*All ages
Author's Note: All quotes are from 'The Secret of the Mansion' by Julie Campbell.
It may seem strange that the Wheelers’ have a ‘storage unit,’ however millionaire friends of my father have required one at times, while building yet another house. Ah … to be rich!
For the purpose of this story, I am working under the assumption that Regan was hired by the Wheelers’, just prior to the move to Sleepyside.
Special thank you’s go out to Molly, for all her time, effort, advice, AND superb editing skills. Also to Kathryn and Dawn, for reading this story, and LIKING it. Your guys are wonderful. ?
Furthermore, thanks to those who answered my questions on the ‘debate board.’
And finally, thank you to Zap, because without her this web site would not exist.
General Disclaimer: I do not own these characters’. TRIXIE BELDEN is a registered trademark of Western Publishing Company, Inc. I am in no way making any kind of profit from this story, so please don’t sue little old me!
Poor Little Rich Girl!
By Lisa M.
The girl stood alone in a darkened room that had been stripped bare. She was unsure why, but the room made her uneasy.
She tried the door.
It was locked!
She tried the one, tiny window.
It was bolted!
She was unable to escape.
The girl surveyed her environment. Because of the dimness, she could barely see. Where am I? she wondered
Suddenly a bright red object appeared out of nowhere, bouncing along the ground toward her. It was a balloon! The girl stared at it, confused by its presence. At the same time she was sure the appearance of the balloon was significant in some way. Why can’t I remember?
Her confusion quickly turned to terror, as she realised that the balloon was slowly expanding. Growing bigger, and BIGGER!
Soon, all she could see was red.
It’s not going to stop! It’s going to suffocate me!
Stop, STOP! Go away!
But the balloon did not stop. It kept growing, pinning her to the floor, weighing her down. I can’t breathe, she thought. I’m going to die.
She began to scream. And woke herself with her cries.
She was dripping wet with cold perspiration. Someone was bending over her, wiping her face with a damp washcloth, speaking softly.
"It’s all right, Honey," said the voice soothingly. "It was only a dream."
Honey’s eyes began to focus on her surroundings. She recognised her bedroom, in the New York duplex, that her parents owned. She also recognised that the comforting voice belonged to her governess, Miss Trask. "What happened?" she asked weakly. "There was a red balloon! And I couldn’t breathe."
Miss Trask looked sympathetic. She knew that the ‘balloon’ dream was one of Honey’s worst nightmares.
Honey began to shake her head, trying to clear it of the nightmare. "It seemed so real," she confessed. "It was just like the last time. The balloon! It was suffocating me, and I couldn’t get up. Why do I keep having this dream?"
"Honey," Miss Trask said gently, placing the washcloth on the bedside table. "You are still recovering from mononucleosis*, which has left your body weak, making your nervousness more apparent. Once you start eating better, and given time and plenty of fresh air, your body will soon heal."
"Until the next time," Honey muttered, shifting her head on the pillow in an attempt to get comfortable. She still felt faint. Changing the subject, she inquired, "What time are my parents arriving tomorrow?"
Miss Trask smiled then. "Around four. Your father called tonight, after you had gone to bed. I was going to tell you in the morning, but under the circumstances… I suppose I could tell you now." She paused then, before continuing, "Your father mentioned some news that he’s sure you will like."
Honey smiled now too. "Really! I wonder what it could be. Do you know?"
"I have no idea, but your father seemed quite excited. Now, how about you try and get some sleep! After all, the sooner you sleep, the closer it will be to tomorrow, and finding out their news."
Honey allowed Miss Trask to adjust the covers, and fluff the pillow. However, when Miss Trask reached over to switch off the lamp, Honey protested.
"Oh, please leave the light on, Miss Trask," she begged. "I’m still feeling a little scared. You know how I hate the dark." Honey wished she wasn’t so afraid all the time.
"All right then. Good night Honey! See you in the morning."
"Night, Miss Trask."
Honey snuggled down under the covers, hugging her pillow. She wondered about her parents news. Maybe it’s a bike, she thought. That would be so great. Maybe Daddy changed Mother’s mind, and I’ll finally be allowed to learn to ride in the city. She yawned sleepily. I’ve always wanted a bike, for as long as I can remember. She started to drift off to sleep, thinking about her dream bike. It will be new, with a bell, and it will be all mine. I don’t care what colour it is, as long as it isn’t red. She shuddered. Yes, a nice, blue, or green, or maybe a yellow bike. She imagined riding through Central Park, with the wind streaming through her honey-gold hair. That was her last coherent thought before sleep claimed her.
Out of all the people thirteen year-old Honey Wheeler had ever known, Miss Trask was the most wonderful. From that first moment when Miss Trask had been her math instructor, Honey had known that she was someone super special. Before Miss Trask, there had been the horrid Miss Lefferts. Miss Lefferts! Honey shivered. Even thinking her name still gave her the creeps. It wasn’t so much the fact that Miss Lefferts face had always worn the same sour expression. Or even the fact that she had always prepared dull and dreary activities for Honey to do. No! The reason that Honey Wheeler had disliked Miss Lefferts the most was because she had the most alarming habit of sneaking up behind her, without making a sound. Since Honey was a nervous child anyway, Miss Lefferts behaviour had frightened her to bits. Unfortunately for Honey, her mother had respected, and trusted, Miss Lefferts.
Of course, Honey had never let her parents know of her true feelings towards her former governess. She had been unsure whether they would take her side against Miss Lefferts. It wasn’t until the day she had broken down and cried, and her parents had listened, that Miss Lefferts had finally left for good. Truthfully she had reminded Honey of the evil headmistress in Roald Dahl’s Matilda; a book Honey had read secretly, one summer vacation. Miss Lefferts had not approved, of what she insisted to be trashy, fairy tale nonsense. Miss Trask allowed Honey to make her own choices regarding what she wanted to read. I am lucky to have Miss Trask. Without her here, I would have nobody to keep me company.
"Honey!" Miss Trask called from the living room, interrupting her thoughts. "The doorman just called up. Your parents are on their way."
Great! Now I’ll get to find out what the big secret is.
Honey walked down the hall towards the living room, where Miss Trask was waiting for her. Just as she got there, the door opened, and a handsome man with red hair came through the door. Directly behind him followed a very beautiful woman with honey-coloured hair, not unlike her daughter’s. The porter came last, carrying the luggage.
"How’s my little girl?" Her father asked, as he tipped the porter.
"Hi Daddy," Honey replied, avoiding the question.
"Hello, darling." Madeleine Wheeler smiled. "We have missed you so." She held out her arms awkwardly.
Honey approached her mother slowly and hugged her briefly. "Hello Mother," she said, "How was your trip?"
"Magnificent!" Madeleine continued to smile. "Oh Honey!" she said. "We have such wonderful news for you, my darling."
"What is it?" Honey asked curiously.
"Matthew, why don’t you tell her?" Madeleine Wheeler said, turning to her husband.
Matthew smiled at his wife. Turning his attention to Honey he said, "Your mother and I have talked it over, and we decided that it would be best for your recovery if we moved to the country."
Honey was confused. Stunned, she repeated, "The country!"
Her father nodded. "Yes, Honey," he said. " I’ve bought the perfect piece of property on the outskirts of a village; Sleepyside-on-the-Hudson. Sleepyside itself is situated on the east bank of the Hudson River. The estate itself is called the Manor House."
Honey couldn’t believe it. She stared first at her father, then at her mother, until finally her gaze rested on Miss Trask, who looked nearly as surprised as Honey herself. How is this going to help me? Honey was determined not to display her feelings in front of her parents since she honestly believed they would not understand. She sat down wearily. Her parents were looking at her expectantly. They want me to say something. What can I possibly say?
"There is a lake on the property, as well as a boathouse," continued her father, when Honey didn’t answer. "And most exciting of all, stables! Finally we will be able to keep our horses on our own property, rather than in the Central Park Stables. Honey, that means you will be able to ride whenever you want to instead of having to take a cab first."
Honey perked up a little at the mention of horses. "Oh Daddy, thank you. I love to ride."
"Before your mother and I left on our trip, I hired a suitable young man to take charge of the horses at Manor House. His name is Bill Regan, and he is an expert regarding anything horse related."
"Regan, is not unlike you, Matthew, both in looks and temperament," her mother remarked. "He has the same red hair, green eyes, and quick temper."
"You will have the chance to find that out for yourself, Honey!" Matthew laughed at his wife’s comparison. "I have arranged for us to meet Regan tomorrow at the Park Stables. Then I thought you and I could go riding!"
"That would be great, Daddy." Honey agreed. She sighed. She was looking forward to the ride with her father, but she was very uncertain about the move. It was all happening so quickly.
Surprisingly her mother seemed to notice her daughter’s unhappiness. Madeleine sat down with Honey on the sofa. Leaning over, she placed one of her elegant, immaculately manicured hands on top of Honey’s smaller one.
"I know a move to the country does seem rather odd," she said, gently patting her daughter’s hand. "I felt the same way at first. However Manor House is a huge estate, with every modern convenience. One can enjoy the benefits and beauty of the country, without actually being bothered by it. Your father and I feel that the country air and surroundings would be more beneficial to your health, than the city. Manhattan is no place for a young girl to grow up." Madeleine’s hazel eyes gazed pleadingly into Honey’s.
I suppose it really doesn’t matter where I live, city or country. It’s only a place I go between school and camp. Aloud she said, "The country does sound promising."
Her mother was all smiles again, relieved. "You will adore the house when you see it. Naturally I intend to make numerous changes, but for the time being the Manor is sufficient for living."
All Honey could do was nod helplessly. She decided to ask a new question. "When do we move?" This time she addressed her father, who was quietly observing the conversation.
"We plan to move in a week’s time," Matthew replied.
Honey was momentarily stunned. When she recovered she squeaked, "A week? Why so soon?"
"We-ll," her father drawled. "Everything is basically ready. The only thing left to arrange is the packing up of this apartment, which can easily be accomplished in a day or so by the movers. Most of our furniture is in storage anyway. Transportation for that has already been arranged. So basically we just have to move ourselves." He laughed at his own attempt at a joke.
Honey wondered just how much more she could take. Not only do I have to get used to the fact that we are leaving this apartment, I also have to accept that we are leaving in a week! A week!
Her father turned to Miss Trask. "I realise that this is extremely short notice, and I apologise for the inconvenience. Moving to the country was an unexpected decision. I would have informed you last evening on the phone, but Mrs Wheeler and I felt we should tell Honey first." Miss Trask nodded her understanding. Matthew continued, " I realise that you have an invalid sister, for whom you are responsible. If you feel that you could not relocate to Sleepyside with us, Mrs Wheeler and I will respect your decision. However, if not, it would be our privilege to offer you the position of ‘Manager’ of Manor House, with an increased salary of course. Now that Honey is older she has less need of a governess. But she would still be your responsibility when Madeleine and I travel."
Honey leapt off the couch then and ran into Miss Trask's arms. "Oh please say yes, Miss Trask," she cried. "I couldn’t bear it if you left."
Miss Trask smiled at Honey and stroked her hair. Then she turned back to Honey’s parents. "Thank you for your offer. There was never any question on my part that I would remain in your employ. I can tend to my sister’s needs almost as easily from Sleepyside."
Whew! Honey let out the breath that she had been holding.
"Excellent! Then it’s settled." Matthew looked pleased. "I have every confidence that if anyone can have this place packed and ready in a few day’s time, you can, Miss Trask."
The next day, as promised, Honey’s father took her to the Central Park Stables to meet Bill Regan. As they approached, Honey saw a young, pleasant-faced man with bright red hair, saddling her fathers’ horse, Jupiter. The Wheelers also owned two other horses, Lady, her mother’s dapple-grey mare, and Strawberry; a magnificent roan gelding Honey usually rode. Secretly, Honey preferred Lady.
The newly hired groom waved, and walked over to join them. "Mr. Wheeler! Great to see you again sir." He shook Matthew Wheelers’ hand.
"It is my pleasure to introduce my daughter, Honey. Honey, this is Bill Regan."
Honey smiled shyly and held out her hand. "How do you do, Mr. Regan," she said politely.
"Nice to meet you too, Miss Honey." Regan smiled back. "Please call me Regan. Everybody does. Jupiter and Strawberry are all saddled and ready to go, Mr Wheeler."
While her father mounted Jupiter, Honey walked over to the stall that housed Strawberry. "How are you, boy?" she asked, patting the strawberry roan’s neck affectionately. "Have you missed me? I’ve missed you."
Regan opened the stall for her. He gathered the reins and led Strawberry out into the dusty stable yard. "Do you need any help mounting, Miss Honey?"
"No thank you Regan. I can manage," she answered. "And please call me just plain Honey, rather than Miss Honey."
"Whatever you say, Just Plain Honey." Regan grinned up at her.
"Honey is an exceptional rider," her father informed Regan proudly, as he rode up on Jupiter.
"I learned at boarding school!" Honey was embarrassed, but pleased by her father’s
praise. Avoiding his eyes, she adjusted her stirrups from the saddle.
Waving goodbye to Regan, Honey and her father began to walk their horses along one of the many paths through Central Park. Honey and her father both rode in silence, each enjoying the tranquillity of the Park.
Finally her father broke the comfortable quiet. "Just think," he said. "In a few days our horses will be settled in their very own stables. Did I mention there’s an enormous game preserve, which surrounds our property? It will be the perfect place to ride."
Honey sighed. "Yes Daddy, you mentioned it last evening at dinner, remember?" I wonder what kind of horrid animals lurk in a game preserve! Snakes! Skunks! Catamounts! It’s not fair! Why am I always so nervous all the time? I hate it. She was so deep in thought that she failed to notice that her father was speaking to her.
"Huh! Daddy, what did you say?" she asked.
"I asked you what you thought of Regan,"
"He seems very nice." Honey answered truthfully.
"I know our reasons for moving are difficult for you, Honey, but your mother and I both believe that this move is the right thing for you."
"It’s just all happening so fast, that’s all," Honey admitted.
"I know, but in recent years New York has become a very unsafe city. Every time your mother and I go on a trip, we worry that you may be kidnapped while we’re gone. At least in a small town, we know you’ll be safe." He laughed then and added, "Sleepyside is a rather uneventful town. I’m sure nothing dangerous ever happens there!"
Honey agreed. Nothing ever happens to me wherever I am, she thought gloomily.
Almost before Honey could say ‘boo,’ it was Moving Day! Daddy was right. We do only need to move ourselves. Everything else is being done for us. Miss Trask, even on such short notice, had managed to hire packers to box everything ready for the move. The moving vans, responsible for transporting the furniture from storage, were not due to arrive in Sleepyside until the next morning. A smaller moving van was arriving at the apartment any moment, to transport the apartment furniture. Miss Trask would then follow the van in the Ford, to make sure they stuck to the direct route, as well as to supervise the unloading and unpacking at the other end. Regan had driven the station wagon up earlier, to prepare the stables for the horses’ arrival later in the day. That left the sedan, for Honey’s father. Honey and her mother would ride along with him.
Honey looked around the almost empty apartment. She thought she should at least feel something. After all she had lived in this apartment her entire life. But she felt nothing. I was hardly here. In between boarding school and camp, I was hardly here. And when I was here I hated it. Who’s to say the new place, this Manor House will be any different. What good is any place! What good is any place if I can never have any fun! Never make any friends! Never be allowed to do anything!
"Honey!" her mother called from the next room. "Do you have everything you need for the journey? The moving van will be arriving any moment now."
Honey almost laughed out loud. The drive to Sleepyside was no more than 30 miles at the most. Her mother made it sound like they would be travelling for days. "Yes, Mother," she called back. "I’m all ready."
Madeleine came in to the living room and glanced around. "I am really going to miss this apartment," she confessed.
Honey simply nodded, unsure how to reply.
"I’ve hosted so many parties here," Madeleine said wistfully. "All my friends live in New York. I don’t know what I will do with my time in Sleepyside."
Honey was sympathetic. "Mother, I’m sure your New York friends will visit."
"Of course they will." Matthew informed his wife, upon entering the living room. "We’re moving to Sleepyside, not Alaska! Manor House will make the perfect show place for entertaining. I am sure our friends will appreciate a break from the hustle and bustle of New York."
Madeleine brightened at the thought. "You’re right, Matthew. Of course they will visit. How could they not?"
Honey had wandered over to one of the windows that looked out on to the street ten stories below. She noticed a huge white truck pull up outside. "The moving van is here," she announced.
Her mother’s hazel eyes widened, "Oh dear! Oh dear!" she said, flying into a panic. "Miss Trask! Miss Trask!" she called frantically. "The movers are here."
Miss Trask appeared then, looking calm and collected as usual. "Don’t worry, Mrs. Wheeler. Everything is ready."
The intercom squawked. Honey’s father answered it. "Yes! Yes! Send them up." He hung up. "The movers are downstairs," he informed everyone unnecessarily.
"Fine!" Miss Trask said briskly. She turned to her employer. "I can handle everything from here, Mr. Wheeler. I am sure you are anxious to leave. Honey hasn’t even seen the new house yet."
"You’re right, Miss Trask. We should be going," Matthew said. "The movers will have an easier job with less people underfoot. Are you about ready to go, dear?"
"I think so," Madeleine replied doubtfully. She looked around the room. "I hope I have everything!"
"You can rest assured that I will be conducting a thorough search of the apartment before the moving van departs," Miss Trask said. "If anything is left I will be sure to discover it."
"Thank you Miss Trask," Madeleine said quietly.
"Honey, are you ready?" Matthew asked next.
Ready as I’ll ever be! "Yes Daddy," she said aloud.
"Let’s go."
Honey picked up her travel bag. I guess this is it then. Goodbye New York apartment. Hello to Manor House.
"We are just approaching Sleepyside now, Honey," her father informed her from the driver’s seat.
The country out here really is quite pretty. Honey was thinking.
The village of Sleepyside did not really consist of much. Honey counted a handful of stores, a diner named Wimpy’s, a department store called ‘Crimpers;’ an Elementary School, a Junior-Senior High School, a bank, a library, a police station, and a newspaper office that bore the name ‘Sleepyside Sun.’ In the centre of an old-fashioned town square was a town hall with a strange looking mascot perched on top of the cupola. Why, it’s a grasshopper weathervane! How unusual, but sweet.
"I had forgotten how small the village actually was," her mother commented from the front seat. "Hardly a store in sight."
"White Plains isn’t too far away, only 12 miles at the most. They have plenty of stores," Matthew told her, as he turned on to Glen Road.
"Luckily," Madeleine said. "I can’t imagine finding anything I need here."
"What do you think, Honey?" her father asked.
"It is small," Honey admitted. "But the town is lovely."
Her father began pointing out various landmarks, as they drove the two miles along Glen Road. "To our right is the Glen Road Inn," he said. "And here’s where the game preserve begins. In fact all of the land we are passing is part of the game preserve, which we now own."
"And there’s the Manor House," her mother finally said. "See, Honey?"
Honey looked up at the huge mansion, high on the hill. It looks so unfriendly. As they approached the Manor House driveway, Honey noticed a cute little white clapboard farmhouse, nestled in the hollow. That’s the kind of house I would like to live in. I wonder who lives there?
Her father turned the sedan in to the steep, curving driveway, and drove on up. On their way they passed the lake. "That’s the lake I was telling you about," Matthew said. Honey looked where her father was indicating. Usually she loved to swim. But, right now all she could think was; what kind of slimy creatures inhabit the bottom of that?
Her father pulled the car to a stop and climbed out. Then he walked around to the other side of the car, to open the door for Madeleine. Finally, when they were all standing on the driveway, he said, "Your mother and I have another surprise for you."
Oh no! Honey thought. What is it this time!
As if on cue, a fat black cocker spaniel puppy suddenly rushed around the corner of the house to meet them. Honey squealed happily as the puppy jumped up into her arms and began licking her face. "Oh Daddy, he’s darling," she laughed, as she hugged the puppy. "Is this the surprise?" she asked hopefully.
Her father nodded, pleased that she was happy. "It was your mother’s idea," he told his daughter. "She thought that a puppy would make the transition easier."
Honey turned to her mother, still holding the puppy. "Thank you, Mother," she said.
Madeleine smiled. "I’m glad you are pleased, darling. What are you going to name him?"
Honey thought for a moment. "I think that I will name him Bud," she decided. "I read that name in a book once, and I’ve liked it ever since."
"Bud! That is a lovely name," her mother agreed.
Regan came from the direction of the stables. "Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, Honey! Glad you made it."
"Regan! Have you met my new puppy?" Honey said. "Isn’t he simply darling. I’ve decided to name him Bud."
"Bud! Sounds like the perfect name to me, Honey." Regan grinned, and patted the tiny dog that was still nestled in Honey’s arms. Then he turned to the Wheelers, and said, "The stables are all ready for the arrival of the horses this evening. I still have some minor organising left to do."
No sooner had Regan left, when a pretty blond maid came out of the house and approached the trio. "Welcome to Manor House. I trust that you will find everything in order. The staff and I have the entire house prepared for the arrival of the moving vans."
"Thank you, Celia. I am sure everything will be lovely." Madeleine Wheeler said. "Honey, I would like you to meet the head maid, Celia."
"Nice to meet you." Honey nodded, and smiled.
"How do you do Miss Honey?" Celia smiled back politely. She turned back to Honey’s parents. "Cook is busy preparing the evening meal, Beef Wellington, followed by Baked Alaska. Cook would like to serve promptly at seven. Does that suit you?"
"That will be fine, " Matthew said, as the four of them entered the house.
Honey looked around. They were in a large entranceway, complete with marble floors. Off to the left was a huge carpeted curving staircase, with wooden banisters. Golly! Huge! Through a door to her right, Honey noticed what she presumed to be the formal living room. At the moment, there was no furniture.
"I’m sure Honey is anxious to see her room," Madeleine said. "Celia, would you mind?"
"Not at all, Mrs Wheeler. Come along, Miss Honey," Celia said, as she started towards the stairs. Honey followed Celia up the long carpeted stairway to the second floor, still carrying Bud. Walking down the hallway behind Celia, Honey glanced in several rooms on her way past. Gosh! There sure are a lot of empty rooms. How spooky! Finally, Celia stopped outside a door, "This is your room, Miss Honey."
Honey entered, and looked around. The absence of furniture made the room seem very unwelcome indeed. Bud jumped out of her arms, and began racing around. "It is lovely," she managed.
"The bathroom is through here," Celia was saying. "I just put some fresh towels, soap, and shampoo in there. I thought you would probably want to freshen up after the car journey. With it being so hot and all."
"Yes!" Honey agreed. "A shower does sound refreshing. Thank you, Celia."
Celia smiled. "You’re welcome, Miss Honey," she said. "I’ll leave you to it. But if there’s anything else you need, don’t hesitate to ask." Honey thanked Celia again. After she had left the room, Honey walked over to the bedroom window. Down in the garden, she could see a stern, grumpy looking man tending to the flowerbeds. That must be the gardener, she decided. He sure looks creepy. Honey Wheeler, stop it! She reprimanded herself. You think everybody is scary.
"Where has Daddy gone?" Honey asked her mother when she entered the formal dining room. She felt a lot better after her shower. Her mother was sitting in one of the dining chairs, flicking through the latest issue of Cosmopolitan. The dining table and the chairs were new, having been delivered from White Plains the day before.
"Your father had to go into the village for an appointment at the Sleepyside First National Bank," her mother informed her. "Are you settling in all right, Honey?"
"Yes, I am!" Honey answered. Then timidly she asked, "Mother, I was wondering if it would be all right if Bud slept on my bed, in my room."
"I’m not sure, Honey." Madeleine was rather shocked. "Dogs sleeping on the bed! That seems a little unhygienic. I really think Bud should sleep in the kitchen."
"Oh Mother, please," Honey pleaded. "It’s my first night in a strange house. And my bedroom is huge. I would feel so much better if Bud slept in my room." When her mother still looked uncertain, she decided to try a new tack. "If Miss Trask were here she would let me," she said anxiously.
Her mother reluctantly agreed. Matthew Wheeler, who had just returned from town, joined them in the dining room. "How are my favourite girls?" he asked.
"Did your appointment go well?" his wife inquired.
"Fine," Matthew said. "In fact, I met our closest neighbour while I was there, a Mr Peter Belden. He and his family live in the farmhouse down in the hollow – Crabapple Farm." He turned to Honey. "He has four children, one of them a daughter about your age. I told him I would be delighted if his daughter would come and visit us soon."
Madeleine Wheeler clapped her hands in excitement. "Oh, Honey, other children! Won’t that be nice?"
"Y-Yes," Honey said shyly. "I hope they will like me."
Her mother stared at her like it was the oddest thing she had ever heard. "Honey," she said. "How could they not?"
They were interrupted then by the sound of a large vehicle coming to a stop outside. Matthew went to the window, drew back the heavy curtain and peered out. "The moving van and Miss Trask have arrived," he announced.
"I just have to show Miss Trask Bud," Honey cried, running off in search of her new puppy.
"At least some of the furniture is here," Madeleine sighed. "The house is so empty. What time will the other vans be arriving tomorrow?"
"Early," her husband said. "I would say nine at the latest."
"Thank goodness!" Madeleine sighed. "It is so primitive living without furniture."
Even though Honey awoke early the next morning, her parents and Miss Trask were already seated when she arrived in the dining room. After exchanging ‘good mornings,’ Honey took her place at the breakfast table. Celia emerged from the kitchen then, carrying a steaming plate of Cook’s favourite bacon omelettes. The current ‘Cook’ had worked for the Wheelers’, in New York.
"Did you sleep well, Honey?" her father inquired.
"Yes Daddy I did," Honey admitted. I was so tired last night, that I fell straight to sleep, and didn’t have any nightmares the entire night. Maybe this country air is doing the trick.
"The horses arrived last evening," her father was saying. " I thought maybe you and I could go riding after breakfast. You know, explore the neighbourhood."
"That’s a wonderful idea, Daddy," Honey smiled. "I would love that."
He turned to his wife, who was watching them closely. "How about it? Feel like going riding with us?"
"Oh, no thank you, Matthew," his wife answered. "It is far too hot for me. Besides I really need to be here when the rest of the furniture arrives. It will take me the entire day to decide where I wish to put everything."
"Well, I guess it’s just you and I, Honey." He smiled at his daughter, who smiled back.
After breakfast Honey and her father rode the horses along one of the many paths that surrounded the house. They chose a bridle track that led from Manor House down the hill. After a while they came to another trail. "That must be the path leading to the woods," her father said. Honey nodded. As they rode further up, a crumbling, run-down old mansion came into view.
"Daddy," Honey said. "This doesn’t look like the correct path. I think it’s someone’s driveway."
"Maybe you’re right?" her father agreed. "But I don’t believe anyone lives there now. The place is practically falling apart. It looks like it hasn’t seen a paint job in ten years, at least. We had better turn back though. After all, the property still belongs to someone."
They turned their horses around and started walking them back down the driveway. What a horrible, creepy looking place. Why I bet anything it’s haunted, Honey thought. Suddenly she experienced the kind of creepy feeling you get when you know you are being watched. She glanced back quickly at the mansion, and received the fright of her life, when she saw a face peering back at her from one of the windows.
"Daddy," she said. "I don’t think that horrid mansion is empty, after all. I just saw a face at that window." She pointed to the window where she had seen the face, but it was no longer there.
"Where?" Her father peered at the window she had indicated. "I don’t see anything."
"It’s not there now," Honey wailed.
"Oh well," her father said. "That must mean the place is occupied after all. I wouldn’t have thought it. Now lets find the correct path and explore the woods."
As they rode back in the opposite direction, Honey stole one last glance over her shoulder to see if the face had reappeared. But it hadn’t. Maybe I’m right then, she thought. Maybe the house really is haunted!
Later that morning Honey and Bud decided to do some exploring. After her scare that morning, Honey had decided to stay close to the house. As she turned the bend in the driveway, an Irish setter rushed towards her and began racing around her in circles, barking furiously. Honey cringed in fright. Looking past the dog, she realised that it wasn’t alone. A dishevelled, curly-haired blond girl, around her own age, was climbing the hill towards her. A little boy of approximately five years, whom Honey presumed was her brother, followed close behind. They must be the neighbours Dad mentioned? she decided.
"Don’t pay any attention to him," the curly-haired girl cried. "He’s just showing off. He wouldn’t hurt a fly. I’m Trixie Belden. My kid brother and I live in the hollow in that little white frame house – Crabapple Farm, you know."
Honey just stared at them. They look so tanned and healthy, she thought. How lucky they are to have each other. I’ve always wanted a brother or a sister. And they live in that sweet little farmhouse I saw yesterday. She was unsure how to behave, but the girl named Trixie seemed friendly enough. Does one shake hands in the country? She wondered. She decided to take a chance.
"How do you do?" she said, holding out her hand. "My name is Honey; Honey Wheeler."
The End.
Final Notes: I have never owned a dog myself, but it always bothered me how Honey found it easy to give-up her dog to Sally Darnell, in ‘The Red Trailer Mystery.’ Even taking in to account Honey’s sweet generous nature, I still find this hard to swallow. That is why I introduced ‘Bud’ upon Honey’s arrival at the Manor House. Having owned ‘Bud’ for such a short time, might explain why she was able to part with him so easily.
*The illness that Honey had, ‘mononucleosis’, is also called infectious mononucleosis and glandular fever. Most common in persons aged 15-25, although younger children can contract it. Symptoms include increasing fatigue not satisfied by sleep, fever, chronic and recurrent sore throats, strange pains in all different parts of the body, and in some cases, behaviour usually associated with a hypochondriac type person. The duration of the illness depends on the individual. Some feel fine after a few weeks, for others it can take years before they feel 100%.