The Orion Ghost

CHAPTER 11

  The twins looked at the dirty lunch dishes still on the table under the parasol pine. They thought this was odd. In the main room they found Aunty Izzy and Uncle Bernard standing in front of the painting. They were deep in conversation and didn’t notice the twins until Blanca barked and they both looked around.

  “Oh, it’s you two. Back so soon?” asked their Aunt.

  They could see that the two adults were still drinking alcohol and Jack whispered to Claire,” I hope it’s not stolen whisky!” Claire giggled.

  “Do you want something to eat?” asked their Aunt. The twins said they didn’t and asked if they could take Blanca out to play in the garden.

  “Don’t stray too far,” said Uncle Bernard, “I must take Blanca home soon, and give her something to eat.”

  As the twins and Blanca went into the garden they bumped into Jennifer. “What have you two done this afternoon?” asked Jenny.

  “We went to the beach with Blanca, “said the twins in unison.

  “Did you do anything exciting down there?” asked Jenny.

  “No,” they both replied, a little too quickly. “What did you do?” Jenny looked at Jack and Claire as if she was a bit suspicious of their very quick answer to her last question.

  “We just went for a walk,” said Jenny. The twins ran off into the trees and Jennifer went into the house where Aunty Izzy and Uncle Bernard were still in conversation in front of the painting.

  Jenny overheard what they were saying before they noticed her. “The windmill is part of this estate. There was once a Château on this site and it, the windmill and the lighthouse, were all owned by the same family. I think they were very wealthy and lost all their money during the revolution,” explained Uncle Bernard.

  “Perhaps they lost their heads too.” replied Aunty Izzy.

  “Very likely, many aristocrats did when madame la guillotine was in action. I have a book about the history of this area that is in English if you would like to borrow it. There is a chapter about the Château and speculations on the mystery of how the family lost their money. I think you would find it very interesting.”

  “I would like that very much,” replied Aunty Izzy. “And perhaps it would help me to finish the painting. I just cannot seem to finish the moulin. The lighthouse and the Château and the sea have been relatively easy, but the moulin seems not to want me to paint it. It is as if it has a secret that it’s hiding and if I paint it, it will be exposed.”

  “Don’t forget, if you want to include the stars in your painting, tonight would be a good time to stargaze. The sky should be very clear and there is a full moon tonight. Perfect to make out all the constellations and with no light pollution here you will be in for a treat. And now I must go back to the lighthouse. Thank you for a perfect day and a good lunch and remember you are coming to my house next Thursday when it is my birthday.” As Aunty Izzy and Uncle Bernard turned they were surprised to see Jenny was standing behind them.

  “Had a good day Jen? Did you find the windmill?” asked Aunty Izzy. Jenny decided to lie. “No. We walked through the forest but it was so hot we decided to look for it on a cooler day.”

  Jennifer suddenly had a brainwave. If she could get Aliénor and Thierry to stay the night it would be much easier to sneak out and they could also look at the map and poem before they set off for the moulin.

  “Aunty Izzy, could Aliénor and Thierry come for supper tonight and maybe sleep over? It would be lots of fun.”

  Aunty Izzy looked at Uncle Bernard who said, “Well I don’t see why not. I’m sure they would love to and they can bring the book over for you, Isabelle.”

  “That’s settled then,” said her Aunt. Jennifer could hardly believe her luck as she waved goodbye to Uncle Bernard. Aunty Izzy called to Bernard, “They can bring Blanca if they want to. The twins will look after her. She can sleep in their rooms.” And at that exact moment the twins and Blanca came hurtling into view.

  “Come on Blanca, food time now, but you can come back to spend the night with Jack and Claire,” said Uncle Bernard.

  “Cool!” said Claire and Jack in unison.