Read Online Alice-Miranda In New York 5 by Jacqueline Harvey - Free Book Online Page B

thief as he read Nanny Bedford’s most private thoughts. In the weeks and days leading up to that terrible time, she recounted fearsome rows between his father and brother with his motherstanding between them.
    They have been at it again tonight. Master Xavier and his father arguing over the boy’s future: the lad wanting to find his own way, his father insisting upon a path already trod. I fear it won’t end well.
    Hugh had known nothing of this. He’d spent his days in the nursery, unaware of the war going on downstairs.
    Somewhere in the distance a phone was ringing. Hugh looked up from the diary and saw that the sun had dipped behind a bank of fluffy white clouds. He finally realised the ringing phone was his. It was his wife.
    â€˜Hello darling,’ he answered. ‘Of course. No, I hadn’t forgotten – just delayed. I am sorry. Please apologise. I’ll be there in ten minutes.’ He closed the diary and returned it to its plastic bag. He’d forgotten all about their meeting with the business manager to go over the accounts for the renovations.
    Hugh stood up. Nanny Bedford’s secrets would have to wait for now.

Felix Underwood led his class up Madison Avenue, turning left into 81st Street before weaving across the pedestrian lights to the museum.
    â€˜Is this your first visit to the Met?’ Mr Underwood asked Alice-Miranda as they climbed the stairs to the entrance.
    â€˜Yes. I’ve read all about it and I can’t wait to see inside. The girls are so lucky to have their lessons here every week. My school is in the middle of a village, miles from the city, so if we go to a gallery or museum it takes a whole day,’ Alice-Mirandareplied.
    The pair stopped at the top of the stairs and waited for the rest of the group to catch up. Alice-Miranda looked around at the array of visitors scattered across the steps: backpackers, families, well-dressed business men and women and at least three other groups of school students. People were eating and talking on their telephones and some were just lying back enjoying the sun. Of course, there were lots of people taking photographs of the museum’s exterior with its Corinthian columns and enormous banners announcing the current travelling exhibition of Impressionist painters.
    â€˜Hurry up, girls, we haven’t got all day,’ Felix Underwood called out to three stragglers.
    The trio scooted up the steps and joined the rest of the group.
    â€˜Sorry, sir,’ they chorused.
    â€˜Okay, you know the drill. We need to head inside and get our badges and our stools and boards. Lucinda, can you show Alice-Miranda what to do?’ the teacher asked.
    â€˜Yes, Mr Underwood.’ Lucinda flashed a smile at her new friend.
    â€˜Today we are going upstairs to the west galleries to continue our study of European art. You have your sketchbooks and pencils and I want you to take your time selecting a work that really appeals to you. You need to give each painting a chance so I want you to take a good look around. Don’t just choose the first thing you see. And Harriet and Isabelle, don’t bother about finishing early. You’re not going to the Met Store, no matter how much you nag me.’ Two girls who were standing beside each other with their hands in the air quickly put them back down and exchanged dirty looks.
    â€˜We will be staying in the European area so please don’t go wandering off. You have a whole hour to sketch your version of whichever artwork you select. And another thing, girls, remember that the gallery has tutors positioned near the exhibits so if you need any assistance just ask, and of course I’ll be around to see how you’re all going as well. Are there any questions?’ Felix Underwood glanced at the group.
    â€˜Excuse me, Mr Underwood,’ Alice-Miranda said. ‘Do you want us to draw the artwork exactly as it is or how we see it?’
    â€˜Good question,