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

the most inopportune places.
    â€˜It’s okay, Uncle Digby. We played in my bedroom and the attic. I promise there are no surprises anywhere.’
    Digby grinned at her.
    Basil and Ana had met just about everyone in the village by now. Basil wandered over and Ana rounded up the children, who joined the group.
    Tilda still had hold of Lavender’s lead. The little pig was nibbling on a violet in the garden bed by the path.
    â€˜Mummy said that we can clear out someof the things in the attic for the jumble sale,’ Clementine informed her friends. ‘Can you come on Sunday?’
    The Hobbs children excitedly explained the plan to their parents, who thought it was a great idea. But they wouldn’t be able to help until early the next week. They were off on Sunday for a couple of days in the city to celebrate their grandmother’s birthday.
    â€˜When we finish unpacking, Basil can bring up some moving boxes. We’ve certainly got enough of them,’ Ana offered.
    â€˜That would be wonderful,’ said Lady Clarissa.
    â€˜I’ll get a start on the signs tomorrow. The children can help me and perhaps Clementine would like to come down for the morning?’ Ana said.
    â€˜Yes, please,’ Clementine said.
    The children skipped along in front of their parents, buzzing about the fete.

Clementine was out collecting the mail with Uncle Digby when Basil Hobbs delivered a car load of packing boxes to Penberthy House the following week. Clementine and the children had painted the signs with Ana the day after the meeting and Basil had put them up all around the village and in Highton Mill too. But then the children had gone away and Penberthy House had been busy with more guests. Clementine couldn’t wait to see Tildaand Teddy and Araminta again and to start sorting the attic.
    Basil balanced several boxes and followed Lady Clarissa upstairs. When he saw the treasure trove in the attic, he was tempted to stay and help.
    â€˜Clarissa, if you don’t mind me saying, please make sure that you check the children’s decisions on what can go into the jumble sale,’ the man said as he spied a stunning Tiffany lamp on top of a mahogany side table.
    â€˜Yes, I certainly will, Basil. I thought that they could be in charge of the more ordinary household items.’ Lady Clarissa picked up a cracked pie plate. ‘Like this. Uncle Digby and I will look after everything else.’
    Basil wandered to the other end of the room. ‘Oh my heavens, where did you get him?’
    â€˜I presume you’ve found Theo.’ Lady Clarissa edged through the furniture to join the man. ‘He’s very handsome, don’t you think?’
    â€˜He’d scare the socks off anyone,’ Basil grinned.
    â€˜That’s why he’s up here. He was in the library until one of our guests took a walk in the middle of the night. The poor woman screamed so loudly I thought there must have been an intruder. When I found her she was as white as a sheet and frozen to the spot, demanding that I call the police and have the animal shot. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that my grandfather had already done that about eighty years earlier. The next day Uncle Digby and I heaved and hefted Theo up here. You know, he’s awful but I just can’t bear to part with him. He’s been in the family for such a long time.’
    â€˜He’d have to be sent to auction anyway, Clarissa. There must be collectors who delight in that sort of thing. It’s not my cup of tea but someone would love him,’ Basil said as he cast his eyes over the rest of the bric-a-brac. ‘I should get going. The children couldn’t fit in the car with me and all the boxes but they’ll be up soon.’

    Lady Clarissa had just farewelled Basil and was on her way to the kitchen when she heard the back door slam.
    â€˜Are they here yet?’ Clementine called as she almost bumped into her