Clementine Rose and the Pet Day Disaster 2 by Jacqueline Harvey

Aunt Violet shook her head. ‘Pharaoh’s far too precious to mix with the village riffraff.’
    ‘But we’re giving the money to Queen Georgiana’s animals.’
    At the mention of Queen Georgiana’s name, Violet’s ears pricked up. ‘Will she be there?’
    ‘Oh, yes. Miss Critchley said that she’s coming to judge the competition,’ Clementine replied. ‘That was part of the big surprise and the reason we have to have the pet day so soon.’
    ‘Fancy that,’ said Uncle Digby. ‘You’ve always wanted to meet her, haven’t you, Miss Appleby. Didn’t you invite her to a party once?’
    Aunt Violet eyeballed him. ‘Of course not, Pertwhistle, don’t be so ridiculous.’
    ‘I can’t wait to meet her,’ said Clementine. ‘I’m going to practise my curtseys. And I’m going to teach Lavender how to curtsey too.’
    ‘What a lot of nonsense,’ Aunt Violet snapped. ‘Now hurry up and pour that tea before it’s stone cold.’
    Lady Clarissa exchanged a puzzled look with Digby.
    ‘So,’ said Aunt Violet before either of them could speak. ‘You must tell me, Clarissa, are there any ghastly guests booked in to stay here over the weekend?’

The rest of the week whizzed past and Clementine continued to enjoy her days at school. Poppy and Sophie and Clemmie spent lunchtimes playing games on the field. Even Angus seemed to be better behaved, although he and Joshua did spend a lot of time helping Miss Critchley with jobs. One lunchtime, Angus tried to convince Clemmie that Queen Georgiana hated pigs, but she decided it was best not to believe him.
    Every night, Clemmie brought home a reader and would practise at the kitchen table with Uncle Digby or her mother. She had even convinced Aunt Violet to listen to her one evening.
    ‘Seriously, that must be the most boring tripe I’ve ever heard, Clementine. Can’t you bring home some proper stories?’ the old woman had complained before trotting off to the library. She’d returned with a dusty book called A Little Princess , by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
    Clementine had asked if she was going to read it to her.
    ‘Heavens, no.’ Aunt Violet had shaken her head. ‘But this is what you should be aiming to read. A proper story.’
    The book had sat on the kitchen sideboard for the rest of the week, just begging to be opened.
    On Saturday afternoon, Lady Clarissa and Digby Pertwhistle were busy attending to three guests who had booked in for the weekend at the very last minute. Clementine and Lavender were in the kitchen having a snack when Aunt Violet appeared.
    ‘Hello Aunt Violet,’ Clementine smiled at her.
    The old woman was dressed in a smart pair of navy pants and a white blouse.
    Clementine studied her outfit. ‘You look nice.’
    ‘Yes, well.’ Aunt Violet considered Clementine’s own choice of a pretty pink dress with white polka dots. ‘Your dress is . . . sweet.’
    ‘Thank you, Aunt Violet,’ said Clementine.
    Aunt Violet went to the sink, filled the kettle with water and popped it on the stove.
    ‘Grandpa’s glad that you’re here,’ said Clementine, looking up from her chocolate brownie.
    Aunt Violet spun around. ‘Clementine, that’s nonsense. Your grandfather has been dead for years and I’m sure that he couldn’t care less whether I’m here or not.’
    Clementine shook her head stubbornly. ‘That’s not true. I was talking to Granny and Grandpa this morning and they are both very happy that you’re home.’
    Aunt Violet seemed puzzled. ‘Do you really think so?’
    ‘Oh, yes.’ Clemmie’s head jiggled up and down.
    Aunt Violet finished making her tea, carried it over to the table and sat down.
    Clementine slipped off the chair and returned to the table clutching the book Aunt Violet had left on the sideboard.
    ‘Could you read to me?’ She stood in front of the old woman, looking up at her piercing ink-blue eyes.
    Aunt Violet shooed her away. ‘I’m busy, Clementine.’
    ‘No, you’re not. You’re having a cup of