we should do instead?’ Father Bob asked.
    Aunt Violet’s hand crept upwards and she gave an ever-so-slight shake of her head.
    â€˜Splendid,’ the man said. ‘It’s unanimous. Now, shall we set a date?’

    It was quickly decided to hold the fete the weekend after next. Mrs Mogg was put in charge of the cake stall. Mrs Tribble would coordinate the jumble sale as long as donations could be taken straight to Penberthy House. Uncle Digby agreed to help her. They could store items in the old garden shed. Basil said that he’d be happy to contact the local newspapers.
    Clementine was very excited about setting up a photo booth with Lavender. Araminta and the twins offered to help. Ana offered to paint signs and put them up around the village and some of the surrounding villages too.
    â€˜What about you, Aunt Violet?’ Clementine turned and looked at her great-aunt. ‘What are you going to do to help?’
    The old woman thought for a moment. ‘Supervise.’
    â€˜Aunt Violet, why don’t you coordinate the tours of the house?’ Lady Clarissa asked. ‘You know the place better than anyone.’
    Aunt Violet straightened her back. ‘Yes, I suppose that’s true. And then I could make sure that people don’t go anywhere we don’t want them.’
    Lady Clarissa looked at Clementine and gave a sly smile. ‘Of course,’ she said.

The villagers spilled out of the church into the sunshine.