Mystery of the Queen's Jewels Read Free

I’ll show you your rooms.”
    The Aldens followed Mrs. Brown up a flight of stairs. At the top of the stairs were two rooms opposite each other. One was Benny and Henry’s, and the other was Grandfather’s. Around the corner was the room Jessie and Violet would be sharing. Across from their room was a closed door.
    â€œAnother guest is staying in that room,” Mrs. Brown explained.
    â€œNot Donna, I hope,” said Jessie. “I don’t want to run into her too often if she’s going to be so unfriendly.”
    Mrs. Brown smiled. “No, her room is upstairs. Andrew Smythe is across from you, and he’s very nice.”
    â€œAnd there are only two other guests?” Jessie asked.
    â€œYes, that’s all,” said Mrs. Brown.
    â€œThat’s why I like this inn,” said Mr. Alden. “It’s small and cozy.”
    Each room was decorated with pretty flowered wallpaper and delicate lace curtains. The beds had carved wooden headboards and were covered with soft fluffy quilts.
    â€œI’m sure we’ll be very comfortable,” Jessie told Mrs. Brown.
    â€œLet me know if you need anything,” Mrs. Brown said with a warm smile, and she went back downstairs.
    â€œI’m going to have a hot bath,” Grandfather said. “Then we can go get some lunch.” He went into his room.
    The children were just heading into their own rooms when a young man in a long raincoat came bounding around the corner and almost bumped into Violet.
    â€œDreadfully sorry!” he cried, backing up and taking off his dark glasses. “Are you all right?”
    â€œYes, I’m fine,” Violet said.
    â€œI didn’t see you,” the man said. He was very attractive and had a deep, rich voice.
    â€œMaybe that’s because you were wearing your sunglasses inside,” Benny said.
    The man smiled, and the Aldens saw that he had perfect white teeth to go with his sparkling brown eyes. “Right you are, young man,” he said. He noticed that the Aldens were still carrying their suitcases. “Have you just arrived? Let me help you.” He took the suitcase Jessie was holding and carried it back to her door.
    â€œThank you,” said Jessie. She introduced herself and her brothers and sister. “We’re from—”
    â€œDon’t tell me — the northeastern United States,” the man said.
    â€œYes! How did you know?” Henry asked, amazed.
    â€œI’m very good with accents,” the man said. “I’m Andrew Smythe.” He looked at his watch. “Oh, no, got to run. I’ve an important appointment in the West End. I’ll be staying here for the rest of the week — let’s have a chat when I get back. Cheerio!” He gave the children another smile and then hurried down the stairs.
    â€œWasn’t it amazing that he knew where we were from without our telling him?” said Violet.
    â€œYes,” agreed Henry.
    â€œI wonder what the ‘West End’ is,” said Violet.
    â€œIsn’t it strange?” Jessie said. “There are only two other guests here, and they’re completely different. One is very rude, and the other is as friendly as can be!”
    The boys had just gotten settled into their room when Grandfather knocked on the door and poked his head in. He had taken a hot bath and changed his clothes. “Ready for lunch?” he asked.
    â€œYes!” cried Benny. “I’m in the mood for a burger and fries!”
    â€œI thought we’d get something a bit more British,” Grandfather said. “Come on, I’ll get the girls and we’ll go to my favorite pub.”
    â€œWhat’s a pub?” Benny asked.
    â€œThat’s short for public house,” said Grandfather. “It’s a place where you can get food and drinks. Pubs are very popular in England.”
    The Aldens walked down the street to the Prince of Wales Tavern.