Read Online Alice-Miranda at Sea by Jacqueline Harvey - Free Book Online Page B

knocked sharply at the door and waited.
    Neville stood on the other side wondering what he should do.
    â€˜Hello,’ Alice-Miranda called. ‘Is anyone there?’
    Neville felt his chest tighten. She must have seen him.
    Alice-Miranda waited a moment and then rapped sharply again. ‘Hello. Are you there?’
    Neville opened the door.
    â€˜Oh, hello,’ Alice-Miranda smiled. ‘My name’s Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones and I’m very pleased to meet you.’ She thrust a dainty hand towards him.
    Neville’s eyes were downcast towards the floor.
    â€˜Are you all right?’ Alice-Miranda asked.
    Neville nodded but didn’t look up. He didn’t know what to do. He didn’t like girls. They made him nervous.
    â€˜Mmm,’ he mumbled.
    â€˜I’m looking for my friend Jacinta Headlington- Bear’s parents and I thought they were in the Victoria and Albert Suite but I think I must have made a mistake and perhaps they have two suites, the Victoria and the Albert but you’re here so I think First Officer Prendergast must have misread the passenger list. Oh! Do you play the trumpet?’ Alice-Miranda asked, glancing towards his case.
    Neville moved his head ever so slightly.
    â€˜Oh, that’s wonderful. Do you know that there’s an old-fashioned big band on board? Their leader is Mr Morrison and he’s the most amazing trumpet player ever. I saw all their instruments before when my friends and I were exploring the ship. I can’t wait to hear them play. Maybe they’ll let you practise with them, or perhaps if you’re really good, which you must be to have brought your instrument on board with you, you might even be able to play with them.’
    Neville had no idea what to say. So he said nothing.
    â€˜Do you have a name?’ Alice-Miranda asked.
    Neville gulped. His mouth felt like he’d swallowed a bucket of sand.
    â€˜Neville,’ he whispered.
    â€˜Well, it’s lovely to have met you, Neville. Would you like to come and meet my friends? We’re going swimming,’ Alice-Miranda enthused. ‘The pool’s heated.’
    He glanced at his case and then flicked his gaze back to her momentarily.
    â€˜Oh, are you off to do some practice? Well, that’s lovely. I do hope I might see you at dinner tonight. I’m sure my friends would love to meet you too.’
    Neville chewed at the quick at the base of his thumbnail, and gripped the handle of his battered case. He wished she would disappear.
    â€˜Well, I’ve got to get back upstairs. I hope I see you later.’ Alice-Miranda skipped down the passage.
    Neville rather hoped he never saw her again. He stepped backwards into the room, closed the door and took a deep breath. He was cross with himself. If only he hadn’t been so jolly tongue-tied he could have asked her where he could find something to eat. She seemed to know everything. There was another sharp knock at the door and a young man in a white uniform entered.
    â€˜Oh, good afternoon, sir.’ The man almost walked straight into him. ‘I see you’re awake. Would you like me to bring you anything? I looked in earlier and you were sound asleep.’
    Neville was frozen to the spot. He did not reply.
    â€˜Might I enquire where you are heading off to, sir?’ The man looked at Neville’s case. ‘I must say I’ve never seen anyone quite so devoted to their luggage.’
    Neville didn’t return his smile. ‘I-i-is . . . is this my room?’ he mumbled.
    â€˜I should think so, sir. You are Master Neville?’
    Neville nodded ever so slightly.
    â€˜Would you like some help to unpack, sir?’ the young man went to take the case from Neville’s hand.
    â€˜No.’ Neville spun around. ‘I-i-it’s okay. I-I-’ve got it.’
    â€˜Well then, at least allow me to bring you something to eat. Is there anything