Clementine Rose and the Treasure Box 6 Read Online Free PDF

of pink.
    â€˜The woman’s a national icon, Clarissa. I suppose that’s the trouble when you spend your life out here in the country, devoid of all culture,’ Aunt Violet said. ‘I myself love the ballet. If only I were able to get up to the city more often. I have a subscription, you know.’
    Clarissa eyeballed her aunt. That subscription had been cancelled along with various other luxuries her aunt could no longer afford.

    â€˜No wonder you were planning on starting a ballet school,’ Clementine said. ‘But now the hall’s burnt down.’
    â€˜The hall?’ Basil queried, clearly unaware of the drama. ‘When did that happen?’
    â€˜Last night,’ Clementine said. ‘There were huge flames and lots of smoke and a fire truck and everyone in their pyjamas. Mummy and I went for a walk this morning, and there’s a big pile of burnt wood where the hall was.’ She nodded emphatically.
    â€˜Oh dear,’ said Ana. ‘That’s terrible.’
    â€˜Clementine, I thought we’d planned to break the news gently,’ her mother said.
    Clementine’s face fell.
    Ana noticed at once. ‘It doesn’t matter, Clementine. It might just delay my plans a little. I’m sure they’ll rebuild the hall.’
    â€˜The rate anything happens around here, my dear, I wouldn’t count on starting that school any time soon,’ Aunt Violet said. ‘Perhaps you’d be better off to find another venue.’
    â€˜I’ve already investigated lots of otherplaces and the Penberthy Floss Village Hall seemed to be the only space available. We’ll just have to postpone, I suppose.’
    Clementine didn’t like that idea at all. She was keen to start ballet lessons as soon as possible.
    â€˜Please, why don’t you all come and have something to eat,’ Lady Clarissa suggested.
    Digby Pertwhistle had just popped the kettle onto the stove when Clarissa appeared in the kitchen with the guests.
    She quickly introduced him and asked that everyone take a seat. Clementine had to show the children Pharaoh first, of course.
    â€˜He looks weird,’ Teddy whispered.
    Clementine nodded. ‘I know. He’s a sphynx. They’ve got no hair. But he’s lovable and he’s Lavender’s best friend apart from me.’
    â€˜What are you whispering about, Clementine?’ Aunt Violet demanded.
    â€˜Nothing.’ Clementine shook her head. She knew from experience that it was better not to comment aloud on Pharaoh’s appearance.
    â€˜Why don’t you show the children where to wash their hands, and then come and sit down,’ Lady Clarissa suggested.
    She placed a large strawberry sponge cake in the middle of the table. There was another platter of brownies to follow and some homemade honey jumbles too.
    â€˜Goodness me, Clarissa, you must be the world’s best baker,’ Ana commented.
    â€˜I can’t take credit for all this. Pierre Rousseau owns the patisserie in Highton Mill. He delivers cakes and bread for Mrs Mogg to sell in the shop so I snapped up the sponge this morning. The brownies and honey jumbles are mine but they’re a cinch.’
    Clementine and the children returned and quickly sat down, eyeing off the tasty treats.
    â€˜That’s still impressive,’ said Ana. ‘I don’t cook.’
    â€˜Not at all?’ Clarissa said.
    â€˜No. Basil is in charge of the food at our place. With all my touring and strict diets and the like, I’m sad to say it’s not somethingI’ve ever mastered. Maybe you could give me some lessons?’
    â€˜Of course not,’ Aunt Violet said briskly. ‘A performer such as yourself, dear, has no mind slaving over a hot stove. I don’t believe in it either.’
    â€˜But you’re not a ballerina, Aunt Violet,’ Clementine said. ‘You just don’t like cooking.’
    Aunt Violet wrinkled her lip and