Chapter Five - An Unusual Favor
Rated Blue Star for all ages. Some mild violence.
“Oh, Trixie. I can’t believe it. I’m so excited. I was just about to call you. Mother and Daddy have the most amazing plans for this weekend.”
“What? What are they doing?” Trixie pushed aside her own news as her curiosity immediately sprang into action.
“You know how this is a long weekend because of the teachers’ conference?”
“Of course, I know that,” Trixie put in impatiently.
“Well, Daddy has to go to Paris, and because he and mother are so proud of my being a finalist in the spelling bee, and they feel awful they can’t be there for it because of that big charity event in Chicago, so they want me to go with them…and you, too!”
“What?” Trixie yelped. “Are you kidding me? Paris? Paris, France?”
“No. Paris, Texas,” Honey returned.
“There’s a Paris in Texas?” Trixie said.
“Yes, it’s, oh, listen to me. Trixie, we’re going to France.”
“To Paris. I can’t believe it.” Trixie just had to do a little dance.
“I know. Oh, Trixie, it’s such a beautiful city. You’ll love it!”
“Are you sure you want me along, too?” Trixie couldn’t help but think that she might not be suited to a fancy European city. Even London had proved a little challenging to her when they first arrived.
“Are you kidding. I wouldn’t even be in the finals if it weren’t for you.”
“Dragging you along with me when Mart issued that dare.” Trixie laughed. “I guess it wasn’t such a bad idea, after all.”
“Haven’t I already said that?” Honey demanded. “Now go and check with your parents. I’ll wait. And hurry.”
Trixie raced into the kitchen and told her mother the news, the words tumbling over one another as she spoke.
Helen Belden’s normally smooth brow wrinkled. “I’m not sure what to say, dear. The Wheelers have been so generous already…but a weekend in Paris?,” she said.” We could never do anything like that for Honey.”
“Oh, Moms, you know how the Wheelers’ feel about stuff like that. Honey’s mother and father are always saying they can’t thank us enough for everything we’ve done for Honey. Not that I really see it that way. Honey’s just the best.”
“I agree.” Mrs. Belden smiled.
“I’ll do tons of extra chores to make up for it,” Trixie’s blue eyes widened and she clasped her hands together in a gesture her family was all too familiar with.
“Then I don’t see how I can refuse. You can tell Honey it’s fine, but I would like to speak to her mother myself.”
“I love you, Moms.” Trixie flung her arms around her mother and then ran back to the phone to give Honey the good news.
“And we can keep studying, too,” Trixie said. “We’ll be together anyway.”
Honey laughed. “Right. Spelling out words aloud in English is exactly what we should be doing in Paris.”
Trixie let out a laugh of her own. “It’s so exciting, though! I can just imagine what…oh, no, Honey. What about Mrs. De Keyser? I completely forgot.”
“I didn’t,” Honey returned promptly. “The boys can help her out. I know they won’t mind. I’ve already asked Jim.”
“Really? But what about the cooking. I’m pretty sure she’ll run out of the stew and fruit before then.”
“Talk about sexist!” Honey scolded. “What about that rabbit Jim cooked when we first met him? And Brian’s ribs are to die for. And they can all handle burgers.”
“Mart?” Trixie asked doubtfully.
“Potatoes avec fine herbs, anyone?”
“Good point,” Trixie giggled.
“And Dan’s lived with Mr. Maypenny so long, his stew would be far superior to ours. And he makes a great chocolate cake, too.”
“I give in. You have got it all figured out, haven’t you?”
“I’m a good planner,” Honey said.
“The best. So, Ms. Planner Extraordinaire, what is the plan?”
“We’ll go to Mrs. De Keyser’s tomorrow afternoon, help out and tell her about the boys. Then you can go home and do your chores better than you ever have, and then you can pack. On Friday, we can pick up your bag on our way home, you can come and have dinner at my place, and then Tom will take us all to Westchester and we can catch the plane at eleven to Paris.”
“Golly, Hon. When do we sleep?”
“On the plane,” Honey explained. “It takes six hours to fly to Paris, but because of the time difference it will be 11am by the time we actually land. Don’t worry though, the seats on the jet are like big recliners—very comfy.”
“I can hardly believe it. I’d better get going now. I think I’ll go help Bobby tidy his room or something. That’s bound to put me in the good books. See you tomorrow, Hon.”
Trixie was glad she didn’t have any important tests the following day at school, as she had a hard time concentrating. She meekly apologized when scolded for being absentminded and was more than happy to get on the bus at the end of the day.
Mrs. De Keyser was very excited for the two girls when she heard their news. “Oh, Paris is delightful. I remember my first visit as if it were yesterday.” She was also pleased to hear about the boys. “It’s very good of you to organize it and of them to come and give an old lady a hand,” she said.
“They don’t mind at all,” Honey assured her.
“And one thing I will say for my brother, Mart, is that he’s good with dogs,” Trixie added. “He’ll be happy to take Willy out.”
“Well, it sounds like I’ll be in very good hands then,” Mrs. De Keyser said.
The girls set to work, Trixie with the vacuum and Honey clearing up the dishes. When they’d finished, the two put Willy on his leash and took him out, letting him drag them about the yard.
“So, tell me again what we’ll do in Paris?” Trixie asked, lingering on the city’s name.
“There are so many things,” Honey said. “But we’ll definitely take a ride on the Seine in a glass covered boat, and visit the Louvre, and have lunch on a sidewalk café, and go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and—”
“Stop!” Trixie begged, holding up one hand in a gesture of mock surrender. “Paris sounds like the most exhausting place on earth. Paris, Honey, Paris. How lucky can I get?”
“Did I hear you girls mention Paris?” The familiar gravelly voice came from the other side of the hedge. Willy began barking as Carl Reid appeared before them.
Honey bent down to stroke the small dog’s head until he calmed down. She tilted her head up to face the newcomer.
“Good evening, Mr. Reid,” she said politely. “We were discussing Paris, actually.”
“I couldn’t help overhearing,” the man returned with a smile. “Are you headed there soon?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact,” Trixie replied frostily. She hadn’t forgotten their last encounter. “We’re leaving tomorrow evening on Honey’s father’s private jet.”
“What a wonderful coincidence. Have you been to Paris before?”
The two girls answered as one. “Yes,” said Honey. “No,” said Trixie.
“It’s a charming city,” Mr. Reid said, with a charming smile of his own, launching into a description of some of his favorite Parisian places. “You must call me Carl,” he said with yet another smile. “And now that I’ve discovered what lovely young ladies you are, perhaps I can ask a favor?”
“A favor?” Honey repeated. “I’m sure we’d be happy to, Mr. Reid, if we can manage it.”
Trixie wasn’t quite so sure about the happy part Of course, with all the excitement about their trip, she’d completely forgotten to tell Honey about what had happened the night before. Carl Reid was acting much nicer than he had been in their other encounters.
“I know it’s a lot to ask,” Carl Reid said smoothly. “But it really does seem providential. A friend of mine has located an exquisite doll. It’s china, you see, so very fragile. You have no idea how many items I’ve had damaged in transit. I’d rest far easier if I knew it was being handled by people who will care for it.”
Trixie had heard other people complain about package damage, especially in international travel, so what he was saying made sense.
“Well, so long as the person with the doll is in Paris, I don’t see why we couldn’t do that for you,” Honey offered. “I’m afraid we won’t be going outside of the city itself.”
“No, no. It’s quite centrally located. I’ll run inside and get the address now. I know you’re both very trustworthy young women.” He hurried off and Trixie found a frown replacing the smile she’d given him. He’d been so friendly, she’d almost forgotten how angry he’d been the other night. She wasn’t keen on people who were so changeable. Still, maybe she had caught him on a bad day—a really bad day.
“Are you sure this will be okay,” she hissed at Honey.
“I don’t see why not,” Honey returned. “It won’t take much time and the doll might be at a really interesting antique store.”
“That’s true,” Trixie admitted. “Why don’t I run Willy back to Mrs. De Keyser’s. She’ll be wondering where we are.” She grabbed the dog and raced back to the little frame cottage.
By the time she had returned, Carl Reid was already heading back in their direction. He handed Honey a folded piece of paper and a sealed envelope. “This is the address, and this is a note for Andrè, my friend. He will give you the official paperwork, of course, which I’ll need for my business.” He turned to go, but swung around again to face them. “It’s probably best not to remove the doll from its case—as I said, it’s very fragile.” A weak smile played on his lips, but his eyes were narrowed. Trixie felt a sudden prickle along her spine.
“We’ll be careful, Mr. Reid—Carl,” Honey assured him. “When we get back, we’ll bring the doll directly to you.”
“Good,” he said, with a quick nod of his head. “Thank you again. I’ll see you when you return.”
Once he was out of sight, Trixie nudged her best friend. “He is kind of weird. Even you have to admit that.”
Honey shrugged her slim shoulders. “Yes, I guess, he is a little strange. I don’t suppose we really know why people are the way they are unless we know a lot about them.”
“You’re right,” Trixie conceded. “And we’re going to Paris, so who cares? Mr. Carl Reid and his mysteriousness can wait until after the weekend.”
Trixie had even more trouble concentrating in class the following day and was relieved to join the other Bob-Whites for lunch in the school cafeteria.
“Honestly,” she groaned. “Will this day never be over.”
“I could answer that in any number of ways, but I fear my response would fall on deaf ears, so I shall save my breath.” Mart took a bite of his roast beef sandwich.
“Why does time go so much slower when you have something to look forward to?” Trixie asked, unwrapping her own tuna fish sandwich.
“We can’t answer that one, Trix,” Dan put in, his gray eyes twinkling. “We don’t have quite as much to look forward to today as you do.”
“Oh, Dan,” Honey cried. “We’re so selfish, bragging about our trip when you’re all staying here and taking on helping Mrs. De Keyser.”
Dan laughed. “Selfish is the last thing I’d call you, Honey. I’m just teasing. After all, we all have an extra day off school, too. That’s no slouch.”
“Agreed,” Jim said, raising his soda. “I know I’m looking forward to several long rides on Jupe.”
“And I haven’t been on Starlight in forever,” Brian added.
“We’re all going to ride late tomorrow morning,” Di put in. “And have hot chocolate and brownies afterwards.”
“That does sound like fun,” Honey said happily.
“You won’t forget Mrs. De Keyser, will you?” Trixie looked anxious.
“As if!” Mart snorted. “We’re heading over just after lunch tomorrow.”
“I’m going to make a big pan of lasagne, tonight,” Brian, said leaning back in his chair.
“And I will make sure we have all the ingredients for a big green salad.” Jim reached for his sister’s half-finished apple.
“Mr. Maypenny is making a huge pot of veggie soup today and he’s promised me some for Mrs. De Keyser.” Dan smacked his lips.
“And before you ask, Di and I are making cookies at her place this afternoon as well as the brownies, so I will be contributing.” Mart nodded his sandy head decisively.
“I think it sounds wonderful, don’t you, Trixie?” Honey beamed at her friends.
“Yes, I do. Thanks guys,” Trixie said simply.
“Gleeps!” Mart clutched his head. “Don’t do that. I am not prepared for compliments from my almost-twin.”
They all laughed at this.
“Don’t worry about us, Trix.” Jim reached across the table for her small, sturdy hand. “We’ve got the game late Saturday and then we’ve decided to raid the treasury and have dinner at Wimpy’s.”
“It does sound like they won’t be doing it too, hard, Hon.” Trixie grinned.
“I think they’ll manage,” Honey agreed.
“And I’m actually getting to do my interview, too,” Diana said, pushing her dark hair away from her pretty face.
“Really?” Trixie said. “Who are you interviewing?”
“You know Framed Photography? They’re just off main street. I’m going to talk to the owner, photographer, Vivian Sutherland. I’ve seen her photos and they’re wonderful. She’s photographing the game on Saturday, and she’s agreed to talk to me.”
“Tell them about the great idea you came up with,” Mart urged.
They all turned to her and Di shrugged. “It’s nothing, really. I just thought because I’d chosen a photographer, I might mainly tell my story in pictures, with just a few quotes. Mart and I spoke to the editor and he thought it was a good idea.”
“A brilliant idea,” Mart corrected.
“It is a wonderful idea, Di,” Honey said, admiringly.
“Well, I’ve been enjoying using the camera my folks gave me for my birthday, so I thought it was worth a shot.”
“Pun intended,” Dan quipped.
They all stared at him for a moment, then one by one grins spread across their faces.
“Exactly!” Jim said. “Come on, gang. We should finish up and get going.”
Finally, Trixie and Honey were on the bus, headed for home. There were hugs and promises as Trixie collected her bag and said goodbye to her family. Dinner at the Manor House was delicious as always, though Trixie didn’t seem to be able to enjoy it quite as much as she usually did. While Honey was having a cup of tea with Miss Trask, Jim took Trixie aside and the two sat, drinking hot chocolate before the roaring living room fire.
“Make sure you have a wonderful time, Trixie, and do not feel guilty for going when the rest of us are staying at home.”
“How do you do that?” Trixie demanded. “Most people wouldn’t know that I do feel kind of guilty. We all work hard. And it does seem kind of mean to leave Di out, even though she’s not in the spelling bee.”
“Yes, we do all work hard, but this is your treat—yours and Honey’s and you should enjoy it. And check with Honey; Di is totally fine with this.”
“Okay. Thanks, Jim.” Trixie took a sip of her hot chocolate.
“And, Trix?”
“Yes?”
“Try not to get into too much trouble. Paris is too far away to mount a rescue.”
Trixie laughed. “We’ll do our best.”
The door flew open at that point and Honey stood there bouncing on her toes. “Come on, Trix. It’s time—we’re off to Paris.”
MAIN NEXT
Author's Notes: Some of you (maybe not many—this is not a well read volume in our beloved series) will notice that I have actually added scenes with BWGs who were, for the most part, AWOLE ( absent without logical explanation). I like the gang being together and while I decided to stick with this story as it was (yes, I am a little crazy) I hope it helps a little. Thank you to the team that helped make this possible, you know who you are. And thanks to anyone who is still reading. No actual profit is being made form these scribblings and Trixie Belden et al still belong to Random House.
“Oh, Trixie. I can’t believe it. I’m so excited. I was just about to call you. Mother and Daddy have the most amazing plans for this weekend.”
“What? What are they doing?” Trixie pushed aside her own news as her curiosity immediately sprang into action.
“You know how this is a long weekend because of the teachers’ conference?”
“Of course, I know that,” Trixie put in impatiently.
“Well, Daddy has to go to Paris, and because he and mother are so proud of my being a finalist in the spelling bee, and they feel awful they can’t be there for it because of that big charity event in Chicago, so they want me to go with them…and you, too!”
“What?” Trixie yelped. “Are you kidding me? Paris? Paris, France?”
“No. Paris, Texas,” Honey returned.
“There’s a Paris in Texas?” Trixie said.
“Yes, it’s, oh, listen to me. Trixie, we’re going to France.”
“To Paris. I can’t believe it.” Trixie just had to do a little dance.
“I know. Oh, Trixie, it’s such a beautiful city. You’ll love it!”
“Are you sure you want me along, too?” Trixie couldn’t help but think that she might not be suited to a fancy European city. Even London had proved a little challenging to her when they first arrived.
“Are you kidding. I wouldn’t even be in the finals if it weren’t for you.”
“Dragging you along with me when Mart issued that dare.” Trixie laughed. “I guess it wasn’t such a bad idea, after all.”
“Haven’t I already said that?” Honey demanded. “Now go and check with your parents. I’ll wait. And hurry.”
Trixie raced into the kitchen and told her mother the news, the words tumbling over one another as she spoke.
Helen Belden’s normally smooth brow wrinkled. “I’m not sure what to say, dear. The Wheelers have been so generous already…but a weekend in Paris?,” she said.” We could never do anything like that for Honey.”
“Oh, Moms, you know how the Wheelers’ feel about stuff like that. Honey’s mother and father are always saying they can’t thank us enough for everything we’ve done for Honey. Not that I really see it that way. Honey’s just the best.”
“I agree.” Mrs. Belden smiled.
“I’ll do tons of extra chores to make up for it,” Trixie’s blue eyes widened and she clasped her hands together in a gesture her family was all too familiar with.
“Then I don’t see how I can refuse. You can tell Honey it’s fine, but I would like to speak to her mother myself.”
“I love you, Moms.” Trixie flung her arms around her mother and then ran back to the phone to give Honey the good news.
“And we can keep studying, too,” Trixie said. “We’ll be together anyway.”
Honey laughed. “Right. Spelling out words aloud in English is exactly what we should be doing in Paris.”
Trixie let out a laugh of her own. “It’s so exciting, though! I can just imagine what…oh, no, Honey. What about Mrs. De Keyser? I completely forgot.”
“I didn’t,” Honey returned promptly. “The boys can help her out. I know they won’t mind. I’ve already asked Jim.”
“Really? But what about the cooking. I’m pretty sure she’ll run out of the stew and fruit before then.”
“Talk about sexist!” Honey scolded. “What about that rabbit Jim cooked when we first met him? And Brian’s ribs are to die for. And they can all handle burgers.”
“Mart?” Trixie asked doubtfully.
“Potatoes avec fine herbs, anyone?”
“Good point,” Trixie giggled.
“And Dan’s lived with Mr. Maypenny so long, his stew would be far superior to ours. And he makes a great chocolate cake, too.”
“I give in. You have got it all figured out, haven’t you?”
“I’m a good planner,” Honey said.
“The best. So, Ms. Planner Extraordinaire, what is the plan?”
“We’ll go to Mrs. De Keyser’s tomorrow afternoon, help out and tell her about the boys. Then you can go home and do your chores better than you ever have, and then you can pack. On Friday, we can pick up your bag on our way home, you can come and have dinner at my place, and then Tom will take us all to Westchester and we can catch the plane at eleven to Paris.”
“Golly, Hon. When do we sleep?”
“On the plane,” Honey explained. “It takes six hours to fly to Paris, but because of the time difference it will be 11am by the time we actually land. Don’t worry though, the seats on the jet are like big recliners—very comfy.”
“I can hardly believe it. I’d better get going now. I think I’ll go help Bobby tidy his room or something. That’s bound to put me in the good books. See you tomorrow, Hon.”
Trixie was glad she didn’t have any important tests the following day at school, as she had a hard time concentrating. She meekly apologized when scolded for being absentminded and was more than happy to get on the bus at the end of the day.
Mrs. De Keyser was very excited for the two girls when she heard their news. “Oh, Paris is delightful. I remember my first visit as if it were yesterday.” She was also pleased to hear about the boys. “It’s very good of you to organize it and of them to come and give an old lady a hand,” she said.
“They don’t mind at all,” Honey assured her.
“And one thing I will say for my brother, Mart, is that he’s good with dogs,” Trixie added. “He’ll be happy to take Willy out.”
“Well, it sounds like I’ll be in very good hands then,” Mrs. De Keyser said.
The girls set to work, Trixie with the vacuum and Honey clearing up the dishes. When they’d finished, the two put Willy on his leash and took him out, letting him drag them about the yard.
“So, tell me again what we’ll do in Paris?” Trixie asked, lingering on the city’s name.
“There are so many things,” Honey said. “But we’ll definitely take a ride on the Seine in a glass covered boat, and visit the Louvre, and have lunch on a sidewalk café, and go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and—”
“Stop!” Trixie begged, holding up one hand in a gesture of mock surrender. “Paris sounds like the most exhausting place on earth. Paris, Honey, Paris. How lucky can I get?”
“Did I hear you girls mention Paris?” The familiar gravelly voice came from the other side of the hedge. Willy began barking as Carl Reid appeared before them.
Honey bent down to stroke the small dog’s head until he calmed down. She tilted her head up to face the newcomer.
“Good evening, Mr. Reid,” she said politely. “We were discussing Paris, actually.”
“I couldn’t help overhearing,” the man returned with a smile. “Are you headed there soon?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact,” Trixie replied frostily. She hadn’t forgotten their last encounter. “We’re leaving tomorrow evening on Honey’s father’s private jet.”
“What a wonderful coincidence. Have you been to Paris before?”
The two girls answered as one. “Yes,” said Honey. “No,” said Trixie.
“It’s a charming city,” Mr. Reid said, with a charming smile of his own, launching into a description of some of his favorite Parisian places. “You must call me Carl,” he said with yet another smile. “And now that I’ve discovered what lovely young ladies you are, perhaps I can ask a favor?”
“A favor?” Honey repeated. “I’m sure we’d be happy to, Mr. Reid, if we can manage it.”
Trixie wasn’t quite so sure about the happy part Of course, with all the excitement about their trip, she’d completely forgotten to tell Honey about what had happened the night before. Carl Reid was acting much nicer than he had been in their other encounters.
“I know it’s a lot to ask,” Carl Reid said smoothly. “But it really does seem providential. A friend of mine has located an exquisite doll. It’s china, you see, so very fragile. You have no idea how many items I’ve had damaged in transit. I’d rest far easier if I knew it was being handled by people who will care for it.”
Trixie had heard other people complain about package damage, especially in international travel, so what he was saying made sense.
“Well, so long as the person with the doll is in Paris, I don’t see why we couldn’t do that for you,” Honey offered. “I’m afraid we won’t be going outside of the city itself.”
“No, no. It’s quite centrally located. I’ll run inside and get the address now. I know you’re both very trustworthy young women.” He hurried off and Trixie found a frown replacing the smile she’d given him. He’d been so friendly, she’d almost forgotten how angry he’d been the other night. She wasn’t keen on people who were so changeable. Still, maybe she had caught him on a bad day—a really bad day.
“Are you sure this will be okay,” she hissed at Honey.
“I don’t see why not,” Honey returned. “It won’t take much time and the doll might be at a really interesting antique store.”
“That’s true,” Trixie admitted. “Why don’t I run Willy back to Mrs. De Keyser’s. She’ll be wondering where we are.” She grabbed the dog and raced back to the little frame cottage.
By the time she had returned, Carl Reid was already heading back in their direction. He handed Honey a folded piece of paper and a sealed envelope. “This is the address, and this is a note for Andrè, my friend. He will give you the official paperwork, of course, which I’ll need for my business.” He turned to go, but swung around again to face them. “It’s probably best not to remove the doll from its case—as I said, it’s very fragile.” A weak smile played on his lips, but his eyes were narrowed. Trixie felt a sudden prickle along her spine.
“We’ll be careful, Mr. Reid—Carl,” Honey assured him. “When we get back, we’ll bring the doll directly to you.”
“Good,” he said, with a quick nod of his head. “Thank you again. I’ll see you when you return.”
Once he was out of sight, Trixie nudged her best friend. “He is kind of weird. Even you have to admit that.”
Honey shrugged her slim shoulders. “Yes, I guess, he is a little strange. I don’t suppose we really know why people are the way they are unless we know a lot about them.”
“You’re right,” Trixie conceded. “And we’re going to Paris, so who cares? Mr. Carl Reid and his mysteriousness can wait until after the weekend.”
Trixie had even more trouble concentrating in class the following day and was relieved to join the other Bob-Whites for lunch in the school cafeteria.
“Honestly,” she groaned. “Will this day never be over.”
“I could answer that in any number of ways, but I fear my response would fall on deaf ears, so I shall save my breath.” Mart took a bite of his roast beef sandwich.
“Why does time go so much slower when you have something to look forward to?” Trixie asked, unwrapping her own tuna fish sandwich.
“We can’t answer that one, Trix,” Dan put in, his gray eyes twinkling. “We don’t have quite as much to look forward to today as you do.”
“Oh, Dan,” Honey cried. “We’re so selfish, bragging about our trip when you’re all staying here and taking on helping Mrs. De Keyser.”
Dan laughed. “Selfish is the last thing I’d call you, Honey. I’m just teasing. After all, we all have an extra day off school, too. That’s no slouch.”
“Agreed,” Jim said, raising his soda. “I know I’m looking forward to several long rides on Jupe.”
“And I haven’t been on Starlight in forever,” Brian added.
“We’re all going to ride late tomorrow morning,” Di put in. “And have hot chocolate and brownies afterwards.”
“That does sound like fun,” Honey said happily.
“You won’t forget Mrs. De Keyser, will you?” Trixie looked anxious.
“As if!” Mart snorted. “We’re heading over just after lunch tomorrow.”
“I’m going to make a big pan of lasagne, tonight,” Brian, said leaning back in his chair.
“And I will make sure we have all the ingredients for a big green salad.” Jim reached for his sister’s half-finished apple.
“Mr. Maypenny is making a huge pot of veggie soup today and he’s promised me some for Mrs. De Keyser.” Dan smacked his lips.
“And before you ask, Di and I are making cookies at her place this afternoon as well as the brownies, so I will be contributing.” Mart nodded his sandy head decisively.
“I think it sounds wonderful, don’t you, Trixie?” Honey beamed at her friends.
“Yes, I do. Thanks guys,” Trixie said simply.
“Gleeps!” Mart clutched his head. “Don’t do that. I am not prepared for compliments from my almost-twin.”
They all laughed at this.
“Don’t worry about us, Trix.” Jim reached across the table for her small, sturdy hand. “We’ve got the game late Saturday and then we’ve decided to raid the treasury and have dinner at Wimpy’s.”
“It does sound like they won’t be doing it too, hard, Hon.” Trixie grinned.
“I think they’ll manage,” Honey agreed.
“And I’m actually getting to do my interview, too,” Diana said, pushing her dark hair away from her pretty face.
“Really?” Trixie said. “Who are you interviewing?”
“You know Framed Photography? They’re just off main street. I’m going to talk to the owner, photographer, Vivian Sutherland. I’ve seen her photos and they’re wonderful. She’s photographing the game on Saturday, and she’s agreed to talk to me.”
“Tell them about the great idea you came up with,” Mart urged.
They all turned to her and Di shrugged. “It’s nothing, really. I just thought because I’d chosen a photographer, I might mainly tell my story in pictures, with just a few quotes. Mart and I spoke to the editor and he thought it was a good idea.”
“A brilliant idea,” Mart corrected.
“It is a wonderful idea, Di,” Honey said, admiringly.
“Well, I’ve been enjoying using the camera my folks gave me for my birthday, so I thought it was worth a shot.”
“Pun intended,” Dan quipped.
They all stared at him for a moment, then one by one grins spread across their faces.
“Exactly!” Jim said. “Come on, gang. We should finish up and get going.”
Finally, Trixie and Honey were on the bus, headed for home. There were hugs and promises as Trixie collected her bag and said goodbye to her family. Dinner at the Manor House was delicious as always, though Trixie didn’t seem to be able to enjoy it quite as much as she usually did. While Honey was having a cup of tea with Miss Trask, Jim took Trixie aside and the two sat, drinking hot chocolate before the roaring living room fire.
“Make sure you have a wonderful time, Trixie, and do not feel guilty for going when the rest of us are staying at home.”
“How do you do that?” Trixie demanded. “Most people wouldn’t know that I do feel kind of guilty. We all work hard. And it does seem kind of mean to leave Di out, even though she’s not in the spelling bee.”
“Yes, we do all work hard, but this is your treat—yours and Honey’s and you should enjoy it. And check with Honey; Di is totally fine with this.”
“Okay. Thanks, Jim.” Trixie took a sip of her hot chocolate.
“And, Trix?”
“Yes?”
“Try not to get into too much trouble. Paris is too far away to mount a rescue.”
Trixie laughed. “We’ll do our best.”
The door flew open at that point and Honey stood there bouncing on her toes. “Come on, Trix. It’s time—we’re off to Paris.”
MAIN NEXT
Author's Notes: Some of you (maybe not many—this is not a well read volume in our beloved series) will notice that I have actually added scenes with BWGs who were, for the most part, AWOLE ( absent without logical explanation). I like the gang being together and while I decided to stick with this story as it was (yes, I am a little crazy) I hope it helps a little. Thank you to the team that helped make this possible, you know who you are. And thanks to anyone who is still reading. No actual profit is being made form these scribblings and Trixie Belden et al still belong to Random House.
