Alice-Miranda at Sea Read Online Free Page A

– especially about what his father would say to him when he finally arrived home.
    And now here he was. Almost on his way. Neville decided to stay put for now. He hadn’t realised just how tired he was until he sat down. His eyelids felt like lead and he was struggling to stay awake. A minute later Neville’s head fell backwards and he was fast asleep.

A lice-Miranda, Millie and Jacinta were sharing a suite next door to Hugh and Cecelia. Three single beds had been installed so the girls could bunk in together.
    â€˜Why don’t you have a look around and get settled and we’ll see you back on deck in ten minutes,’ Cecelia instructed the group. ‘I hope you like the suite – it was always our favourite when Charlotte and I were young.’
    â€˜It’s gorgeous, Mummy,’ Alice-Miranda replied, looking around at the expansive sitting room with its antique bookcase, grandfather clock and enormous fireplace . ‘But I can’t imagine we’ll be spending much time in here. There’ll be far too many other things to do.’
    Although the room would have been right at home at Highton Hall, there were some touches that set it apart, most particularly the overstuffed cushions embroidered with Queen Georgina’s coat of arms. The bedroom was another thing altogether with its candy-pink duvets and cabinet full of china dolls.
    â€˜We’ll see you on the Promenade Deck, darling,’ Cecelia called, then retreated and left the girls to explore.
    â€˜When did your mother unpack our things?’ Millie quizzed.
    â€˜I don’t think she did,’ said Alice-Miranda. ‘Unless Mummy has the ability to be in two places at once.’
    â€˜Maybe Mrs Shillingsworth did it?’ suggested Jacinta.
    â€˜No, Mummy and Daddy have given everyone from home strict instructions that they’re not to lift a finger at all. The wedding is a holiday.’
    Not only had the children’s clothes been unpacked, the suitcases had been stowed and even Brummel Bear, Alice-Miranda’s well-loved teddy, had found a resting place against the pillow on the middle bed.
    A sharp knock on the suite door interrupted the girls’ conversation. Alice-Miranda walked from the bedroom to the hallway off the sitting room, where she was met by a stern-looking gentleman in a starched white uniform who had obviously let himself in.
    â€˜Hello,’ Alice-Miranda smiled. ‘My name is Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones.’ She offered her tiny hand.
    â€˜Good afternoon, miss,’ the man replied. ‘My name is Winterstone and I have been assigned to look after you for the voyage.’ His lips twitched as he spoke.
    â€˜Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Mr Winterstone,’ Alice-Miranda replied. ‘Was it you who unpacked all of our things?’
    â€˜Yes, miss. I trust everything is in order.’ Winterstone walked past her into the sitting room and over to the couch where he produced from his top pocket a small retractable ruler. He measured upwards and down, then repositioned the cushions, just so.
    â€˜Please, don’t fuss,’ Alice-Miranda instructed. ‘We’ll try not to make a mess.’
    â€˜Nothing will give me more pleasure than to spend my time straightening up after you,’ said Winterstone.
    â€˜Really? I can’t imagine that it’s a pleasure to straighten up after anyone. And rather unfair, too,’ Alice-Miranda frowned. ‘At school Mrs Howard is always running around after the girls but at least this term she’s taught everyone to make their own beds. By the end of each day the poor woman is exhausted.’
    Before Alice-Miranda could finish speaking, the bathroom door slammed shut and loud squeals emanated from within the bedroom.
    â€˜I want the bed nearest the window,’ came Jacinta’s voice.
    â€˜I saw it first,’ said Millie. There was a whump and a soft crash, then