It its gone! exclaimed Benny. Everyone turned to him. Whats gone? Jessie asked. The number one on Buttercups bell! Benny was staring at the painting with wide, unbelieving eyes. Oh! Violet came up behind her little brother. Bennys right. The number o...
The answer to the riddle is one, Benny called back as he rounded the corner, racing for Shadowbox. And Buttercup has the number one on her bell! You think the answer to the riddle has something to do with Buttercup? Violet asked, running right behind...
The next morning, the four Aldens joined Fran for breakfast on the back patio. Lottie had left early for work, so the umbrella table was set for five. With the sun shining and the birds chirping, they munched happily on blueberry muffins, cold cereal...
What are you thinking, Violet? Jessie asked. I have a hunch the next clue is right here in the house. But, Violet, Benny protested, the arrow was pointing to the tree house. Remember? Thats true, Benny, Violet said. But the name of the tree house is...
During dinner that night, Fran and the Aldens did most of the talking. Lottie was strangely quiet. When Im making my designs, I keep a bowl nearby filled with pressed flowers, Fran was telling them. And some ribbons, too, of course satin, velvet, and...
The Aldens found Fran sitting in her workroom, a basket of flowers in front of her. Newspapers had been spread over a long table, and there was a thick phone book nearby. When Jessie tugged the old photographs from her pocket, Frans face broke into a...
CLANG, CLANG. CLANG, CLANG, CLANG. Violet blinked and sat up in bed. It was the middle of the night. The house was dark and quiet. What had awakened her? Jessie? she whispered, rubbing her arms to warm them. Jessie didnt answer. She was sleeping soun...
Do you think its true? Benny asked his brother and sisters. He was standing at the window in the lace-and-lavender room that Violet and Jessie were sharing. The children had finished unpacking and were waiting for Violet to put more film in her camer...
Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny followed Fran into a cozy living room that looked out on Cedar Creek. Fresh flowers in colorful vases had been placed on every table. A sunny-yellow couch and buttercup-patterned chairs were grouped together invitingly...
Grandfather should be home soon, said six-year-old Benny. He pressed his nose against the living room window. Any minute now, well find out about the surprise! He sounded excited. Ten-year-old Violet came up behind her younger brother. I wonder what...
