Read Online Intrigue in the Village (Turnham Malpas 10) by Rebecca Shaw - Free Book Online

surprise? Shall we give Lady Templeton a clap for being so kind?’ Much to Muriel’s embarrassment, they clapped her and made her blush. Kate held up her hand. ‘Thank you, that was lovely. So the first class to begin is Miss Booth’s. Then Mrs Hardaker’s and after break my class. We shall all have to put our backs into it and if you’re not chosen to do the actual dancing, then you will be in the choir to do the singing before and afterwards. We need everyone to help. So each one of you will be either a singer or a dancer. To your classes, children, except for Miss Booth’s.’
    Kate gave Muriel an encouraging wave and before she knew it, Muriel was playing for the babies. Well, at least that was how she thought of them. The newest little girl,whom she later found was called Una, looked too frail to dance a single step, but there was something magical about her; she was light-footed, kept good time, and held her head high and with such grace, Muriel was convinced that if she’d begun playing
Swan Lake
, the child would have been the best and most elegant swan. Quite amazing, thought Muriel, for such a little girl.
    She commented on it to Kate when they were having coffee at breaktime in Kate’s office. ‘You should see her! She’s quite spectacular. A delight to watch. Such a pity her mother doesn’t take better care of her.’
    ‘I’m taking that in hand, Muriel. She takes the best care of her that she can, that’s all I can say for the moment. They’ve big financial problems, I’m afraid.’
    ‘There must have been a father at some time.’
    ‘There must, but . . .’
    There was a knock at the door. It was Robert Nightingale.
    ‘You wanted to see me, Mrs Fitch?’
    ‘Thank you, Robert.’
    Muriel decided to leave. If he was going to get a telling-off, she didn’t want to witness it, although he had been naughty. ‘If you’ll excuse me.’ She slipped out of the door and left the two of them alone.
    ‘Now, Robert, I saw what happened.’
    ‘Their clothes stink.’
    ‘That does not give you licence to be unkind. You have a mum and a dad at home, and your mother doesn’t have to work. Mind you, with seven children I doubt she could find the time. By comparison you are very lucky indeed. I’d like you to make an effort to be friendly with both Pauland Phil. They need someone popular on their side, and you are that very person. Are you not?’
    Robert shuffled his feet and blushed, not liking to agree with her that he was one of the most popular boys in the school. ‘But why should I?’
    ‘Three reasons. Because you’re a kind person really, because there is someone in need of your help and because I asked you to. How about it? Their problems are going to get resolved, believe me, in time, but they need help.’
    ‘All right, but only because you told me to.’
    ‘Robert Nightingale, you are a star. Thank you.’
    ‘May I go?’
    ‘Of course.’
    Robert turned back from the door to say, ‘They steal. Did you know?’
    Kate looked up, her face expressionless. ‘They do?’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘Such as?’
    ‘People’s sweets, money. That was why Karen hadn’t any dinner money yesterday, they’d stolen it.’
    ‘Why haven’t you told me before?’
    ‘Because they haven’t got much, and I’m not a snitch.’
    ‘You’re not, but sometimes the truth has to be told for everyone’s good. Thank you for telling me, Robert. I suppose they spend it in the Store?’
    ‘Yes. Before the bus goes. But sometimes they steal from him, in the shop, I mean. Mr Charter-Plackett knows, I think.’
    Kate nodded. ‘I’ll have a word. Don’t tell anyone else.’
    ‘We all know.’
    ‘I see. Leave me to deal with it. Thank you. Remember what I said.’
    But the stealing problem worsened. By half past three, ten pounds had been stolen from Margaret Booth’s handbag.
    ‘I know it was there, Kate. I remember thinking I’d have to get money for the weekend at the supermarket when I paid for my groceries