Searching For Treasure Read Online Free Page B

castle."
    Everyone looked at each other, thinking they knew what that meant.
    Finally Henry spoke. "So what's the story on Cedric?"
    "No story. He's just Cedric," Oscar said. "Tomorrow all of you can get started with your individual activities, but this evening I have arranged for a special treat."
    "Why can't we start looking for the treasure tonight?" Brett asked impatiently.
    "Because I said so,” Oscar replied with some asperity. "Tomorrow morning is soon enough to begin. Please, everyone follow me outside." He led them through a set of double French doors and to a lovely courtyard beyond. In contrast to the grounds surrounding the castle, this area had been neatly trimmed and landscaped. A small fountain sat in the center, the bubbling water sparkling brightly from the warm glow of hanging Japanese lanterns and a small scattering of patio torches. A table had been set up with snacks and an old-fashioned metal washtub was filled with ice and a variety of beers and soft drinks. In one corner, there were four musicians warming up their instruments.
    "Everyone, may I present Max and The Oceana Boys, a very fine local dance band that I've asked to come out here tonight for your entertainment." With a nod to Oscar and a muttered, "one, two, one, two, three ,” Max and his crew launched into an upbeat song.
    "Hot damn, I love to dance!" Rose grabbed a surprised Henry by his arm and pulled him towards the area that had been cleared away for dancing. "Come on, Henry, let's show these kids how it's done." He didn't have to be asked twice.
    "If you don't mind, Oscar, I think we'll pass ,” Austin said with a scowl at the festivities getting underway.
    "Not at all ,” Oscar replied, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically, tapping his foot to the music. "Feel free to walk around the grounds or browse through the library. Just remember, no actual treasure hunting until tomorrow."
    With a sour look at his host, which Oscar cheerfully ignored, Austin walked over to Brett. After a brief murmured exchange they both left the party. Nobody missed them.
    Mark was standing by the drink table and was smiling tolerantly at his grandfather who was cutting a rug out on the dance floor. Dana walked up to fish a soda from out of the tub. She stood with him in companionable silence watching the dancers, who besides Henry and Rose now included Jack and Grace. "Your grandpa is pretty light on his feet ,” she observed.
    "Yes, he does n’ t miss a chance to dance, not if he can help it. He's a member of one of those senior citizen ballroom dance clubs back home."
    "What about you?"
    "Oh, no." Mark grinned self-consciously. "Least not like that. I can do the kind of dancing they have at school, though."
    The Oceana Boys were now playing a soulful song, and Grace and Rose had both decided to sit that one out. Noah and Josie, who had not been very far from each other since dinner, took the opportunity to enjoy a slow dance.
    Dana took her drink and sat down next to Oscar. He indicated the young couple in front of them. "Should I be concerned?" Oscar asked Dana.
    "I don't think so. It's just two young people thrown together for the weekend. With no one else their own age around, it seems kind of natural to me. Josie is a sweet girl and while I may be biased, I think Noah is turning into a fine young man. I'm not worried and you shouldn't be either."
    "Perhaps you are biased, but I'm inclined to agree with you. He seems a fine boy, polite, respectful, responsible, and well adjusted. Your parents must be very proud."
    "They would be ,” she said softly, "if they were still alive."
    " I’ m very sorry. Was it recent?"
    "No. They were both killed in a car accident about nine years ago. Noah was ten. It has been just the two of us since then. I did the best I could to raise him."
    "For what it's worth, from where I'm sitting, you did a great job." Dana smiled genuinely to Oscar.
    "Thank you," she said. She remained silent for a moment before continuing.