The Mystery of the Missing Groom

by Roo

Chapter One: Wedding Plans

As Trixie bounced off the bus at the stop in front of her home Crabapple Farm, she was so excited her curly blond hair was fairly snapping with a life of its own. She pushed her brother Mart out of the way and with his "Watch it, Trix." she turned to make one last statement to her best friend Honey, "Please call if you hear anything more about the wedding o.k.?"

"Oh, Mart, you were in the way. Now I don't know if she heard me or not," moaned Trixie.

"Gleeps, Trixie," snorted Mart. "You will be on the phone with her fifteen minutes after we get in the house, so what's the big deal?"

With a laugh Brian, the eldest and most serious of the four Belden children said, "I have to agree with Mart on this one, Trixie. Ever since you found out Regan was getting married, nothing has been the same. No one has been allowed to use the phone around our house for two weeks."

Bill Regan was the groom for the Wheelers, the Beldens' neighbors and best friends. Regan was so much more than just a groom to the Wheelers; he not only managed the huge stable full of fine horses the Wheelers owned, but he also helped run the huge estate called Manor House when the Wheelers were away on their many business trips.

Although he grumbled about it, sometimes the most important part of Regan's job was to help keep an eye on his boss's two kids, Honey and her adopted brother Jim Frayne. This would not be too bad except for one thing--Honey's best friend, Trixie. When Trixie was around, things happened.

As Trixie skipped up the driveway to the porch of the pretty white frame house she called home, she turned back to Brian and Mart. "You can't tell me you aren't just as excited about Regan getting married as Honey and I are. Just think, Dan will be getting an aunt. A new member of his family. You know Regan is his only living relative."

Dan Mangan was the newest member of their semi-secret club the Bob Whites of the Glen or BWG's for short. That club and her friends were very important to Trixie. That's why she was so excited about this wedding. Anything that touched the lives of her friends and club members took priority over everything else.

"Trixie, you know we are as excited for Dan and Regan as you are. What was it Dan said about his uncle and his fiancée?" asked Brian

"Well," Trixie stated, "as you all know, Regan flew to Atlanta, Georgia to look at some registered quarter horses for Honey's father. Regan knows the owner of this breeding farm from his days of working in Saratoga as a trainer. Mr. Cooke, that's the owner's name, is a very respected member of the same horse breeders association that Mr. Wheeler belongs to. When Regan was met at the airport by Mr.Cooke's daughter Beth, it was love at first sight and the rest is horse history. It seems that Regan and Beth had met several times before at different horse auctions and shows but they had always been so busy with their own dealings at these affairs they never had a chance to really talk and get to know one another. Regan has decided that this is who he wants to spend the rest of his life with. In just three weeks, on Christmas Eve, she will become Mrs. William Regan." Trixie sighed dreamily.

"Yeah," agreed Mart, "it is pretty cool, sis, and I think it's really neat that Regan wants all the BWG's to take part in the wedding and his fiancée agreed to it."

Just then, the back door of the Belden farmhouse burst open and seven-year-old Bobby Belden stuck his head out. "Trixie," he yelled, "Honey is on the phone and says it's very 'portant."

Laughing, the three Beldens trooped into the warm cozy kitchen.

Moms, looking pretty as ever, was checking the pot of bubbling soup on the kitchen stove as her hungry troops came through the door. "Only a few minutes, Trixie." She smiled. "Dad will be home soon and you have to set the table and help me with the salad."

Supper was always a family affair at the Beldens'. Because of the hectic schedule of the family members, it was very important for all of them to be able to sit down together and go over daily events and happenings. They all looked forward to enjoying a home cooked meal around the huge maple dining room table.

Later that night, after dishes had been done and Trixie's parents were relaxing over coffee and the evening paper, Trixie started up the stairs for bed.

"So, Trixie," said her always sensible banker father, "I hope with all the help Miss Trask is going to need in the next few weeks, you will not get a case of mystery-itis and get everyone involved in another of your mysteries."

"Now, Dad," exclaimed Trixie, "you know I never go hunting after mysteries. It isn't my fault that Honey and I get involved in these things. Besides, in the next few weeks we are going to be far too busy for anything except chores, school, and the wedding." With that, she blew kisses to her parents and skipped up the stairs to bed. She couldn't help but think, "I didn't promise we wouldn't find something exciting to look into. Did I?"

 

Chapter Two: The Groom is Missing

Trixie was lost in a dream when she heard someone calling her name over and over. "Trixie, Trix, wake up dear," urged Mrs. Belden. "I know it’s early, but Miss Trask just called with the invitation for you to have breakfast at the Manor House."

"Oh, Moms," exclaimed a yawning,stretching Trixie, "that’s really great. Even though she’s super busy right now with Regan away and Honey’s parents in Europe on business, she still has time to entertain the Bob-Whites."

"That’s not all. You have all been invited to spend the night with Honey and Jim to help greet Regan’s fiancée properly and I have given my consent." Mrs. Belden smiled at her daughter.

"Miss Trask isn’t the only friend the Bob Whites have," said Trixie, hugging her mother, "I know how busy we are on Saturdays. Do you mean Mart, Brian and I may have the whole day off?"

"Yes, dear, and tomorrow, too. Your Dad and I know how much Regan’s friendship means to you. Besides, you’ve all worked hard lately with school and chores and everyone needs some time off. Now, get dressed and scoot out of here before Bobby wakes up. You know how he hates being left behind."

"Oh, Moms, I’m so sorry," apologized Trixie as she pulled on a powder blue sweater. One of her chores was taking care of seven-year-old Bobby. He was blond and blue-eyed like her and Mart and was just as mischevious as he was lovable. "I can come home after we exercise the horses and entertain Bobby for a couple hours so you can rest."

"That won’t be necessary, Trixie," Mrs. Belden said with a smile. "Bobby and I are meeting your father for lunch and then we’re going Christmas shopping at the White Plains Mall. Someone let it slip that Santa was going to be there starting today. I believe we have Mart to thank for that bit of information. Now you run along and enjoy yourself. I’ll drop a suitcase off on the way to town. Oh, by the way, you must promise suits for the boys and your new blue dress for dinner."

"But Moms," Trixie began to protest, then guiltily remembered all the times her parents said, "Be a lady Trixie", and smiled and waved goodbye to her mother.

The sun was just beginning to shine through the trees as Trixie went up the well-beaten path to the Manor House. There hadn’t been any snow to speak of yet, only light flurries so far that winter.

Trixie had a minute to count her blessings and she just decided that she had so many to count. So much had happened since Honey had moved into Manor House two years ago. Before that, Trixie had been rather lonely with no girls her age in the neighborhood. She and Honey had become fast friends and had been involved in many mysteries since they first met.

One of the first had been to solve the mystery of the mansion and then to track down runaway Jim Frayne who became Honey’s adopted older brother. No one ever thought about the orphaned Jim as being adopted because he had red hair just like Honey’s father. There was a bond between the brother and sister that couldn’t be broken.

Trixie’s other adventures had taken them to far away places like the great Joe country in Idaho and even to London and Paris. There had also been exciting adventures right there at home involving kidnapped children and international jewel thieves.

As Trixie neared the stable, she couldn’t help wondering what adventures might lie ahead of her even today.

When she walked past the stables, she was glad to see Sunny, Di Lynch’s beautiful Palomino, and Spartan, Dan’s horse tethered there at the fence, both carefully blanketed against the early December chill. Knowing all seven of the Bob-Whites would be together for the day made Trixie hurry up the steps to the Manor House.

"And a glorious good morning to you, the late, great Beatrix Belden," spouted Mart.

Even the use of her hated full name Beatrix couldn’t dampen Trixie’s good mood. "Good morning to you, Martin Belden, my almost twin," said Trixie as she looped her arm through Honey’s. "Isn’t this going to be a perfectly perfect week-end."

"Yes, it is," agreed Honey, looking around at her good friends. "Let’s all go to the dining room and eat. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m starved."

With a chorus of me toos, Honey, always the perfect hostess, led the way to the dining room. As the boys were helping the girls into their seats, Mart said, "And what culinary delights are there to tempt the palate of these honored guests of the Wheeler household this morning?"

Di Lynch batted the dark lashes of her beautiful violet eyes at Mart. To her, there was no one smarter or cuter than Mart who was always spouting big words, mostly just to annoy Trixie. These two seemed to be in a battle of wits until times got rough. When this happened, it seemed to Trixie's delight that Mart was always there to come to her aid.

"To answer your question," laughed Miss Trask, "here comes Celia with a huge tray of sausages and ham."

Celia was the pretty wife of Tom Delanoy the Wheelers' chauffeur. She was also employed by the Wheelers as the downstairs maid. She handed Mart, who was always hungry, the steaming tray, and she giggled at his expression. "While you're passing this around," she said, "I’ll go get the pancakes and waffles. We also have scrambled eggs, fresh fruit and lots of cold milk and steaming hot chocolate. I’ll be right back."

Celia returned again and again to replenish empty trays, glasses, and mugs. Finally the Bob Whites, even Mart, groaned at the sight of more food.Celia stopped beside Dan’s chair and while giving him one last refill of hot chocolate said,"You must be very excited about meeting your aunt-to-be this afternoon. I, for one, am looking forward to having a new friend more my own age right here at Manor House. Since Regan remodeled the garage apartment into a beautiful little home, we’ll really be neighbors."

The Bob-Whites and Miss Trask all looked appreciatively at Dan. They were each remembering how Regan’s nephew had come to live in Sleepyside. After losing his mother, Dan had fallen in with a rough crowd in New York City. Some of his gang members had followed him to Sleepyside where his uncle had arranged for him to stay with Mr. Maypenny, the Wheelers' game keeper. After proving himself by rescuing Trixie and Bobby from a wild cat, he had become an indispensable part of this circle of friends. With his uncle’s help, Dan was planning on becoming a police officer. "Yes, Celia," agreed Dan, "I can’t wait to meet Miss Cooke. I’m sure we all feel the same way. My uncle always sees we are kept happy. Now, it’s his turn. Speaking of keeping him happy, we Bob-Whites have seven anxious horses waiting to be exercised."

"Right you are, Dan," said Jim, jumping up from the table. "The horses aren’t the only thing that need exercise at the moment."

"Yes, James, I heartily concur," spouted Mart, "After that small bit of sustenance, I may need help to mount my own trusty steed."

"Small bit!" exclaimed Trixie. "Mart Belden, after all the food you just ate, you’ll need a fork lift to get on poor Strawberry this morning."

Di, always the peacemaker, was just about to interrupt when Miss Trask stepped into the room to tell Dan that he had a phone call. Brian the oldest and most sensible of the group said, "Saved by the bell, literally. Let’s go on to the stable and saddle up. Dan can meet us there after he takes his call. Wait till the rest of you see the surprise Lady has waiting for us in the stable."

Lady was Mrs. Wheeler’s beautiful little mare. "She’s had her colt," yelled Trixie grabbing her coat, "come on, Di, Honey, let’s go see."

As they all entered the stables, Trixie thought she could never get enough of the familiar smells and sounds. The strong clean smell of hay and oats was mixed with the pungent aroma of saddle soap and good leather. As Trixie followed the others through the stable, gentle little Susie nickered at the sound of her familiar voice. Susie was really Miss Trask’s horse but Trixie considered her more as her own. Miss Trask didn’t have much time to exercise the black mare so she depended on Trixie to do it. A job she did willingly.

Six pairs of eyes looked lovingly into the stall at the back of the spacious barn. There, beside Lady, was the cutest, wobble-legged, filly colt they had ever seen.

"Oh, Jim," squealed Honey, "she’s beautiful." With violet eyes getting misty, Diana heartily agreed.

"I can’t wait for Regan to see her. She has a blaze and white socks just like her mother. Regan will be so pleased," said Brian.

Sensing a presence behind her, Trixie turned to look at a white-faced Dan. "What has happened, Dan?" she cried. "Something is wrong!"

"Something is very wrong," said a visibly shaken Dan. "There’s been a storm. The private plane Uncle Regan was on is missing."

 

Chapter Three: A Ride to Maypenny's

Honey immediately burst into tears. Trixie ran to her side and put her arm around her best friend. Di leaned against Mart with a sob and Brian and Jim both helped Dan sit down on a bale of hay.

Brian, who was going to become a doctor someday, knew Dan had received an awful shock. He also knew he should be forced to talk about it. "Dan," he said, "please explain what has happened. Who called you?"

"Well,"said a very pale Dan, "that was the airport in Atlanta. Jim, your dad’s private plane left last night about midnight. They hit a storm about twenty minutes after take off. The airport lost contact with the pilot and there has been no sign of them since."

Miss Trask, who had followed Dan into the stable, interrupted him here. "Now, you all know what a good pilot Bob is. You’ve all flown with him a number of times."

What would they do without dear Miss Trask! She was always as sensible as the tweed suits and comfortable shoes she wore. Just as the Bob Whites were about to fall apart, she stepped in to hold things together for them. "Now, we will have no more talk of doom and gloom. You young people have a job to do. I insist you do it. Dan you must stay here tonight, also. I’ve already called Diana’s mother and her butler Harrison is bringing her suitcase."

"Thank you," said Di through quivering lips. "I really don’t want to leave you all until we’ve heard some news. And after all, we all know Regan will expect us to take care of things here."

Murmured "Ayes," were heard from the rest of the concerned group. "That’s the Bob-White spirit," said a pleased Miss Trask. "I couldn't reach Mr. Maypenny by phone so you must all ride with Dan to the cabin and let him know what’s going on. Dan you bring extra clothes back with you. I’ll go back in so I can be by the phone. I’ve already put a call in to your parents, Jim. Now, young people, enjoy yourselves. That’s an order."

After she left, there was a moment of stunned silence. Finally, sounding much braver than she felt, Trixie said, "Well, you all heard Miss Trask, we have a job to do."

Mart, always the first to argue with her, but also always the first to back her up when there was trouble shouted, "Good girl, Trixie, I agree. Let’s mount up, boys and girls. Brian, you’ve forgotten the best surprise of all."

Although Brian was still stunned, he jumped into the spirit of things. "You're so right, Mart. Jim, come on, the newest member of the mounted BWG’s awaits." A puzzled but curious group followed Brian to what they thought was Lady’s empty stall.

"Oh, Honey, look," exclaimed Trixie. "He’s beautiful. Whose, what,where, why? Oh, you know what I mean."

A stunned Honey couldn’t take her eyes from the beautiful black and white pinto standing in the stall. Brian laughed at his sister and her wide-eyed friends. "We had an awful time convincing you two that we were too busy to put up with you last night. Honey, your Dad knew that Lady would be quite busy for awhile, as you’ve all seen, so I’d like you all to meet my new pal Champion. Champ for short. Isn’t he great?"

"Oh, Brian," agreed Di, "he’s gorgeous, but why Champion? Has he won medals or trophies?" As Brian led the newest member of the Wheelers' Equestrian team from the stall, he explained why. "Look here on Champ's left flank." There was no further need for explanation, for there was a perfect mark on the horse's hip in the shape of a first place ribbon, so shiny black it almost appeared to be blue.

Bill Regan had been a good teacher. In only fifteen minutes, the seven riders were saddled up and on their way. Jim was in the lead on his beautiful black gelding, Jupiter. Trixie was next on Susie and Honey followed on her chestnut gelding Starlight with Brian beside her proudly riding Champ. Behind them was Mart, who despite his huge breakfast, managed to mount the strawberry roan he always rode, aptly named Strawberry, and Diana on Sunny and bringing up the rear was Dan on Spartan. The air was so crisp and clear that the group decided to canter for awhile through the Wheelers' vast game preserve. In no time at all, they arrived at the clearing where Dan lived with Mr. Maypenny.

"Yo, Mr. Maypenny!" called Dan as he dismounted. The old man came around the corner of the cabin and his weather-beaten face lit up when he saw the young people.

Trixie and Honey ran to hug the old man who wore knickers and a red turtle-neck sweater. They thought of Mr.Maypenny as their special friend, since they had "discovered" him during one of their many adventures.

"Welcome, welcome!" The old man smiled at the group of young people. "After you left, Danny Boy, I thought you and your friends might ride this way sometime today. With that thought in mind, I made a double batch of my homemade fried donuts and I have a whole gallon of hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks. Come in! Come in!"

"Oh, my dear Mr.Maypenny, you knew I couldn’t make it here and back through the Wheeler wilderness without some sustenance," said Mart halfway through the door.

As the group gathered around the huge handmade table in the warm cabin’s kitchen, Trixie, Honey and Di made Mr.Maypenny sit down with the boys while they served the tray of fragrant donuts and the steaming mugs of hot cider. When everyone was settled, Dan cleared his throat and explained to a stunned Mr. Maypenny about Regan and the missing plane. Regan and Maypenny had a bond of friendship because of their mutual involvement and love for the young Dan.

Trixie couldn’t stand the look on the old man’s face so she spoke bravely, "But even Miss Trask pointed out what a good pilot Bob is. Why I’ll bet even now she’s on the phone to the airport and everything is ok."

"Trixie’s right," agreed Jim with an affectionate tug on her blond curls. "And on that note, we should head back home. Dan, are you ready?"

"Yep, I’ve got my clothes all packed. I’ll have to borrow a suit from you for dinner tonight or I’ll have to walk back and carry mine."

"No problem with that Dan, my black pinstripe should just fit you," replied Jim.

When the last piece of tack had been cleaned and put on proper pegs, seven worried but optimistic Bob-Whites entered Manor House to be met by a smiling Miss Trask.

"Oh," exclaimed Honey, "you’ve had news of Regan."

"What is it? Tell us, please," clamored the rest of the gang.

"I just talked to the Atlanta airport. They’ve had radio contact with the plane. Bob and Regan are fine--" Through a chorus of Hoorays and All Rights, there were tears, hugs and handshakes. "I called Mr. Maypenny right away," said Miss Trask. "You are to stay and enjoy yourself, Dan. You’ve been very brave through this whole thing and you deserve some time off with your friends."

Dan was so excited that he could hardly speak. He did manage to get out a "Thank you, Miss Trask." Just then, the phone rang. Celia called Dan to the phone. Another cheer went up as Dan said, "Yes, Uncle Bill, everything is just fine here---Now."

The other Bob-Whites left the room so Dan could talk privately to his uncle. Not however, before Trixie’s trained eye caught the puzzled expression on his face.

"Gee, Honey," said Trixie, "I wonder what that was all about? Did you see the puzzled expression on Dan’s face while he was talking to Regan?"

Before Honey had a chance to answer Mart piped in, "Oh, no! The schoolgirl shamus strikes again. Did my lobes deceive me or did I hear my younger sibling try to make a "mystery" out of a mole hill. Come, come, now. We won’t let you mess up this absolutely perfect day for us with a lot of what-ifing."

"For your information, Mart Belden, I was talking to Honey, so just butt out."

"Come on, you two," interrupted Brian, "you heard Miss Trask, there’s a lot to do before the four o’clock train. And, Trix, curb your imagination this time for Dan and Regan. Okay?"

"Okay, Brian." Trixie smiled. "Come on, Honey and Di, let’s go wash up. With all this good news, I’m famished again."

It was a happy group that attacked the mound of hot dogs, chips and dip and huge bowls of salad. This was all washed down with big glasses of cold milk and topped off with hot fudge sundaes. While these were being devoured, Miss Trask spoke up. "We have three hours before we go meet the train. Since we’ll want an hour to bathe and change, we have two hours to kill. Regan won’t be here to welcome her, so I’d like Miss Cooke’s first impression of us to be as good as possible. We will have formal decorators come in and do the hall library where the wedding will be, but how would you all like to put up the tree and some decorations in the family room?"

"Great idea! Neat-o! Let’s get to it!" chorused the BWG’s.

The family room was the Bob-White’s favorite room at Manor House. It had been remodeled and designed with the young people in mind. Unlike the rest of the mansion, which was quite luxurious, the family room was very cozy and comfortable. Some of the furniture had been moved and a seven foot blue spruce pine had been set in the corner. The tree was extra special because Tom Delanoy, Mr. Maypenny, and the boys had cut it from the Wheelers' own woods. The tree was trimmed and wreaths were hung in the many windows. Boughs and candles graced the walls and mantle. Diana had a beautiful voice and soon had everyone singing carols. Trixie and Honey finally left the room to shower and change. It was the first chance they had to be alone since Dan’s phone call.

Just outside the girls door, Honey stopped Trixie. "I saw it, too, Trix." Looking around Trixie replied, "You saw what, too, where?’

"No, silly," answered Honey with a giggle, "the look on Dan’s face. I expected to see anything except him looking so puzzled. Great minds do think alike, right partner?"

The partner Honey was referring to, of course, was Trixie. Since they first met, both girls shared a dream of someday opening the Belden-Wheeler Detective Agency.

"Right," agreed Trixie, "as they say in Alice in Wonderland, things are getting curiouser and curiouser."

Just then, Dan came around the corner of the hall. "I heard what you girls said."

"Oh, Dan!" cried Trixie and Honey together. Honey added, "We didn’t mean anything, honest."

"No, Honey," replied Dan, "don't apologize. In fact, I left the others early so I could talk to you."

"Dan, what’s happened!" shouted Trixie. "Your uncle is really hurt, isn’t he? I just knew something was wrong!"

"Shhh, not so loud," warned Dan. "No, Uncle Bill is okay. At least, I think so. When I talked to him on the phone, he sounded, well, I guess the word I’m looking for is formal. He called me Daniel." Both Honey and Trixie looked at Dan open-mouthed, surprised yet trying to understand what he was getting at. "He also said something that was really curious. He said no matter what happened or what we thought we had to make Liz feel at home."

"Liz?" questioned Honey. "Oh, Elizabeth Ellen Cooke. She must like to be called Liz. It is kind of a strange way to tell us to welcome her, but after all Regan’s been through an awful lot the past few hours."

"You're right, of course, maybe I am just looking for trouble, but still, every time the past few weeks Uncle Bill has talked to her on the phone or talked to us about her he has called her Beth. The way he said it was just so much different than when he just said Liz."

"Well," Trixie said, "Honey could be right, he has been through a lot. However I wonder, I just wonder. First dibs on the shower."

 

Chapter Four: Meeting the Bride

"My, what a handsome group you are. Miss Cooke will certainly be impressed when you all meet her at the station," said Miss Trask admiringly.

The girls all wore nice dresses in their favorite colors. Honey in a pale yellow wool with black accessories; Diana looked gorgeous in lavender with deep purple accents; and Trixie could tell by the admiring glance from Jim that her blue wool with navy accessories was just the right shade for her. As each of the boys, dressed in dark suits and ties, took the arm of one of the girls, Miss Trask looked on proudly. "May I?" asked the handsome Dan Mangan as he offered his arm to her.

The Bob-Whites and Miss Trask entered the train station just as the four o’clock special pulled in. Everyone was so excited they could hardly talk.

As the girls were watching one way and the boys another, they all heard someone say, "You all must be the Bob-Whites and this must be Miss Trask."

Seven pair of eyes turned to Miss Trask who was shaking hands with a tall, dusky blond. Trixie couldn’t help herself, but she automatically thought of the word, "brassy." Almost as if she could read her mind, the newcomer looked directly at Trixie and said, "I’m so sorry for my appearance, I must look a fright, my clothes are wrinkled and my makeup is a mess."

"Now, now," soothed Miss Trask, "we all know what it’s like to travel. No apologies are needed."

"Yes," commented Honey, who always tried to be tactful in any situation, "we hope you had a safe trip Miss Cooke."

"Puleeeze," drawled the southerner, "call me Beth."

At this, Trixie couldn’t help but blurt out, "but I thought you liked to be called Liz.", with that she caught an elbow in the ribs from Honey, but not before she saw the fleeting look of anger in the blue eyes of "Beth." A smile quickly replaced the look of anger and she drawled, "Why honey-chile, you must be Trixie Belden. I’ve been told all about you, let’s shake on being good friends." and in turn the same was said to Honey, Di, Jim, Brian and Mart. Then she turned to Dan and said, "And at last a hug for my very own new nephew, Danny. I know that rascal Regan told you my name was Liz, but you see that’s just his pet name for me. You all just call me Beth."

Taking charge Miss Trask said, "Boys get Beth’s luggage and we’ll load the wagon and start home. I imagine Beth would like to freshen up from her long trip before dinner."

"Oooh, I would just love that y'all," said Beth as she crowded in between Brian and Jim. With an arm linked in each of theirs she seemed to stifle a yawn and bat the lashes of her big blue eyes.

"Gleeps, Honey," whispered Trixie, "have I messed up or what? When will I ever learn to think before I speak?"

"It’s oaky, Trixie," sympathized Di. "I’m sure Beth hasn’t thought any more about it."

"Sure," agreed Honey. "She seems very nice. Like she said, I hope we can all be friends."

"For Regan’s sake especially," admonished Mart, who was so serious that for once he forgot to use big words. "Don't let the old green-eyed monster loose, Trix. You're not in competition with anyone, don't forget."

With tears in her eyes Trixie meekly followed her departing friends.

"I can’t wait till you get your first glimpse of Manor House," stated Dan proudly. "It’s really something to see all lit up, especially at this time of year."

"Why, Dan," said Honey surprised, "I didn’t know you paid so much attention to our home. We all really love it. The only thing that would make it better for you is if Regan were with you."

"Oh, yes," sighed Di romantically, "you’ll make a beautiful bride, coming down the stairs on your father’s arm on Chri---"

"My father’s arm!" interrupted Beth, dismayed, then stopping with a laugh, she continued, "Oh, yes, Daddy will be coming in several days after Reggie."

"Reggie!" shouted Trixie from the back seat with a yelp like Reddy had when someone stepped on his tail. "Now where did you get a name like that?"

Beth turned to give Trixie another sly look through narrowed eyes, then almost immediately smiled, "That's just my pet name for Regan. Honey-chile you know how couples in love like to have their own private words and names. Why Trixie, you’ll just have to get used to the fact that your Regan is going to be a married man soon."

Trixie almost retorted that it wasn’t her Regan. However, when she saw the disapproving eyes of her brothers on her, she thought better. The rest of the ride to Manor House was made in an uncomfortable silence.

"Oh, look, how pretty!" squealed Beth as Miss Trask expertly pulled the station wagon into the long drive to the manor house. There was a single white candle burning a welcome at each one of the many windows. The huge picture window of the family room was a mass of multicolored lights from the tree the BWG's had decorated. The welcoming sight of a decorated Manor House restored life to the subdued group.

"Let’s all grab a suitcase and make just one trip so we can all show Beth to her room," said a once-again happy Trixie.

"That a girl." Jim beamed."Girls, you get the smaller cases, guys you grab the larger ones."

"Boy," declared Brian, "this wind is getting damp and cold. I’ll bet we’ll have snow before morning."

"As Trixie would say," laughed Di, "wouldn’t that be perfectly perfect. After all, Beth, I bet you haven’t seen much snow, have you?"

"What?" she said startled. "Oh, snow, Why you all, I can't wait. I’ll go out and play in it right with you."

At that, all the Bob Whites laughingly went into the house and showed Beth the way to her room. The boys left the girls to help her do some unpacking before dinner. As Trixie was hanging some of Beth’s pretty dresses in the closet of the guest room, she glanced out the window. "Look," she cried, "it’s snowing. Not just flurries, but the first real snow of the season."

"Let me see, Let me see," said Di and Honey as they crowded together to look out the big window. The Bob-White’s were all very active in all the seasons. Honey and Jim’s huge estate offered year round entertainment. Swimming, boating, hiking, picnicking and horseback riding in the summer and sledding, ice skating, snow shoeing and skiing in the winter. With the weather being too cold for swimming and boating, the BWG’s were anxiously awaiting the first good snowfall of the season for all the winter fun it would bring.

Beth followed the girls to the window and at a glance stated, "Ooh, it looks so cold." She hastily added, "And pretty, too. I’ll have to go out in it with you all tomorrow."

There was one large suitcase left to unpack and Trixie started to open it. Just as she had the lid halfway up, Beth slammed it shut, but not before Trixie had gotten a glimpse of the contents.

"That’s nothing but new winter clothes that Reggie had me buy," Beth said. "As you know, we don’t have much use for snow pants and insulated jackets in Atlanta. I’ll unpack them later." Almost knowing she had to get Trixie on her good side again, she grabbed her hand and said, "Honey-chile, you can help me with something else though. You may unpack my wedding gown."

The girls were all dreamy-eyed as Beth unfolded the tissue paper from her gown. Without taking it completely from the box, she held up the top. "This was my Mama’s gown."

"Oh, just look!" exclaimed Trixie, "Just look."

Honey also was looking in awe at the ivory colored satin covered in yards of handmade lace. Tiny seed pearls were sewn in rows around the high Victorian collar. "Look at the sleeves," said Di. "They end in points at the wrist that come over the hand. It’s absolutely dreamy."

As she laid the dress back in the box and covered it with tissue, Beth made a point of looking at her watch.

"Oh my, if supper is at eight, I’ll have only enough time to run a comb through my hair and get to the dining room."

"Goodness," Honey agreed looking at her own watch. "You're right, let’s go to my room, girls, and freshen up. See you later, Beth."

Trixie was strangely quiet while the girls were washing up. Di and Honey kept up a running conversation about the dress, the wedding and the snow. As they left the room, Trixie said, "I’ll tap on Beth’s door and see if she’s ready to go to the dining room."

"Okay, thanks," answered Honey. "Some fine hostess I am, I’m just used to you and Di knowing this big house as well as I do."

"You’re right," giggled Di. "Trixie and I just make ourselves right at home anymore. Come on, Honey, let’s go see if the boys are ready. Knowing Mart, they’ve all ready been to the dining room."

As Trixie was about to tap on the door of Beth’s room, it swung open a little at her touch. Trixie heard Beth’s voice, at least she thought it was Beth. There was absolutely no trace of an accent. Trixie was about to turn away when she heard her name mentioned. "Yeah, I met Trixie, the great detective. She’s the only one I have to worry about. She...." Just then Beth turned and faced the door. Into the phone she gushed, "She’s the sweetest little ole thing. I really have to go now, hon, I’ll call you later."

At that Trixie, now really ashamed at having been eavesdropping on Beth, meekly tapped at the partly opened door. Beth all smiles again, went into the hall with Trixie. "That was Regan on the phone," she said as they walked into the dining room with the others. "He sends his love and will see you all as soon as his business is settled."

 

Chapter Five: Suspicious Bob-Whites

There was so much Trixie wanted to discuss with Honey, but it had been a long day. She barely stayed awake long enough to pull the covers down on the twin bed in Honey’s beautiful room. The next thing she knew the sun was streaming through the windows and Honey was stretching awake in the bed next to hers.

"What an absolutely perfect day," sighed Honey as she jumped from the bed and ran to the window." Oh, Trix, come quick and look at this."

Trixie joined her best friend at the window and saw why she was so excited this morning. Below them was a view that should have been on a Christmas card. Everything was a panorama of white fluffy snow. Even the tree limbs were piled with what looked like heaps of white icing. In the distance the Wheelers' lake sparkled like a deep blue sapphire in the setting of a ring.

"Look over there, the boys are out all ready. They’ve been to our house because they have my snow pants and boots."

"Yes," agreed Di, coming up behind them. "That’s not all they’ve got. Look behind Jim. There’s Bobby on the sled, isn’t that adorable?"

With an air of excitement, the three friends donned blue jeans and warm bulky sweaters and raced to the dining room.

Stooping to get a hug and plant a kiss on the fat red cheek of her little brother, Trixie asked, "Well, Bobby, what are you doing up and about so early this morning?"

"I had fun yesterday, Moms and Dad and me went to see Santa Claus at the mall. He gave me a big candy cane and Terry and Larry were there, too."

Terry and Larry were Diana’s twin brothers who, along with her twin baby sisters and Mother and Father, lived in the beautiful Lynch mansion up the hill from Manor House.

"But," continued Bobby, "I comed home and nobody was there but Reddy and you was still gone today when I waked up, so Moms said I could come back with Jim to meet the new bride and to see the new colt and we're gonna have a Lizzard so Dad’s going to town again and--"

"Whoa, Bobby," interupted Mart,"methinks you’ve been around our sibilant sister Beatrix too long. You didn’t even allow your diaphragm to expand between syllables."

"Gosh, isn’t he wonderful?" said an admiring Diana before Trixie had a chance to lunge at Mart for the insult of using her full name. "You sure can meet Regan’s bride, Bobby. But honey, what's a lizzard?"

"I can clear that up," answered Jim. "According to the radio this morning, we are in for one of the worst winter storms in a long time. Mr.and Mrs. Belden, along with Tom and Miss Trask, have all ready gone into Sleepyside to stock up on supplies, just in case. They thought we had better be prepared."

"Well, you all, what is all the excitement this morning," drawled Beth, coming into the dining room. "Good morning and how about a kiss from my new nephew to be, Danny."

A visibly embarrassed Dan leaned over Beth and kissed her cheek. "Good morning, Beth, we were just discussing the impending blizzard and this young man came all the way over here in the snow just to meet you." Pulling shy Bobby in front of Beth’s chair, Dan added, "This is the youngest member of the Belden family. Bobby, this is Regan's’ fiancée Beth Cooke".

Shyly, Bobby put his hand out and said, "Hi Beth, Regan’s me and Reddy's best friend." Reddy was the Beldens' highly untrained but lovable Irish Setter and Bobby’s constant companion. "When’s Regan coming home? We miss him and I gotted him a present yesterday."

Beth reluctantly took Bobby’s offered hand. "Little boys and dogs, do you visit often?" she said, half laughing, then she added hastily, "Regan will be home soon and I’m sure he misses you, too."

As Celia brought in the platters of food, Trixie said, "You know, speaking of presents, we’ve got to go to the club house this morning and get busy on ours, right, gang?"

The clubhouse was the old gatehouse when the Wheeler estate had been used as a Manor in the early settler days of New York. Trixie and Honey had discovered it and rescued the building from being taken over by the trees and vines of the Wheelers' game preserve. The young people had all contributed hard earned money and time to remodel the gatehouse into the beautiful little clubhouse it was. The latest addition was a small pot-bellied stove contributed to the Bob-Whites from a friend, Mrs. Vanderpoel. The boys had all worked hard to install it so now the kids could work in the clubhouse even on the coldest days.

"I would love to," said Diana, "but I talked to Mummy this morning and she and Daddy think I should come home in view of the storm warnings and all." Diana’s parents were what you would call the "newly wealthy." They were very protective of all their children and kept them close to home in times of crises.

"Right-o," agreed Mart, "I have the undisputed honor of escorting the fair maiden Diana and her trusty steed Sunny up yon hill to her castle."

"Oh, go eat a dictionary," cried Trixie. "But if you have to go Di, I guess you do. The boys, Honey and I can go ahead and finish up some of the things we started. You can come back as soon as you can get away."

"We have to take Bobby home," answered Brian, "but we did stop and build a fire so you and Honey can go ahead and work awhile."

"Yes, honey-chile and then I’m going to steal these big handsome boys to give me a tour of the place. They said I could borrow a cute little horse named Susie and go for a ride with them after they get back."

"But Susie," started Trixie, then caught a warning glance from Brian, continued meekly, "is Miss Trask's, she’ll be perfect for you to ride. Let’s go, Honey." With that, she pulled on her boots,coat and gloves and stomped off toward Glen Road and the Bob-White clubhouse.

The morning was so crisp and clear that Trixie didn’t see how there could be any storm warnings, but the sunshine didn't keep her thoughts from being just as stormy as the weather report. She couldn’t help wishing Susie would put Beth in a snowdrift somewhere. Or that Beth would get lost in the labyrinth of the preserve somewhere. But by the time she and Honey had reached the clubhouse, Trixie was thoroughly ashamed of her thoughts. As she opened the door, she got the special warm feeling she always got when she entered the quaint building. It wasn’t a chore for any of them to keep the room shiny and dust free. Honey had made curtains for the windows and the boys had made a large table and benches for the center of the room. On each side of the wood stove, was a comfortable overstuffed chair, donated by Diana’s mother when she remodeled. There was even a hot plate and a mug for each of the BWG’s with their name printed on it for hot chocolate or cider. Trixie and Honey both stopped, as they always did when they entered the room, and looked appreciatively at the framed oil painting of a Bob-White hanging on the wall. It was an original Carl Stevenson painting. Painted especially for the Bob-Whites in gratitude for rescuing Carl’s daughter from kidnappers.

As Honey turned on the hot plate to boil the water she had brought from the Manor House, she looked with sympathy and pride at her best friend. "I’m proud of you, Trixie, I know Susie is really more your horse than anyone else’s. It must have been hard for you to walk away and let Beth have her for the morning. Also, I’m sorry Di had to go home so soon, but I have been dying to talk to you alone. There are things we’ve got to discuss. For one thing, Trix, what was in Beth’s suitcase last night? I know you got a glimpse of it before she slammed it so rudely."

"Oh, Honey, you're so right,"said Trixie, brightening for the first time that morning. "What would someone from Atlanta, Georgia be doing with a whole suitcase of winter clothes?"

"But Trix," interrupted Honey, "you heard Beth say that Regan bought her a whole new wardrobe of winter things since she didn’t have anything suitable for our colder climate."

"I know," said Trixie, "but, Honey, I saw those clothes. None of them were new. They all looked just like our winter clothes: well-worn."

"Oh Trixie, what can it mean? I guess I’ve been around you too long and have caught some of your mystery-itis. I don't want to be suspicious of Beth. But then lately, I’m suspicious of everyone and everything. There is something else, too. You know that before I came here to live, I spent thirty days at a large camp in the south. There’s something about Beth's accent that doesn’t ring true. It seems phony somehow."

"I know," agreed Trixie. "I wasn’t going to say anything, but last night when I went to Beth’s room, she was talking to Regan on the phone. I swear Honey, she had no trace of an accent. I thought it was just my imagination because it all happened so fast, but now I’m not so sure."

Just as the girls were about to continue, the door burst open and in came Mart. "Are we letting our pea-brained imaginations run away with us again? Or in this case, it could be just a case of the green-eyed monster."

"Mart Belden," sputtered Trixie, "you are always so critical of me. This time you just don’t understand."

"But," answered Mart back to his sister, "I do understand something. I understand that we have to be very careful." Trixie and Honey both smiled at the use of Mart’s word we. "Now, I have a question. Didn’t Beth say last night that she had called Regan? If so, something is wrong somewhere. Last night Dan told me that when he talked to his uncle, he didn’t have a number where he could be reached. In fact, he was going to call with that info this morning. So where did Beth get Regan’s number? More to the point, where is Regan?"

"Mart, you're absolutely right!" said Honey with her pretty hazel eyes as wide as saucers. "I’m getting scared. Maybe we should go to Miss Trask or Dan or Tom. Somebody, anybody, and tell them what we know."

Trixie sank into one of the easy chairs beside the stove and put her hands over her face. "Don’t you see, Honey? We can’t, we don’t really know anything. We don't have enough facts yet to know what is going on and I know just what Jim and Brian would do. They would be furious at us for even suspecting things aren’t what they seem. If Regan has chosen Beth to be his wife, then we have to accept her, too----or lose Regan."

At this, it was Honey’s turn to cover her face with her hands and cry. "We can’t let that happen, you don’t understand," she said through her tears.

"I know how you feel," sympathized Trixie, now crying also. "If Regan were to leave, your Dad would never find another groom like him and he would close up the stable. Not only that, but gee, you know Regan has always been a perfectly-perfect friend to all of us. Oh. Honey. do you realize how many times he’s rescued us? When Miss Darcy, our drama teacher’s father was kidnapped, Regan was right there to rescue us from that jewel thief."

"Not only that Trixie," sobbed Honey, "but you and Mart, Brian and Bobby have always had a home and a family. It’s not always been that way for me. Only since I came to Sleepyside and Manor House have I had a real family. And Regan, well he’s as much a part of my family as Jim is. You see with Daddy gone so much, I tell Regan things I can't even tell Jim."

Just as Mart was ready to comfort both girls, there was a shout from outside, "Hey in there!" The door opened once again and in came the almost frozen trio of Brian, Jim and Dan. When they saw the tear stained faces of the girls and the concerned look on Mart's face, they demanded to know what was going on. "What gives?" asked Brian, always concerned about the health and well being of the group. "Has someone been burned on the stove? Girls, you remember we’ve asked you to let us take care of the fire."

"No," answered Honey, with a sidelong glance at Trixie."We are just happy that Regan is okay."

"Come on, little sister. What really gives?" demanded Jim. "I know you too well to believe that. Those are not tears of relief--you're really worried about something."

"We can’t tell you," declared Trixie as she jumped up to get the boys some hot chocolate.

"Trixie," Mart broke in, "we have to. This something that affects us all. We can’t keep our suspicions to ourselves. After all, I’m the one who always tells you that you have a vivid imagination. This time I agree with you. Now go on, tell all."

With Mart and Honey to back her up and add a detail now and then, Trixie told the three boys all of their suspicions. When she had at last finished, Brian just shook his head. "Boy, Trix," he admonished, "this is really it. You want a mystery to solve so bad that you are making one up. You don’t have anything but a bunch of misplaced clues that don’t really mean anything."

"Right,"added Jim, "there’s probably a very logical explanation to everything that has happened."

Dan, who had been strangely silent through all this, finally said in a very low quiet voice, "Wait, guys." All eyes were on him as he continued, "I’m not so sure Trixie’s hunch is all that wrong this time. It just could be that Beth isn’t who she’s supposed to be."

 

Chapter Six: The ‘Lizzard’ Strikes

Jim, with a stunned expression on his face, sat down hard on one of the benches. "Maybe you’d better tell us what you mean, Dan. This could be serious."

"Well, it all started with Uncle Bill’s phone call last night. There was something about his voice that wasn’t right."

"You mean," exploded Jim "that it wasn’t Regan on the phone?"

"No," answered Dan, "but he sounded strained. I know he had been through a lot but I expected him to be more relieved than anything else. I don't know, it was almost forced when he talked.

"What are you getting at?" interrupted Brian.

"I’m not at all sure," replied Dan, "that our Miss Beth is who she claims to be."

As if to accent his words, the little clubhouse was practically shaken from its foundation by the wind. The Bob-Whites had been so engrossed in their conversation that they had failed to notice what was happening outside.

"Some woodsman I am," groaned Jim, the naturalist of the group. "It looks like one of Brom’s giants in the Catskill Mountains just blew the light right out of the sky. We’d better all stay together and head for Manor House. You can’t see two feet in front of your face out there."

"Jim’s right," agreed Mart, "but don’t you think we should take Trixie and head for home, Brian?"

"No, I don’t," answered the always practical Brian. "In a case like this, there’s safety in numbers. Honey, you turn off the hot plate. Trix, you get our big flashlights from the shelf in the back room."

Dan opened the damper on the stove as wide as it would go so the fire would soon burn out. "Okay, we’re ready to go."

All of the Bob-Whites realized the severity of the situation. Trixie took Jim’s arm in the lead, Honey came next with Brian and Mart and Dan followed.

"Stay together!" Jim yelled as they stepped into the darkness. The wind seemed to take the breath away from them. The snow that had been so beautiful just an hour before was being whipped around like a giant mixer had been started somewhere. New snow and sleet was being driven into bare faces so hard it brought tears to their eyes.

Trixie didn’t think it was possible to be so terrified and to feel so lost just a few feet from their clubhouse. Jim sensing her feeling of fear tightened his grip on her arm as they slowly made their way to Manor House. Honey had never been so cold in her life. Just as she felt she couldn’t take another step, she thought she heard a faint cry. It was impossible to tell where they were. Brian tugged on her arm as she was heading off into another direction. It was with a great cheer that the Bob-Whites saw the bright light of a large lamp being held by Tom Delanoy. With his help, the boys managed to get the half-frozen girls up the steps into the warm hallway of Manor House and the welcoming arms of Celia and Miss Trask. They led the group into the family room where a brisk fire was burning in the large fire place.

"Celia, please bring hot tea for everyone," Miss Trask said. "Trixie, Honey, out of those wet frozen coats, boots and gloves immediately. As soon as you have some hot tea, into warm baths for everyone. Brian, call your house right away, your father is getting ready to go to the clubhouse and look for you. You have to call him before he leaves. I must say I was terrified when the light left the sky and you young people weren’t back yet."

As Brian and Mart raced for the phone, Jim and Dan helped the girls remove boots from their half frozen feet. Honey’s feet ached much to Jim’s relief. "That means they aren't frozen or frost bitten and from the look of agony on Trixie’s face, I’d say hers are oaky, too."

With eyes still tearing from the wind and sleet, Trixie replied, "If you mean because they feel frozen and on fire at the same time, then my feet are A.O.K. too. Oh, Brian! Is Dad okay? I’ll bet he’s really upset with us because we didn’t come home."

"He’s fine, Trixie, and no, he’s not upset at all. In fact, he’s kind of pleased we all used our heads and stuck together like we did. Miss Trask, Moms thinks it’s best if we all stay here. Dad doesn’t think this is the worst of the storm, yet. They are calling for ten to fourteen inches of snow and drifts eight to ten feet high because of the wind."

"Of course, you’ll all stay here. I wouldn’t dream of letting anyone leave in this. In fact, I’ll call your mother right now. Dan, I’ll also call Mr. Maypenny. Jim, you go into the kitchen and tell Tom and Celia they are to use the spare room on the third floor tonight. They can’t go out in this either."

"Okay, Miss Trask," answered Jim, "but, say guys, if Brian’s dad thinks this is only the beginning we’ve got to get to the stable and double feed and water the horses."

"Oh," cried Miss Trask, "must you go out now?"

Tom Delanoy entered the room with Celia carrying steaming trays filled with mugs of hot tea and buttered rolls. "The boys are right. As soon as they have something hot to drink ,I’ll go with them. With all of us working, we should finish in a half hour."

Just then Beth breezed into the room. "Oh boy, a house party with maids, chauffeurs, and neighbor kids." The remark didn’t come across as funny as she had intended. A hurt look crossed Celia’s face as Trixie glanced at her. The always tactful Honey said. "Oh Celia, we won’t make extra work for you. Miss Trask, since we’ll all be in the house together, can’t we have a late lunch of salad or soup and hot dogs and hamburgers this evening cooked over the fire? That way we can all help and Tom and Celia can join us."

"That is a great idea," chimed Trixie. "We can make a party of being snowed in and if we all pitch in with cooking and cleaning up, we can all enjoy ourselves."

"Thank you, kids," responded Celia shyly. "That would give Beth and me a chance to talk and get to know one another, that is, if you would like to, Beth?"

"Why, sure, you all," drawled Beth, "I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening. We’ve got wedding plans to discuss, too. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll also go take a hot bath. The ride on Susie this morning left me a little stiff in places."

With that Honey and Trixie started up the stairs to Honey’s room to take hot baths and change into warm, dry clothes. "Honey," whispered Trixie, "doesn’t it seem odd that someone who was raised on a huge horse farm would be sore from one short ride?’

"How clever to have picked up on that, Trix," replied Honey, with an admiring glance. "Regan did tell Dan that Beth was an experienced rider. That’s one reason why they are so perfect for each other."

After their baths, the girls dressed in soft fluffy, sweatsuits. "Boy, Honey, I’m sure glad Moms bought this for me yesterday in White Plains. It will be perfect to lounge around in today."

"Trix, you look adorable," said Honey, pulling on the pale yellow top to her outfit. "Your mom always picks just the right shade of blue to match your eyes. I know one certain red-headed brother who will think so, too."

"Honey!" Trixie blushed. "I have a certain dark-haired brother named Brian who won’t think you look too bad either. At least I’m warm again. For awhile I never thought that would be possible. And Hon, to change the subject, thanks for including Tom and Celia in our plans for tonight. I guess I mentioned it without thinking. I couldn’t bear the hurt look on Celia’s face when Beth referred to her as a "maid". Even though Celia is a maid, Beth made it sound----well, almost embarrassing."

"I know, Trix. What do you think Dan meant when he said maybe Beth wasn’t what she claimed to be?"

Just as Trixie was about to reply, there was a knock on the door. When Honey opened it, the four boys came trooping in on their way to the showers. Dan, with a concerned look on his face, told the girls they were going to have to be very careful of what they said and how loud they said it.

"Yes," said Mart with a teasing look at Trixie, "although some things you say concerning feminine raiment is not upsetting to some human beings...." he gave a sly glance at Brian and Jim before continuing, "other words spoken about a certain groom’s bride should only be meant for ears of certain BWG’s".

"As soon as we shower, we should all go to the dining room for some lunch," added Dan. "But first I’d like to explain what I said about Beth. When my uncle called last night, his voice wasn’t the only thing strange about the call. For one thing he kept telling me over and over again about making Liz feel welcome. He mentioned her name so many times that I almost grew tired of hearing it."

"But Dan," said Trixie, "if Beth isn’t really Regan’s Liz, then who is she? And I just had a terrible thought. Where is Regan and his real fiancée?"

 

Chapter Seven: Kidnapped?

As the six Bob-Whites gathered outside the doors of the dining room, Trixie whispered, "We don’t know what’s going on yet, but we have to do just what Regan said--we have to make Beth feel at home no matter what."

"Trixie’s absolutely right," agreed Jim. "No matter what, we have to keep up the happy pretense that everything’s okay. No one must suspect that anything is wrong."

Just then Tom Delanoy came into the hallway from the kitchen. "Trixie, Honey, may I see you for a minute?" As the girls left the group to follow Tom, they gave each other puzzled glances. When they entered the library, Tom leaned against Mr. Wheeler’s big antique desk, folded his arms across his chest and said, "Okay, girls what gives? For almost two days I’ve seen the looks passing between you kids and I’ve got a mystery of my own to solve. Didn’t you pick Beth up at the train station yesterday?"

"Yes," answered Honey."She was on the four o’clock train."

"Well, if that’s so, then she is a miracle worker. I happen to know that, because of the same weather that Regan’s plane was caught in, the four o’clock train was over an hour late. Didn’t you notice the board when you got there?"

"Oh, Tom, are you sure?" Even as she asked the question Trixie knew Tom was right. He wasn’t the type to make mistakes. "You know Honey, when we all got out of the car, if you remember, Beth came up to us. We never even noticed the board or anything else around us but her." Tom had given the girls some very helpful information on other cases they had worked on; they both knew when he said something, they should listen.

"As you know, Celia and I had to go into town and pick up some packages at the station for Mr. Wheeler. I didn’t put it together until they said I would have to wait an hour or more for the train. When we got home, you came in just a few minutes later and we didn’t even think about Beth saying she was on the four o’clock train. We just assumed that she had come in on an earlier one. Now I’m asking you girls not to say anything to Dan. There’s no sense upsetting him yet. Just keep your eyes and ears open and your mouths closed please. With Regan gone, I feel responsible for you kids just like he would."

As Trixie and Honey were going into the dining room, they passed the study just as Beth picked up the phone. As she was dialing, Trixie pulled Honey over to the side of the hall. "Quick, Honey, go get Dan," she whispered. "If Beth is talking to Regan, he has to ask to talk to his uncle. Now hurry!"

As Dan casually passed the study door with Honey, Trixie heard Beth say in an obviously loud voice. "Why, yes, darlin', here’s your handsome nephew now. Dan, wouldn’t you like to talk to your uncle?" The girls followed Dan into the room. Dan was telling Regan about the horses and the storm when he suddenly stopped and said, "Sure, Trixie’s right here. Yeah, you can say hi to her."

As Trixie took the phone Dan shrugged his shoulders and backed away. A fleeting look of anger crossed Beth’s face, but she smiled at the kids. "Sure, Regan, I’ll tell the boys what you said about the horses. I’m sorry you won’t be home tomorrow because of the storm. We will and yes Beth’s getting along fine. Bye for now."

Later, when the group had finished their meal of homemade vegetable soup and fresh green salad, Trixie and Honey had a sudden attack of stretching and yawning. "Oh my," said Trixie, "the morning was so exciting that I suddenly feel exhausted. If no one minds, I think I’ll go up to Honey’s room and rest for awhile. How about you, Honey?"

"You’re so right, Trixie," yawned Honey, "that hot soup made me so sleepy for some reason."

"Oh, brother," hooted Mart, "since when does any kind of excitement make you two sleepy?"

"Ouch," he cried as Trixie kicked him under the table.

Brian and Jim both smiled knowingly as Miss Trask spoke up,"You know, it wouldn’t hurt any of you to get some rest. The wind is still howling dreadfully and it shows no sign of letting up. I’m sure school will definitely be called off for tomorrow, if not Tuesday and Wednesday also.That means you may all stay up later tonight and have a nice party in the living room. No one is going to leave this house for some days to come, I fear."

With shouts of "Hooray, no school" and "Right on, Miss Trask," the young people trooped upstairs. The girls went to Honey's room, Brian followed Jim to his and Dan and Mart went down the hallway to the room they shared when they slept over at Manor House. The girls waited about ten minutes and then silently tip-toed to Jim’s room and tapped on the door. Jim opened it and let the girls in. Dan and Mart had just come in through the door that connected their room with the huge bathroom they shared with Jim and Brian.

"Now, Trix," said Jim, as he seated himself on one of the twin beds in the attractive room, "what gives? Why the need for sudden relaxation? You’ve never taken a nap in your life. That is, not since you were Bobby’s age."

"I just had to get us all together alone for awhile to tell you about Regan’s call. What did you think Dan?"

Dan kind of shrugged and then replied. "Well, first of all, I think we need a paper and a pencil. We need to write some of this down. We don’t dare forget any of it, and we can’t leave anything out. So far we don’t know what is important and what isn’t. Maybe it will help to make a note of everything."

Getting a pen and notebook from his desk drawer, Jim handed it to Trixie, "Here, you be the official score keeper in this game. Now, please go on, Dan."

"As far as I can tell, Uncle Bill is trying to give us a message. The first thing that puzzled me was he asked me how Brian liked the new horse, ‘Ollie’? Write that down, Trix. Regan, of all people, knows the new pinto’s name is Champion. He’s the one that picked him out. Other than making reference to Liza about six times, that’s all he said to me before he asked to talk to Trixie."

"OK," said Jim, turning to Trixie, "now it’s your turn, what have you got for us?"

"Well," started Trixie, tapping the pencil on her forehead, "Regan also made plenty of references to me about Liza’s comfort. Then he said to tell Jim and Brian to be sure and put plenty of Hawthorne’s salve on Jupiter’s leg before you bandage it. I just wrote that down because unless I’m mistaken, Jupiter’s leg isn't cut is it?"

Looking at each other, both boys answered, "No."

"I don’t know what salve he’s talking about either, do you Brian?"

"It could be something new he got at the vet's in town last week. Remind me to check in the medicine cabinet in the stable office, that is, if we can get there in the next few days--listen to that wind and sleet hitting the windows. What else do we have, Trixie?"

"The only other thing he said to me," answered Trixie, "was to be sure and tell Honey that he was staying at a very nice hotel. He just kept saying that over and over and that she would really like the hotel he was in." She turned to her best firned. "Do you know what he meant?"

"No, I can’t understand it at all. Although I do know Regan prefers to stay in motels and not hotels when he travels. He always says most hotels are too fancy for his riding clothes and the cowboy boots he likes to wear. I do think it sounds like he is rambling a little. You don’t suppose he is sick, do you?" She turned to Jim with tears starting in her eyes.

Before the young people could speculate on the clues at hand any more, Miss Trask burst into the room. The Bob-Whites were very startled because, of all people, Miss Trask never lost her composure. "Come quickly, Dan, there’s an urgent long distance call for you!"

The young people hurried into the library where Dan picked up the phone. All the color drained out of his face as he dropped the receiver. "Uncle Bill’s been kidnapped," was his reply to all the anxious faces.

A quick intake of breaths was the reaction as Beth screamed and fainted into Jim’s arms in the doorway. "Quick," Brian shouted, "I need a cold cloth. Honey, hand me that afghan from the settee by the fire. She’s had a shock and we need to keep her warm."

"Oh, dear," cried Miss Trask, "we should call the police immediately. In this weather we can’t do much else, but it must be reported."

"No!" shouted Dan. "We can’t do that. The man on the phone said if we called the police, we’d never see Uncle Bill again. He said if we do, he will know."

With this, Honey burst into tears. Trixie rushed to her side and put her arms around her best friend. "It will be all right, Honey. You’ll see. This is no time for the Belden-Wheeler Detective Agency to fall apart."

Tom, who had come into see what all the commotion was about, glanced at Honey and smiled. "Trixie’s right, Honey. Those kidnappers don’t know what they are up against--right guys?"

"Right," chorused the BWG’s.

As Beth finally was revived under Brian’s skillful care, she cried, "Oh we must do what they say. We really must. Jim, Honey, I know Reggie’s not a real member of your family, but we really have to give them what they want. Don’t we?"

"Of course," interrupted Miss Trask. "Dan, what else did they say. As soon as I find out the details I’ll put a call right through to your father, Jim."

"They said they’d call again about eight o’clock tomorrow morning with instructions. Until then we are to continue on as we have been. No phone calls to anyone."

Feeling as though he should lift some of the responsibility from Miss Trask, Jim said, "Then, group, we’ll do exactly as they say. We’ll carry on as usual. Brian, you and I should help Beth to her room."

"Right, Jim," responded Brian all ready helping the unsteady girl to her feet. "Miss Trask, does Honey’s mom have any kind of a sedative? We can call Dr. Ferris and ask him if it’s okay to give Beth something." He patted Beth's arm as he continued, "You’ve had quite a shock, Beth. You really should take something to calm you down and rest awhile."

"No need to call Dr. Ferris, Brian. I trust your knowledge in matters like this," said Miss Trask, all ready on her way to Mrs. Wheeler’s room.

Trixie proudly followed Brian and the others up the stairs.

 

Chapter Eight: The Clues Come Together

The rest of that day passed in a blur of wind, whirling snow and worries for the Bob-Whites. Although Trixie slept fitfully, she was awake early. The sun was just coming up on what would have been a glorious day, had it not been for the worry of the Bob-Whites about Regan. Trixie slipped quietly from the bed next to Honey’s and pulled on her warm fluffy pink robe and slippers. She thought she was going to open the doorway to the hall without awakening Honey, but she was mistaken. "Oh, no you don’t," yawned Honey. "Wait for me, I’m coming, too."

Trixie giggled. "I should have know better than to try and sneak away from super sleuth Honey. Really though, I thought you were still asleep."

Honey, putting on her own warm robe and slippers, followed Trixie from the room. "We aren’t the only ones that want to be on hand when the phone rings," she stated, pointing to the four boys trying to tip-toe down the carpeted stairs.

Miss Trask was all ready waiting for them at the bottom. She smiled. "I kind of knew you’d all be up and around early this morning. Cook and Celia have put a breakfast buffet in the dining room. You young people go ahead and eat in your robes and pajamas. We’ll all be very informal today. And please don’t look so glum, in an hour we should know that Regan is still okay and everything will be all right."

"Miss Trask is right, you all," drawled a sleepy looking Beth, who had come up behind them. "We’ll know soon how much money the kidnappers are demanding for my Regan. Then you can call your Dad, Jim. You can do that, can’t you?"

With a look of anger, Jim retorted, "Of course. You know Regan is like a member of our family. There’s nothing my parents or any of us wouldn’t do for him."

Trixie whispered to Honey, "She sure seems worried about the money end of it doesn’t she?"

"Right Trix," answered Honey walking into the dining room. "Let’s keep Jim’s mind on something else--he’s really on the verge of losing his temper this morning."

"Jim," said Trixie, a little too loudly, "what’s it like outside this morning? The sun seems to be shining pretty bright?"

Brian, seeing what Trixie and Honey were up to, added, "Yeah, you're right. I, for one, haven’t even looked outside. I take it, Miss Trask, that school has been called off?"

Miss Trask, getting into the spirit of things, laughingly replied, "If you haven’t looked outside yet, you’re really in for a big surprise. Especially out the east side of the house."

The young people all ran to the windows that faced east and couldn’t believe their eyes.

"Why," exclaimed Honey, "I cant see anything."

Mart whistled and blinked. "Look at that, guys. The snow almost reaches to the top of the windows."

Trixie laughed. "It must really have been a shock to poor Mart’s brain, he didn’t use one word over two syllables long."

"I called the highway department this morning to check on the conditions," Miss Trask said, enjoying the amazed looks on the faces of the Bob-Whites. "Drifts have been measured as high as twelve feet in places. No school today or tomorrow. There is a snow emergency which, as you know, means only emergency vehicles are permitted on the roads. If the plows run at all it won’t be until very late this evening. Heavy equipment has been brought in by the National Guard for snow removal in town. That means we in the country will just have to wait our turn. The weather isn’t really cold, but until they start moving snow, things are virtually closed down for the day."

"Oh," exclaimed Beth, "that means the banks, airports, buses and trains are all closed. What will we do?"

The group was silent because Beth had just voiced what they were all thinking. Trixie couldn’t help wondering, though, why Beth had been worried about the airport along with the bank.

Dan spoke up. "I’m not going to worry about any of that now. We have just time enough to eat a bite before we get the phone call. Let’s get to it."

It had been pre-arranged that when the phone rang the group would all go into Mr. Wheeler’s study where his phone was connected to an intercom and speakers. That way they could all listen to the conversation. Even though they were expecting it, the group all jumped when the phone did ring. Dan picked up the receiver and managed to say a choked hello.

The deep muffled voice on the other end wasted no time in giving instructions. "If you want to see Regan again, you will give Miss Cooke one hundred thousand dollars in un-marked bills. We’ve already called the airport and they will be flying again in about twenty-four hours. Just so there will be no foul ups, the Belden girl and Honey Wheeler are to go with her."

At this Miss Trask sat down heavily in the desk chair and gasped, "Oh no, they can’t ask that."

The sinister voice continued, "The Wheelers' plane will be at the White Plains airport. One of our men will be on the plane with the pilot to fly with them to Miami. So, no funny business. Do you understand the instructions?"

Dan, who by this time was shaking as much from anger as nervousness, replied. "I understand, but I won't do anything until I speak to my uncle. How do we know he’s all right?"

Just then, Regan came on the line. Much to their relief, he sounded fine. "I’m okay, Dan. They’ve assured me no harm will come to the girls if you do as they say. Right now, I’m more worried about Jupe’s leg. Just be sure Jim puts the salve on at 2,9 and one. It’s really impor---"

"That’s enough! You have your instructions," rasped the deep voice again. "Now follow them exactly. We’ll call at eight am again and you’d better be ready to fly just as soon as the roads open."

With that the line went dead. Dan just stood there with the phone buzzing in his hand. "Well," Miss Trask said finally breaking the silence. "I’ll call your father immediately and have him arrange with Peter Belden to get the money first thing in the morning. Now Beth, you had better go lie down for awhile."

"Of course, you’re right," drawled a teary eyed Beth. "I think I will lie down if you all don’t mind, but please Miss Trask you must remember to tell Mr. Wheeler--no police." Almost as a threat she added, "His daughter is involved now."

Honey, being practically dragged by Trixie, ran up the stairs to her room. As they heard the door to Beth’s room click shut, they tiptoed into the hall and motioned to the boys to follow them to Jim’s room. Once inside Trixie asked Jim, "Quickly, where is the paper with Regan’s clues on it? I have to look at it for a minute."

Trixie, with Honey looking over her shoulder, added a few lines. "Jim, Brian, go quickly and bring Miss Trask here before she calls your Dad."

As Miss Trask was practically pulled into the room, Trixie gasped, "Oh Miss Trask, we have to get to Sleepyside somehow and soon. Don’t you see? With Regan’s last clue, I know where he is!"

 

Chapter Nine: An Early Christmas Surprise

Dan, knowing the seriousness of the situation, took Trixie’s arm. "If you know, then tell us and we’ll call Sergeant Molinson. We’d have to walk the two miles to town and even with snow shoes it would take us hours."

"Oh, don’t you see!" cried Trixie. "If I would happen to be wrong, we can’t take the chance of alerting the police. If I’m right, the kidnappers will never suspect a bunch of kids out playing in the snow."

She was about to continue when Miss Trask interrupted her. "Trixie, you know how I feel about you and Honey becoming involved in these adventures, however, I’m not so sure you're all that wrong this time. Tell us where you think Regan is."

"Honey," began Trixie, "you explain to Miss Trask our suspicions about Beth."

Honey began by telling the surprised group what Tom Delanoy had said about Beth being at the train station too early. She also explained how she and Trixie thought that by referring to Beth as Liza, Regan was trying to tell them she wasn’t really his fiancée. "Since Diana and I, " she continued, "are both fashion conscious, we picked up on a clue I think even Trixie missed. When Beth showed us her wedding dress she never removed it from the box Even looking at it the way we did, we could tell there’s no way someone Beth’s size could ever wear that dress."

"Way to go, partner," exclaimed Trixie. "I never would have picked up on that clue."

"Okay, Trix," said Jim, "now it’s your turn. What did Regan’s last clue tell you. What was it anyway?"

"Well, number one, he referred to the new horse as Ollie. Next was the salve, Hawthorne’s salve. Then," she continued, "he told Honey he was staying in a hotel, hoping she’d remember he doesn’t like hotels. Last, but not least, the most important clue of all. He said to tell you to put salve on Jupe’s leg at 2, 9 and 1. Therefore, Regan is at Olyfants Hotel at 291 Hawthorn street in Sleepyside."

"Three cheers for the Belden-Wheeler Detective Agency!" whooped Mart and Dan. "Let’s walk to town and---"

"Shhh," admonished Brian. "We have to keep this quiet."

"Right," agreed Jim. "We can’t let Beth know we suspect anything. If Trixie’s right, and I have a feeling she is, all it would take is one phone call and we may never see Regan or the real Beth again."

"Besides," added Brian, "if we have to snowshoe all the way into town, I’m not sure the girls should go with us."

"Now, wait a minute," protested Trixie and Honey together, but they were soon interrupted by Miss Trask. "Against my better judgment, there may be a way for you all to get to town. I don’t know why I’m doing this, but if you promise to all stay together and go directly to Sgt. Molinson, I imagine it will be okay. All I’ll say for now is you should bundle up in warm snow pants, boots, mittens, scarves and coats. Meet me in the stable. And please remember, do it quietly."

In record time the Bob Whites all stepped through the door of the Wheelers' stables. Tom Delanoy and Miss Trask were all ready there. "As a little extra precaution, I’ve recruited Tom to go with you."

"That’s fine with us--we’d take a whole army if we could, but the question still remains: How are we going to get there?" asked Mart.

"I can answer that right now," said Miss Trask with a grin as she unlocked the door to a seldom used storage room.

With a cry of delight, the BWG;s peered in the door. There before them was a beautifully restored antique sleigh. It was polished oak trimmed in gold. The red velvet seats would easily hold eight people.

"Oh, dear Miss Trask, it’s gorgeous," exclaimed Honey, "but where did it come from?"

"It’s perfectly perfect," added Trixie. "But whom, who, how--oh, you know what I mean!"

"Honey and Jim," said Miss Trask, "this is your father’s Christmas gift to the Bob-White’s. Under the circumstances, I believe he will forgive me for ruining his surprise. Not only is the new horse, Champion, excellent for riding, he’s also a marvelous buggy horse. Before he left, Regan, had also been training Strawberry. Tom will help you hitch them up and you must be on your way. Now I’d better go back inside with Celia, since Beth doesn’t know we didn’t have a sleigh, it should be easy to convince her that you just went for a ride to the Beldens'. Celia will help me keep her entertained for awhile. Go now, you really must hurry."

"Well, Jim, my boy, this is where you take over," said Tom. "You know me and horses. If it doesn’t have a clutch and a steering wheel, I don't drive it. However, I will help if you tell me what to do."

 

Chapter Ten: Bob-White Express to the Rescue

With a quick stop at the Lynches' mailbox to let Diana (Miss Trask phoned and told her to be ready and waiting) board the Bob-White Express, as the sleigh had all ready been christened, the group made short work of the two miles into Sleepyside. It seemed that Trixie just had enough time to fill Diana in on what had been happening before they pulled up in front of the Sleepyside police station. The little village seemed to be waking up from its several hours of dozing under mounds of snow. The streets were all opened, but they still had a thick smooth layer of snow.

"What’s going on?" shouted Sergeant Molinson as the group burst into his office. "Oh I should have known it couldn’t be anyone, but Sherlock Belden and Dr. Wheeler."

Tom held up his hand and said,"Now, wait a minute, Sergeant, and hear us out--we really have a problem and we need your help."

After the sergeant had listened to their story, he shook his head and looked somewhat admiringly at Trixie and Honey. "Well, Miss Belden, at least this time you used your head and came to me first instead of jumping into this with both feet."

Trixie grinned sheepishly at the sergeant. and was hoping that Mart wouldn’t blurt out the fact that she had had to promise Miss Trask she would come to him for help. Mart caught Trixie’s eye and gave her a sly wink. She knew she had been saved.

"Sergeant," asked Dan, "what do you want us to do now?"

"Well," answered Molinson, "I need your help. I really hate to ask you, but because of the snow I’m here more or less alone today. By the way, I know the plows haven't been out on Glen Road. How did you get here?"

Brian explained about the sleigh and despite the seriousness of the situation the sergeant slapped his leg and laughed. "I should have known that not even a blizzard could keep Trixie from finding a mystery." But in a more serious tone he continued. "We have to pray and go under the assumption that the kidnapper is alone. It would be foolish for two or three strangers to try and move around freely in a town the size of Sleepyside. We also have to assume that whoever he is, he has never seen any of you. Since this is such a small town I would imagine that whoever this man is, he was smart enough to look me up so he would recognize me if I ever came to the hotel. Now! Here’s my plan. We’ll walk to Hawthorne Street. Tom and I will go around back. You kids make a lot of noise in front of the hotel. I don't know, have a snow ball fight or something. Create enough of a disturbance so that people will be looking outside. Olyfant isn’t all together honest, but he’s basically a coward. Once Tom and I go in the back and confront him, I’m sure he’ll tell us anything we want to know. Well, are we ready, gang?"

With a chorus of "You bets!" the Bob-Whites followed Tom and Sergeant Molinson into the street.

As the Bob-Whites entered the seedier section of town, Trixie said, "This just has to work, for Regan’s sake." Honey took her arm and in agreement said, "I’m frightened, Trix, not for myself but for Regan and Beth."

Coming up behind the girls Jim said,"Chin up, Sis, we’ve got a job to do. Let’s do it."

At that the seven young people started shouting, throwing snowballs and laughing as loud as they could. With a glance at the hotel they could see several people come and look out the dirty windows at the scene in the street. They kept up their false banter until Tom motioned them from the door. The group then ran back into an alley and walked very quietly along the building and into the back door.

Molinson met them there and said,"Now, for phase two. You are all going to sing. On the second floor, room 110. Walk up the stairs singing carols as loud as you can."

As the seven BWG’s walked up the dingy stairway they sang "Deck the Halls" at the top of their voices. With Tom positioned on one side and Sgt. Molinson on the other, the carolers stopped in front of room 110. On a signal from the sergeant, Jim tapped on the door and the group started singing, "We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas". Before they could complete the song the door was jerked open and an angry man appeared. Just as he started to holler, "You kids beat it!" Tom and Sgt. Molinson grabbed him.

With the man wrestled to the floor, Trixie burst into the room ahead of the others, Honey close on her heels. A cry of relief came from both of them as they saw the disheveled form of their friend Regan tied to an old ladderback chair. Dan ran to him and untied and removed the gag that was stuffed in his mouth. The first words he managed to say were, "Beth...help her.". Brian turned around and peered into the dingy corner of the filthy room. There, tied to another chair, also gagged was the real Elizabeth Ellen Cooke.

As Dan was untying his relieved uncle, Brian and Jim did the same for Beth. Brian picked her up in his strong arms and put her on the bed. Trixie noticed that Beth was a very petite, dark-haired girl. With tears in her beautiful brown eyes, she murmured, "Thank You." Brian immediately started giving orders. He sent Trixie, Honey and Di to find something hot for them to drink. He asked Mart to call Dr. Ferris and he instructed Jim and Dan on how to rub circulation back into the hands and feet of the captives.

By the time Dr. Ferris arrived the two victims were once again moving around freely. The doctor commended Brian on the fine job he had done and announced that, except for the need to eat and rest, Regan and Beth were just fine.

Sgt. Monlinson and Tom came back into the room. "I contacted the highway patrol," Molinson stated. "Once we caught Junior Ritchie, he sang like a bird. The police at White Plains have been notified to arrest the man at the airport who is holding Mr. Wheeler’s pilot Bob. The plane has been there since before the blizzard. The snow plow is on the way to Glen Road followed by one of my deputies. Beth Cooke a.k.a. Mrs. Junior Ritchie will be picked up within the hour".

"Boy," said Regan finally, "I’ve never been so happy to see anyone in all my life, as I was to see Trixie come through that door. By the way, I’d like you all to meet the future Mrs. William Regan. Beth, these are the Bob-Whites."

Shyly, the girl smiled at them all. Giggling, she said, "I’d like you all to be in our wedding, but only on one condition."

"What’s that?" they all asked puzzled.

"Well," said Beth with a twinkle in her eyes, "you must all promise me that you won’t sing."

With that remark, the whole room burst into laughter.

 

Chapter Eleven: A Christmas to Remember

Trixie stared at herself in the full length mirror in Honey's room. Is that really me? she wondered. It’s impossible, but I actually think that for once I’m as pretty as Honey and Di. Of course it could be the dress.

Almost as if she could read her mind, Trixie’s mother smiled and said, "You are just beautifu,l dear." Glancing around at Di and Honey, she added, "You all are. You’re all just lovely."

Trixie couldn’t believe three weeks had passed and it was Christmas Eve. She and her two friends had been asked to be bridesmaids at Regan and Beth’s wedding. Beth’s sister Edith Lee had flown in with the rest of the family the day before to be her matron of honor. The candlelight ceremony was to be held in the beautifully decorated library at eight o’clock. Just one hour from now.

"You know, ladies," said Honey’s pretty mother with tears in her eyes. "Our little girls are growing up. They are becoming quite lovely young women."

"You are so right," said Mrs. Lynch, wiping a tear from her own eye. "I’m not at all sure I’m ready for this."

"Oh, Mummy," laughed Diana, "you know, that in spite of the dresses we’re all still tomboys at heart. You and Daddy wouldn’t have it any other way."

With one more admiring glance at the girls, the women all left to join their husbands in the hallway and to be seated in the library.

"Well," said Honey, "are we ready to go and see the bride? I still can’t believe this is happening to us-- it’s all too ---"

"Perfectly perfect!" chorused the other girls.

With a light tap on the door, the girls entered Mrs. Wheeler's pretty dressing room where Beth and her sister were getting ready.

With a pleased look from Miss Trask, who was taking the place as the mother of the bride, the three girls all stood in line. "Oh, turn and let me see. You all look wonderful." As the girls turned, Miss Trask, Beth and Edith all admired their dresses. They were all made to resemble the antique gown the bride was wearing. The three girls were all wearing red antique satin gowns. The high Victorian necks were covered with tiny red seed pearls. The floor length skirts were full and ended in a flounce of red lace. Each girl wore matching satin slippers and had old fashioned red velvet bonnets with satin ribbons tied at the side of each pretty neck. The bonnets were decorated with sprigs of holly, berries and baby's breath. The matron of honor's gown was exactly like that of the bridesmaids except for the color which was a gorgeous shade of Christmas green. In lieu of the traditional bouquet of flowers, each girl carried a glass lamp chimney with a single red or green candle. Each lamp was surrounded by holly and miniature white and red poinsettias.

Edith’s little girl Rebecca was the flower girl. She wore a long white gown with a red satin sash and bonnet to match. She was shyly waiting with her basket of rose petals to join Bobby, the proud ring bearer in the hall.

Although Trixie felt they all looked great, no one could hold a candle to the bride. It seemed that each time there was a wedding at Manor House, the bride got more beautiful. Glancing at her best friend, Trixie knew that some day Honey would be the most beautiful of all.

She also couldn't help hoping that her brother Brian would be the groom at that wedding. Honey, sensing Trixie’s thoughts, smiled and blushed at her friend.

There was a knock at the door and Miss Cooke said,"We're ready, ladies." As they filed into the hallway, Trixie could imagine the scene at the bottom of the long open stairway. Dan, his uncle’s best man, would be waiting handsomely in his black tie and tails. Regan, dressed in a white tux, would be waiting patiently for his beautiful bride.

As Jim, looking more handsome than ever in his black tuxedo, identical to the ones Dan, Mart and Brian were wearing, took Trixie’s arm, he put something in her hand and said, "Merry Christmas,Trixie. I was afraid you might have outgrown the ID bracelet I gave you in Iowa. I wanted you to have something else to remember me by."

Glancing shyly at what she had in her hand, Trixie said, "Thanks, Jim, but I really don’t need anything to make me remember you or this night."

Jim smiled proudly and took the tiny silver chain with its miniature silver heart and fastened it onto Trixie’s wrist.

The music started below and Trixie and Jim took their places in line behind Di and Mart and Honey and Brian.

Just as she started down the stairs, she couldn’t help wonder what the New Year would bring. The only thing that could possibly make Trixie as happy as she was right this moment would be another mystery. Smiling at Jim with blue eyes shining, she knew the New Year would hold more exciting adventures.

The End

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