Little Girl Lost Read Free Page A

Papa?’ Her eyes widened. ‘But Miss Ripley never said that King Henry came to live in Hull. Where is his palace? Can we go and see it?’
    Frederik smiled. ‘I’m not sure if he ever lived in Hull, but monarchs had houses and palaces all over the country, so that they could stay in them if they were visiting the area.’
    â€˜Could they not have stayed with friends?’ she asked. ‘I’m sure people would have loved to have them visit. Mama would be very pleased to have the queen here to stay if ever she came to Hull, and her friends would be very jealous, but …’ She frowned and contemplated. ‘I’m not sure which bedroom she would have. I wouldn’t mind if she had mine, but of course she would bring lots of servants, so perhaps we wouldn’t have room – maybe that’s why they have their own palaces to stay in.’
    â€˜I think you have worked that out very well, Margriet. So where do you think she would stay if she did come to Hull?’
    Margriet shook her head. ‘I don’t know. I don’t think there is anywhere that would be suitable. Perhaps someone should build a palace for her, just in case.’
    He saw that she was getting sleepy, so he tucked her blankets around her. ‘I think that tomorrow we’ll look at all the buildings and think about where she might like to stay, and about what went before.’ He smiled. ‘Do you know the name of the street that was here before Parliament Street?’
    â€˜No,’ she murmured, her eyelids drooping. ‘It’s always been called Parliament Street.’
    â€˜It was called Mug-House Entry!’
    â€˜Oh, Papa,’ she chided sleepily. ‘You are joking of me!’
    He kissed the top of her head. ‘No,’ he said softly. ‘I am not joking of you. Sleep well,
mijn lieveling.
And tomorrow we will go and look for King Henry’s palace.’

CHAPTER THREE
    The following morning was bright and sunny. Margriet had an early breakfast and was dressed and ready for their walk when her mother came into her bedroom.
    â€˜Why do you have your coat on, Margriet? Where are you going?’
    Margriet licked her lips. ‘For a walk, Mama. Don’t you remember?’
    â€˜Don’t be impertinent,’ her mother admonished her. ‘Of course I remember, but I don’t recall that we agreed that you should miss your lessons with Miss Ripley. You must do at least an hour’s work before you go out.’
    Margriet’s mouth trembled. ‘I’m so sorry, Mama,’ she mumbled. ‘I – I didn’t realize – I thought Papa meant after breakfast.’ She began to unbutton her coat and take off her bonnet. She looked up at her mother. ‘Will you be coming too?’
    â€˜Of course I will. Why not?’
    Margriet managed a smile, though she would rather have had just her father’s company. ‘Oh, good,’ she murmured. ‘That will be very nice. We’re going to look for King Henry’s palace.’
    â€˜What?’ Her mother frowned. ‘A palace?’
    â€˜Papa said. He said that King Henry had a palace in Hull.’
    â€˜Your father fills your head with stuff and nonsense. I have never heard of such a thing and I have lived here all my life. Miss Ripley!’ Rosamund called as she heard the governess come into the adjoining schoolroom. ‘Have you ever heard of a king’s palace in Hull?’
    Miss Ripley patted her mouth. ‘Erm, I vaguely recall something,’ she offered hesitantly, not knowing whether yes or no would please her pupil’s mother.
    â€˜Well, have you or haven’t you?’
    â€˜It’s possible,’ she said. ‘I believe King Henry commandeered a manor house in medieval times. It – erm – isn’t here now.’
    â€˜So there you are, Margriet. What did I say? Miss Ripley,’ Rosamund continued, ‘Mr Vandergroene