Dr Bakewell and the Gingerbread Man

By L. T. Talbot

As another school year fast approaches, for the first time ever Vaughan, Verity and Caroline have mixed feelings; joy at being back with their friends in their beloved school but also dread at the thought of the notoriously difficult Year 10 exams that await them this year.

World renowned confectioner and well-respected Headmaster, Dr Bakewell, is rathe looking forward to the new school year - even more so after he receives an unexpected letter from a mysterious stranger. Calling himself 'The Gingerbread Man', he claims to be a fan of the Headmaster's work and is very interested in Honeycomb Hall. Dr Bakewell is flattered but his trusted confidant Professor Drumgoole is sceptical - who is this Gingerbread Man and why is he so interested in Dr Bakewell and his school?

Finally, after years of turmoil all appears to be going well for Dr Bakewell; that is, until one fateful night, when an unexpected and dramatic event turns his life and the lives of everyone at Honeycomb Hall upside down.

With new characters and old familiar faces, the fourth and final book in the series, Dr Bakewell and The Gingerbread Man, will take you on a rollercoaster journey full of intrigue, suspense, celebration and heart-stopping action. You have been warned...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781716112607

Book preview

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PART ONE

Chapter 1 - The Rose Garden

Table Four – order up! The restaurant kitchen was a hive of activity; chefs in white tunics stood in front of wooden worktops, rapidly chopping ingredients and stirring sauces while waiters hurried in and out of the hot, bustling room, expertly balancing plates along their arms as they deftly manoeuvred their way through the gauntlet of chefs, ovens and catering trolleys full of dirty crockery.

Service, Table Four! the busy head chef announced again as he quickly placed a dinner plate heaped with barbecue chicken, corn on the cob and salad on a narrow wooden serving shelf, along with a second plate full of colourful seafood linguine. The serving shelf hovered above a huge stove, upon which five saucepans were steaming and bubbling away, the steam keeping the plates above warm. Within seconds a young lady appeared, took the dinner plates off the shelf and repeated Table Four. With hands full, she retreated a few steps to the wide wooden swing door which stood just beyond the counter, pushed her back against the door and as it swung open, walked backwards out of the kitchen. With expert timing, she spun around just before the door swung back into position and walked confidently into the comparatively calm but full restaurant, ready to serve the two hungry customers seated at table four.

Tables six and twelve! Back in the kitchen, the Head Chef continued to announce the table numbers of completed meals as a further six plates were placed on the long, raised wooden counter. This time two staff appeared, a man and a woman. The woman wore the same outfit as the younger waitress – a pale green blouse and black skirt covered by a knee-length pale green apron with frilly cap sleeves. The pale pink roses randomly dotted over the chintzy apron gave her a very vintage look. Similarly, the male waiter wore black trousers and a pale green shirt, with one embroidered pink rose above the left breast. Underneath the rose, in dark green cotton, were stitched the words ‘The Rose Garden’. The two employees took their plates and with hands and arms full, also walked backwards through the wooden swing door, ready to serve the customers seated at tables six and twelve.

The seemingly chaotic kitchen was a complete contrast to the calm serenity of ‘The Rose Garden’ restaurant itself. Tony Rose walked up and down the kitchen, stopping to check various sauces and meals as he went, speaking to the two chefs, Jake and Richard, whom he had entrusted to help him run his recently re-opened family restaurant.

How do you do this every day? asked Jake, when Tony stopped by to check on his work. Jake was an apprentice, having only recently achieved his Culinary Qualification and was already finding working in a restaurant kitchen far more stressful than he had anticipated. It’s so much harder than college he admitted.

Tony smiled and placed his hand on the apprentice chef’s shoulder. That’s because this is real he explained patiently. At college, no-one minds if it’s not perfect. If your sauce dribbles a little, the worst they can do is dock you a mark. Here, they can refuse to pay or give the restaurant a bad name. At college, you can’t poison anyone as there’s always someone there checking what you do. Here, you’re responsible for your own dishes. That’s why it seems harder. Jake looked terrified. But it’s not. Not really. Tony continued kindly. You are here because you passed your exams. You can cook. You know how to present food. You won’t poison anyone because you know what you’re doing and so far you’re doing it well. All you need to do is relax, concentrate and remember I have given you this job because I believe you can do it. Jake’s earlier fear was replaced with relief. But, the human mind can only concentrate on one thing Tony continued. If you’re concentrating on worrying, you can’t be concentrating on your cooking and that’s when things go wrong. So how about we make a deal?

Surprised, Jake looked at his Head Chef. What sort of deal? he asked apprehensively.

You concentrate on the cooking, and I’ll concentrate on the worrying. If I’m worried, I’ll come and speak to you. If I don’t, you know there’s nothing to worry about. Sound like a plan?

Jake smiled and breathed out a sigh of relief. Yes Chef he nodded, a great plan. Tony nodded and patted Jake’s shoulder in support. Keep going he said before adding, oh, there is one more thing I ought to mention. Jake looked at him, feeling more settled. Before I opened this restaurant, I worked as a chef in a school not too far away from here. In fact, I still work as their school chef. I reopened this restaurant during the summer holidays. Jake looked at his mentor curiously, wondering what he was about to say. Of all the possible ideas in his mind, he didn’t expect what followed. When school term starts on the first of September, I will be leaving you in charge of this restaurant in my absence.

Jake gasped in shock and nearly choked on fresh air. But...but I’m… an apprentice…. he spluttered, protesting the suggestion that he found ludicrous. Whoever heard of an apprentice being a Head Chef? Why not Richard, he’s far more experienced that me? Tony simply smiled in response. Well yes, that’s true, Richard is vastly more experienced and you are currently an apprentice he agreed, but what better way to learn? I make you nervous, I know that. Jake began to disagree but Tony stopped him short. I do make you nervous. I’ve seen you working on your own and left to your own devices you are extremely capable and calm. As soon as I’m around you lose your confidence. As I said, I work in a school – I’ve picked up a few tips from the teachers in my time, watching and hearing how they bring out the best in their pupils. I’d like to do the same for you.

Jake stared at Tony, gobsmacked and unsure what to say. It is your dream, is it not, to run a kitchen? Tony continued.

Yes chef, but...

But nothing. To put it simply, I cannot be in two places at once. I will return to the restaurant during the school holidays and whilst I am working at the school you will take my place as Head Chef, effective from the first of September. You and Richard work well together; you can learn from him and he has agreed to support you, so I’m not leaving you entirely on your own.  Get ready – you only have two weeks and with that, Tony left his nervous apprentice staring after him in disbelief as he continued his walk through the kitchen.

Chapter 2 – Year 10

The first of September finally arrived, much to the excitement of Vaughan, Verity and Caroline who each awoke bright and early, keen to start the new school year. Unusually for early September, it was a cloudy day with short bursts of light rain showers, but the grey skies and cool wet weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of the teenagers who were eager to be back together again after the long summer holiday.

At Honeycomb Hall, the first day of term was also coming to life. One by one, the Bakewell buses turned onto the gravel drive and up to the open wrought-iron black gates that were situated at the bottom of the drive between Dr Bakewell and Professor Drumgoole’s private lodgings. Imposing, tall and usually locked, they successfully prevented anyone from entering the school grounds unless otherwise invited or expected.

At seven forty-five in the morning, bus number ten drove up to the iron gate and trundled up the long gravel driveway to Honeycomb Hall. On board, nervous new pupils peered between the raindrops that trickled down the windows and stared in awe at the leafy oak trees and lush green grounds around them and at the tall, sentinel-like pyramid trees that lined either side of the driveway. As usual, Vaughan sat on the seat behind the driver of bus number ten, deep in thought about what skills he would unlock this year and eager to see his best friends, Caroline and Verity, again. Lost in musings about what adventures they may have this year, he caught a flicker of colour and movement out of the corner of his eye. Curious, he peered through the rain-speckled window and smiled to himself as he spotted a small red squirrel leap across the wet grass and hastily scramble up one of the sentinel trees, trying to escape the current rain shower. Although he loved being home with his family, a whole month away from his friends and their escapades seemed like an age and he couldn’t wait for term to start. After all, Dr Bakewell’s School of Confectionery was no ordinary school!

The bus pulled to a stop in front of the black wooden door beneath the clock tower, the main entrance to the school. As usual, the school’s Housekeeper, Mrs Hilderstone, stood in front of the old door, clasping her ever-present bunch of Housekeeper’s keys in her delicate, bony fingers, greeting the children with a welcome warm smile as they arrived. The red-suited conductor of bus number ten, whom Vaughan had since come to know as ‘Bart’, alighted first, followed by pupils of equally nervous and excited dispositions. After several students had got up and jumped off the bus before him, Vaughan eventually stepped off the bus, helped Bart retrieve his suitcase and bags from the luggage hold, then scanned the pupils milling about in front of the stately school. He knew Verity wouldn’t be there; living the other side of the school fields on a narrowboat, Verity didn’t catch one of the Bakewell buses. She and her father took a different route – a long, slow uphill trudge over the fields was her journey to school. Caroline however, did catch a bus. She caught bus number six and Vaughan was scouting for Caroline or other familiar faces, to see if bus number six had yet arrived. He planned to meet Caroline at the front and together they would find Verity. After a few seconds of looking around it was clear Caroline hadn’t yet arrived, but he did see two other friendly faces and immediately went to say hello.

Happy Birthday Poppy! called Vaughan, spotting Poppy Quenell and her twin sister Daisy. You too Daisy – for yesterday.

Ahh, thanks Vaughan said Daisy smiling, as she swung her rucksack on her back and adjusted her straps.

Thanks Vaughan said Poppy happily, brushing damp hair back off her face, not really birthday weather though is it? Daisy had an amazing day yesterday, we had a massive family barbecue and the sun shone all day! Now its my birthday, we have to come back to school and its raining!

Oh come on Daisy joined in, the barbecue was for both of us, not just me. Anyway, I can’t help the weather she shrugged but you know what they say – the sun shines on the righteous! she added, teasing her sister. Although they were twins, being born either side of midnight meant the twins had different birthdays – and because Daisy had been born on 31st August and Poppy on 1st September, it also meant they had been placed in different school years. Poppy was about to start Year 10 along with Vaughan, Verity and Caroline but Daisy was about to start Year 11 and she was quite apprehensive about it. At least you have another year of education until your exams, mine are this year! That’s not fair if you ask me. Being the first ever scholarship pupils, Vaughan, Daisy and Poppy had all started school on the same day, but as Daisy was placed in the year above Poppy, it meant Daisy had to catch up on a whole extra year’s schoolwork – something she often reminded Poppy of, if ever Poppy complained about how hard her schoolwork was – or about anything else, if it came to it.

With all pupils and luggage safely dropped off, Bart gave the driver of bus ten the go-ahead to start the engine and make their way back down the long drive. No sooner had it pulled away another bus took its place. A gaggle of loud, excited children poured out after their conductor, who stepped off first, opened the luggage hold and began hauling out all manner of suitcases and baggage. It didn’t take long for Vaughan to spot her. Wearing her cherry red bowler hat with little pointed ears, she looked like she’d grown a couple of inches taller and lost a little weight over summer, Vaughan thought. Waiting for her to gather her belongings, he waved to Mrs Hilderstone who duly smiled and waved back.

Caroline, over here! he called, seeing her grab her oversized red suitcase. She turned and saw him, grinned and waved back and made her way awkwardly towards the group, her case in one hand and umbrella in the other. Vaughan! she called back over the cacophony of excited voices. She made her way towards her friends and Vaughan spotted a young boy he didn’t know, dragging his suitcase and following a couple of steps behind Caroline. As they neared, Vaughan was able to see him in more detail; he had light brown hair, wore red rectangular glasses and his face was covered in freckles. He also appeared to be very nervous as he was chewing constantly. When they reached Vaughan they both stopped and Caroline released her grip on her case, instead putting it on the shoulder of the young boy. Everyone, this is my little brother Teddy.

Teddy stopped chewing and looked shyly at Vaughan, Daisy and Poppy, then smiled. Hi he said in a voice no louder than a whisper. He’s a bit shy Caroline explained, and nervous.

No I’m not protested Teddy, glaring at Caroline and blushing.

Yes you are argued Caroline but that’s okay. You don’t have to be embarrassed.

I’m not protested Teddy again under his breath as he stared at the floor.

Vaughan stepped forwards and introduced himself. Hiya Teddy he said, holding out his hand. I’m Vaughan. Pleased to meet you.

Teddy looked up and his face brightened. Oh, Vaughan! he smiled, I’ve heard all about you. Pleased to meet you too and he held out his own hand. Vaughan grabbed hold and the two boys shook hands, friendship now formally made as Caroline smiled proudly.

"I was really nervous when I started Vaughan told Teddy, so much so I couldn’t eat anything and my stomach felt like a rollercoaster for ages. Until I made friends with your sister and Verity. So don’t worry if you do feel nervous, I promise you won’t be the only one."

Teddy looked up at Vaughan appreciatively and nodded, saying nothing. He didn’t need to, Vaughan knew he’d struck a chord and that was enough for him. He and Teddy were friends now and that was all Teddy needed to know. That he had a friend.

Caroline introduced him to Poppy and Daisy and explained their unusual twin situation. Happy Birthday Teddy said politely and both the girls ahh-d and thanked him. So Teddy, what’s your favourite subject? asked Poppy.

Teddy looked a little sheepish and answered, I like history. Vaughan was taken aback, he hadn’t expected that, he’d presumed Teddy would be a fan of chocolatiering, taking after his father and Caroline. Yeah, history’s pretty cool nodded Poppy kindly, although the teacher’s a bit boring though. Mr Boring, that’s what Daisy and I call him.

Is that his real name? asked Teddy wide-eyed, surprised.

Daisy chuckled. No, it’s really Mr Borage, but Mr Boring suits him better. You’ll see.

Caroline looked at Vaughan. Verity here yet?

No said Vaughan, not seen her yet.

Come on then said Caroline, Let’s go and see if we can find her, eh Teddy?

Teddy looked at his sister and smiled. Yeah, lets go and find Verity. Then I will have two friends! he grinned, looking at Vaughan.

Vaughan smiled back. Teddy was definitely more shy and quiet than Caroline but there was something about the young boy that Vaughan instantly liked. He couldn’t put his finger on it but there was something about him that you warmed to, something innocent and kind and he hoped that Teddy was placed in St Oswald so that he would be unlikely to run into the path of his nemesis, Avery Sorrel.

Chapter 3 – House Mates

After taking Teddy to meet Dr Bakewell and be placed into one of the three school houses, Vaughan, Verity and Caroline left him with the Headmaster and settled themselves into their dormitories before collecting their timetables for the year from Dr Crose. Seated on the squishy pale blue settee in their Common Room and warming themselves in front of the roaring open fire, they studied their new timetables as the heat from the leaping flames slowly dried their hair, still damp from congregating in the rain outside.

Crumbling cookies, what a start to the week complained Caroline, double History with Mr Borage on Monday morning followed by double Measures & Proportions in the afternoon? I don’t think I can stay awake through all of that!

Vaughan spotted something extra on this year’s timetable that they hadn’t had before. "Look at this – there’s an extra column headed ‘9-10pm’ - that’s bedtime. Yet here it says ‘Exam Prep’ and its listed for every day. We have to study an extra hour every day?"

I don’t think it’s an extra hour Vaughan said Caroline seriously, look at five o’clock in the afternoon.

That’s free time Verity jumped in immediately.

Not any more. Not according to this Caroline continued. Five til six pm is also marked ‘Exam Prep’.

"Two hours extra study every day? repeated Vaughan, incredulous. That’s insane, when do we get to chill out?"

Verity looked at him. I’m not sure we do she said. I heard the work level ramps up in Year 10 but two extra hours a day? That’s ten hours a week!

As they digested this bombshell the Common Room door opened and in strode Grace Bembridge, commencing her first duty in her role as St Oswald’s new House Prefect, taking over from Theo Banks who had graduated in July. Verity liked Grace, she thought her name suited her well as in Verity’s eyes she was grace personified. Tall and slender, she always wore her sleek black hair in a bun scraped back from her face, highlighting her porcelain skin and piercing green eyes that seemed to notice everything; she carried an air of confidence but not arrogance. Grace was quiet, a little aloof and very popular with all the teachers, which made Caroline and many others wary of her, but Verity idolised her.

Hi Grace Verity said cheerily, as Grace led three new Oswaldians into the Common Room.

Hi Verity Grace replied with a smile, her gentle voice a surprising contrast to her stark features. We have some new House members to welcome.

Before anyone could say anything else, Teddy dashed forwards straight to his sister. CarolineI’minStOswalds! he blurted out in a single breath. I’m in your house! He squealed almost bursting with joy and excitement – and a little relief Vaughan thought. Caroline wrapped her arms around her younger brother and hugged him. I knew you would, you’re an Oswaldian through and through.

Congratulations Teddy said Verity, beaming at him proudly.

Yeah, nice one kid added Vaughan, grabbing the back of Teddy’s head and ruffling his hair in a brotherly fashion, the way he often did to his own sister, Manuka. And in the same way that Manuka always responded, Teddy also tutted, ducked and smoothed his thick hair back into place with his hands. Appearance restored, Teddy took a good look around the Common Room, along with his peers.

The three new starters stared open-mouthed as their eyes roved the room, taking in the huge white fireplace and crackling log fire, the warmth it emitted most welcome on such a cool, drizzly grey day. Teddy spotted the long, white coffee table where Caroline and the others had placed their timetables and the comfy-looking blue sofas with their plump cushions either side of the table. Considering blue was supposed to be a cool colour, Teddy thought, this room felt very cosy and homely indeed.

Grace explained the rules of the Common Room to her now-slightly-less-nervous charges and led the two girls to the Girl’s Dorm. Vaughan, would you mind? she asked, nodding towards Teddy and glancing at the door to the Boy’s Dorm.

Sure, no problem he replied, knowing what she was asking. Girls were not allowed in the Boy’s Dorm and vice versa, so Vaughan gladly agreed to show Teddy and explain the hierarchy of the bunk bed system. Follow me Teddy he instructed, Somewhere in there’ll be a bunk with your name on.

Teddy looked at him, unsure whether he was joking or being serious. Vaughan pushed open the door, allowed Teddy to walk in first and grinned as Teddy’s jaw dropped – again. He goggled at the white triple bunk beds that lined either side of the dorm and at the two enormous crystal chandeliers that hung from the sky-painted ceiling. The beds were impeccably made, the royal blue covers smooth and creaseless, the crisp white pillows plumped and inviting. Seeing Teddy’s reaction took Vaughan back to his very first day at Honeycomb and he also took a moment to take in the majesty of their dormitory.

Mrs Hilderstone did all that he told Teddy, referencing the perfectly made bedding. She’s the Housekeeper. She’s ace.

Yeah I know replied Teddy casually as he searched the bunks for his name card. Surprised, Vaughan soon realised of course Teddy must have heard all about Hilda – he is Caroline’s brother after all and Caroline and Hilda remain very fond of each other.

Teddy found his name card, the same elaborate swirly blue handwriting stark against the white background of the card. Edward Coleman, First-Year Student Teddy read aloud.

Edward? asked Vaughan.

Yeah, Edward’s my proper name. Only my friends call me Teddy he explained, emphasising the word ‘friend’, as he replaced the card on his pillow and side-glanced at Vaughan and gave a cheeky smile. Vaughan smiled back. Maybe Teddy was a little more like Caroline that he’d first thought, he mused. Friendly, a tiny bit cheeky but in a nice way, there appeared to be a sense of fun beneath the initial shyness.

Teddy delved into his pocket and took out a packet of chewing gum. Popping a fresh piece into his mouth, he offered some to Vaughan. Would you like some gum? he asked. It’s peppermint. It’s really nice.

More to make Teddy feel comfortable than anything, Vaughan accepted. Thanks Teddy he said, taking a piece and popping it on his tongue. As soon as he bit and began to chew, his mouth almost immediately felt fresher.

Come on he urged Teddy mid-chew, You’d better get back to the Common Room. Dr Crose will be handing out your timetables any second now.

Vaughan led the way with Teddy following, still looking around, surveying his new school as he walked.

They met Dr Crose in the Common Room, who was sitting on the blue settee opposite Grace, Caroline and Verity and chatting pleasantly while the two new girls, Jenny and Maisie, sat next to her, too nervous to say very much. Seeing Teddy approach, Dr Crose stopped chatting, stood up and beckoned Jenny and Maisie to join her. She gathered her three first-year pupils together and handed each of them their timetable; as usual, ostentatiously presented in an envelope sealed with a thin, blue ribbon, along with a map of Honeycomb Hall.

This is your timetable and this is your map she explained. So you know where to go and how to get there she added with a smile. Grace, could you escort Edward, Jenny and Maisie to their classroom please?

Of course, Dr Crose

Dr Crose thanked her, bid farewell to everyone and left the Common Room first. Follow me said Grace and I’ll introduce you to Ozzy.

Teddy stood in the corridor outside the Common Room, in front of a highly-polished suit of armour, a scary looking halberd clasped firmly in its right hand, its left hand hidden behind a shield. This is Ozzy she told them, It’s tradition to greet him every morning. Morning Ozzy. He watched as Grace unexpectedly grabbed hold of the halberd and pulled it towards her, until Ozzy’s arm was completely straight. Teddy heard a click then a rumble behind him and turned just in time to see the coat of arms on the wall opposite Ozzy, tremble and slowly move; first outwards away from the wall then to the side, revealing a dark, person-sized hole. Grace gave instructions and Maisie entered the void first. Hands gripping the top of the hole, she sat on the edge, wriggled to get comfortable, let go and slid out of sight, down the unseen wooden slide. Seeing the horrified faces of Teddy and Jenny, she explained. It’s a wooden slide, to get you downstairs. It’s the fastest way to get you to your lessons. Or anywhere else, from here.

That’s a point said Caroline, what is your first lesson, Ted?

Teddy pulled out his timetable from his pocket, unfolded it and checked. Erm...Patisserie with a… Madam Rouge?

Madame Rougerie! Caroline corrected him as the three of them laughed. You’d better get a move on! With that, Teddy clambered onto the edge of the hole, let go and as he whooshed down the slide, thus began his first year at Honeycomb Hall.

Chapter 4 – Honeycomb Harvest

The beginning of the school year was also the beginning of preparation for Autumn and Winter. Harvest time was fast approaching and Farmer Lambrick and Cuthbert Flowerdew were rushed off their feet. They were extremely glad that in a few days time, all pupils would spend the entire week helping them gather in the harvest.

A huge feast was planned to celebrate Harvest and as usual, the week leading up the feast was the week dedicated to harvesting the food grown in the school grounds. Much to Vaughan, Verity and Caroline’s relief, harvesting was a very much anticipated closed-House activity which meant they did not have to work with Avery Sorrel for a whole week. It also meant a whole week without school uniform, as Dr Bakewell did not want anyone’s uniform either covered in soil or damaged by thorns. Harvest was a physically hard week, with a prize awarded to the House that gathered in the most crops; as such, competition between the three houses was fierce. It was also a very ingenious way of encouraging house loyalty and bonding between house mates new and old, according to Dr Bakewell.

Professor Peach gathered his House at the top of the school drive, where he gave them this year’s location for St Swithun’s harvest. Dressed in only the way Professor Peach can, in what appeared to be his scruffiest clothes, a shabby pair of very old blue corduroy trousers that stopped a couple of inches above his ankles, a moth-eaten yellow tank top over a grubby white shirt, his gardening attire complete with a straw sun hat, he looked remarkably like a living, walking scarecrow. This year, St Swithun’s, our harvest offering will be taken from Farmer Lambrick’s lands. Lambrick will of course be on hand to assist and I need not remind you to give Farmer Lambrick the same respect you would any teacher. Any questions?

Florence Fitzgerald raised her hand. With her long red hair in plaits, wearing an old pair of denim dungarees and heavy black boots she looked like she could have been a child-scarecrow herself. She’d not harvested from Farmer Lambrick’s lands before as each year, Houses and harvest locations were rotated. Professor Peach noticed and gave her a nod to continue. What are we supposed to harvest with? Don’t we need spades or tools, at least?

Professor Peach chuckled. Indeed you do, but fear not, Florence. Professor Peach will not let you down. Professor Peach will not leave you hanging. Professor Peach always provides. Some of the younger members of St Swithun giggled at Professor Peach’s dramatic response, while some of the older students rolled their eyes and looked away in embarrassment. Farmer Lambrick has plenty of tools to keep you all busy. In fact, he added conspiratorially, lowering his voice, he’s a bit of a hoarder. For farm tools and machinery, anyway. Satisfied, Florence nodded and the whole of St Swithun – including their scarecrow impersonating House Master – began their trek over the fields to the farmhouse.

Meanwhile, Dr Crose chose to address St Oswald’s in their Common Room. Everyone was eager to learn which area they would harvest this year and they waited with baited breath as she spoke.

And so, St Oswaldian’s she concluded her talk, this year, your harvest location will be…. she paused for dramatic effect and Verity crossed her fingers and thought to herself, ‘orchards, orchards, please... the orchards’. Suspense built, Dr Crose revealed the location. The Vegetable Patch and Kitchen Garden she announced. Make your way downstairs and to the Kitchen Garden where you’ll find Mr Flowerdew waiting for you. With a lot of excited babble the students made their way from the Common Room to Ozzy, standing guard in the corridor. Dr Crose pulled the halberd and the children chatted loudly as they hovered impatiently, waiting for their turn to go down Ozzy’s slide.

Both Professor Peach and Dr Crose had a House full of happy, excited pupils but Chef Goodbun wasn’t having quite the same response in St Wistan’s Common Room. One person in particular, objected to their harvest location and saw fit to question their House Master.

Well Sir, let’s look at it mathematically, shall we?

Daisy and Georgia groaned as once again, Avery Sorrel was disagreeing with a teacher.

"The orchards are at least, what – four times the size of anywhere else? The Kitchen Garden and Veg Patch, old Flowerdew joins in the harvest, decrepit as he is. The farmhouse has the old fool Lambrick to help. He’s not much up top but reasonably strong, I suppose. Now both of those areas are smaller than the orchards and do we get any help, in the biggest area? No, of course not. It’s discrimination, that’s what it is."

Percy Snodland stood a few feet away, clapping furiously and applauding his cousin, until Georgia decided she’d heard enough.

Oh put a sock in it Sorrel she rebuked him, You’ve always got something to bump your gums about, always got a complaint, haven’t you? You think you’re so smart and better than everyone else. Why don’t you put your effort into actually helping for once, instead of gobbing off? No-one wants to hear your opinion, no-one cares what you think.

Avery turned to stare at her, red-faced and furious. He did not like being spoken to like that at all. He stepped forwards until his face was just inches from Georgia’s and sneered, You’d better watch it Georgia or that big mouth of yours might get you into trouble.

Guess I’d meet you there, then Georgia retorted, defiantly. She was not one to be easily scared and had no fear of Avery Sorrel,