Mystery of the Queen's Jewels Read Online Free

studded with sweet, chewy currants. “Mmm, these look delicious,” she said.
    â€œTry a bit of gooseberry jam with them,” suggested Andrew. “Mrs. Brown makes it herself.”
    Mr. Alden found a London Times newspaper on the table and began to read. Andrew asked the children what they were planning to do that day.
    â€œOur grandfather has a business meeting near Buckingham Palace, so he’s going to drop us off there,” Henry said.
    â€œYou’ll get to see the changing of the guard,” said Andrew. “It’s a jolly good show.”
    â€œWhat are you going to do today?” Benny asked him.
    â€œI’ll be in the West End,” he said.
    â€œThat’s where you were headed yesterday,” Jessie recalled. “What is it?”
    â€œThat’s the part of London where the theaters are,” Andrew explained. “I’m there every day, all day.”
    Suddenly Jessie remembered the dark glasses he’d been wearing the day before, as if he hadn’t wanted anyone to recognize him. “Are you a famous actor?” she asked.
    A strange look passed over Andrew’s face, as if he was trying to decide how to answer. “Yes, I am,” he said at last. “Of course, being from America, you may not have heard of me. I haven’t made it to Hollywood — yet.” He smiled broadly. “But I’m quite well-known here in England, on the London stage.”
    â€œWhat show are you in?” Henry asked.
    â€œWell, I’ve been in lots of things …” Andrew said. “Phantom of the Opera, Cats. All the greats.”
    â€œWhat are you in now?” asked Violet.
    â€œWhat am I performing at the moment?” Andrew said.
    â€œYes,” said Violet.
    â€œUm, well, it’s, um …” Andrew paused for a moment and sipped his tea. “It’s called … The Mystery Man. Yes, that’s it.”
    â€œAre you the star?” asked Benny.
    â€œYes, of course,” Andrew said.
    â€œWe’re planning to go to the theater Thursday night,” Jessie said. “Maybe we’ll go see your play.”
    Suddenly Andrew looked uncomfortable. He put down his teacup and stood up abruptly. “Oh, yes, well … it’s quite popular, so you may have trouble getting tickets.” He laughed nervously. “I’ll see you later.” He picked up his raincoat and walked out quickly.
    Just then Mrs. Brown came in. “Andrew, do you need more—” She stopped and looked around. “Has Andrew left already?” she asked the Aldens.
    â€œYes, just a moment ago,” Henry said.
    â€œThat’s odd.” She picked up his full teacup. “He never leaves without finishing his tea. Ah, well.” She cleared away Andrew’s dishes and went back into the kitchen.
    â€œI wonder why Andrew left so suddenly,” said Jessie. “He looked as if something was bothering him.”
    â€œIt almost seemed as if he didn’t want to answer any more of our questions,” Henry said.
    â€œI thought I heard him say he was an actor,” Grandfather said. “He was probably just in a hurry to get to the theater for a rehearsal.” Grandfather looked at his watch. “Speaking of which, we’d better hurry if I’m going to make it to my meeting in time.”
    The Aldens finished eating and went back up to their rooms to get ready to go. But the whole time, Jessie couldn’t help wondering what had been bothering Andrew.

CHAPTER 4
Follow That Cab!
    B ack upstairs, grandfather gave the children some British money. “You can’t use American money here,” he explained, handing them some colorful paper bills and some large heavy coins.
    â€œThese don’t look at all like dollars,” said Benny. “There’s a picture of a lady on it.”
    â€œThese are called British pounds,” Henry told his little brother. “That’s a