Helen Brooks faced Edward Marlow.
“Hello, Helen,” Edward greeted her coolly.
“I hear your zoo has been having lots of problems,” Helen said. “You can’t keep the animals quiet if something is bothering them!”
“Yes,” Edward admitted. “But we’ve found the one responsible for the zoo’s troubles.”
“I knew something was going on,” she said smugly. “What I want to know is are these troubles really over?” She shook a red fingernail under Edward’s nose.
“The troubles are over,” Edward said calmly. Then he glared at her. “Except for you, Helen.”
Helen drew herself up and straightened her purple hat. “You don’t need to worry about me any longer.”
“What do you mean?” Henry asked. “Aren’t you trying to close Edward’s zoo?”
“Not anymore,” Helen said, lifting her chin and pressing her lips into a thin line.
Edward’s eyes opened wide. “You mean you’re not bringing this before the town council?”
“Actually, no,” Helen said, gazing down at her oversized purse. “You see, I had a talk with my fellow council members, and they informed me that they’d never vote to close the zoo. They said it gave too much pleasure to the people of Rosedale.” She met Edward’s eyes. “I know when I’m defeated.”
Edward grabbed Helen’s hand and shook it up and down. “Thank you! Thank you!”
“And you know I’ve often sat in my car in front of the zoo to see if I could find something wrong.” Helen managed a smile. “The only thing I saw were a lot of happy faces.”
“That’s great news, Miss Brooks,” Violet said shyly. “The zoo is really a wonderful place.”
Helen glanced at Violet. “Yes, it is, dear,” she murmured.
“I’m glad you don’t want to close the zoo,” Benny said, grinning at her.
“You know something,” Helen said. “I’m glad, too.”
They told Helen good-bye, and Grandfather said, “We’ve got to say good-bye, too.”
“Yes, Watch and Mrs. McGregor will wonder what happened to us,” Jessie said.
“I’m so glad you don’t have to worry about the zoo being closed,” Violet said, a smile lighting her pretty face.
“So am I!” Edward said emphatically.
“Surely you’ll be able to stay one more day,” Edward said.
“Yes, there are a few odds and ends I need to clean up in the yard,” Grandfather said. “Besides, I know my grandchildren would enjoy one more day at the zoo—a day without problems.”
“Yes, oh, yes,” Jessie said, bending down to scratch Scamper behind the ears.
“You bet we would,” Henry echoed.
Their last morning, over a breakfast of pancakes and sausages, Jessie asked Edward, “Do you think we could have a party tonight and invite Pat and David?”
“We want to make dinner for you one last time,” Violet said, smiling.
“That’s a splendid idea!” Edward said. “I’ll ask Pat and David today.”
“Should we ask anyone else?” Henry asked.
“Who would it be?” Benny wanted to know.
“Are you thinking of Helen Brooks?” Jessie said, her eyes twinkling.
Edward thought about it, then said, “Why not? Yesterday she made me very happy. And even though she doesn’t know it, she made the animals happy, also!” He rose. “I’ll see you children at the zoo.” And he went out the door.
The Aldens bought groceries and cooked all morning.
In the afternoon the children walked to the zoo for the last time. They visited each of the animals. Benny spent the longest time at the Monkey House. He laughed at Amos’s funny tricks, but when it was time to go, his smile vanished. Waving at Amos, he stepped away. “I’ll be back,” he promised.
That night, when everyone plus Pat, Helen Brooks, and David were seated at the candlelit table, the children served dinner.
David’s eyes grew big when he saw the dishes of delicious roast turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, and buttered peas set on a white tablecloth. Later, apple pie and ice cream was served for dessert.
Cleaning his plate, Edward leaned back with a contented look on his face. When Helen Brooks smiled, Benny thought she looked almost pretty. “You should smile more often,” he blurted out.
Helen’s mouth opened in astonishment, then she winked. “I know I should. When you were kind enough to invite me to dinner, I promised myself I’d be more pleasant.” Her blue dress brought out the blue of her eyes, and, as she carefully folded her napkin, she murmured, “I’m ashamed of the way I acted.” She glanced around the table. “I’m surprised you’re speaking to me.”
Everyone was pleased that the evening was such a happy occasion, and after the guests had left, the children, Edward, and Grandfather went into the living room. Edward settled into his easy chair next to his bookcase and cabinet. The children were proud of the cozy corner they had made for him.
Henry poured Grandfather and Edward another cup of coffee, then sat on the floor next to Jessie and Violet. Benny perched on the arm of Grandfather’s chair. They discussed the zoo and all the things that had happened to the animals. They talked about Mac Thatcher and poor kidnapped Amos, and Helen Brooks, and the fun they’d had.
Jessie, sitting cross-legged, glanced up at Edward. “We had a wonderful time!” “So did I,” Edward said, reaching down and stroking Scamper, who lay at his feet. “I’ll miss you when you leave, but I hope you’ll come back.”
“Oh, we will.” Grandfather laughed. “I need to check on the roses and new shrubs.”
Benny yawned. “I’m sleepy,” he admitted.
“Yes, it’s time to go to bed,” Violet said, standing and stretching.
Grandfather said, “We’re leaving early, children, so get a good night’s sleep.”
It had been a wonderful vacation, full of fun and mystery, but now it was over and time to go home. They could hardly wait to tell Mrs. McGregor all about it. |