Caroline Hartley and the Magic Key

By D.J. Robinson

Caroline Hartley is a typical teenager who lives in Welwyn Garden City. She is about to finish her classes at the end of the school summer term. Whilst at school her mother receives a brown padded envelope that has a Zurich postmark on. It is addressed to Ms C. Hartley. Thinking it is addressed to her ex-husband Chris, who has a bank account in Switzerland, she asks her daughter to give it to him.

Carolines parents are divorced. Her father lives in Slovakia. This year Caroline and her brother Martin will spend some of their summer holiday with their father. All are curious to know what is inside the envelope? The children soon embark on a mysterious journey, where they discover a world away from the one they know

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9781491769607

D.J. Robinson

D.J. Robinson is a native British English teacher who lives in Bratislava, Slovakia. D.J. Robinson writes British English lesson plans for teachers and students worldwide who are learning English. The webpage is www.newsflashenglish.com

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Caroline Hartley

and the

Magic Key

D. J. Robinson

Book 1 of 4 of the Caroline Hartley series:

An adventure story for children and adults

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Caroline Hartley and the Magic Key

Copyright © 2015 D. J. Robinson.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4917-6959-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-6961-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-6960-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015908574

iUniverse rev. date: 06/25/2015

Chapters

Middle Europe

Chapter 1   The Envelope

Chapter 2   Sports Day

Chapter 3   Ms C. Hartley

Chapter 4   School’s Out!

Chapter 5   Bratislava

Chapter 6   The Magic Key

Chapter 7   Let’s See Bratislava

Chapter 8   The Journey

Chapter 9   The ‘Cottage’

Chapter 10   The Boy on the Bike

Chapter 11   The Bike Ride

Chapter 12   The Beach

Chapter 13   Let’s Explore!

Chapter 14   King of the Castle

Chapter 15   The Keyhole

Chapter 16   The Attic

Chapter 17   The Secret

Chapter 18   The Secret Garden

Chapter 19   Getting to Know You!

Chapter 20   The Drawing Room

Chapter 21   How to Get Back?

Chapter 22   The Day, the Month and the Year

Chapter 23   The Vineyard and the Lake

Chapter 24   The Rowing Boat and the Picnic

Chapter 25   The Island on the Lake

Chapter 26   Key Updates

Chapter 27   The Dam

Chapter 28   The Flag and the Sausages

Chapter 29   The Flag Ceremony

Chapter 30   The Forest Walk

Chapter 31   Caroline Island

Chapter 32   The Mobile Phone

Chapter 33   The Next Day

Chapter 34   The Ride around the Lake

Chapter 35   The Music Festival

Chapter 36   The New Lawnmower

Chapter 37   The Garden Party

Chapter 38   VIPs

Chapter 39   Sophie, L’ubor and Afternoon Tea

Chapter 40   The Emperor’s New Clothes

Chapter 41   The Folk Festival

Chapter 42   Quick, Let’s Hide!

Chapter 43   It’s Raining!

Chapter 44   The Thunderstorm

Chapter 45   This is your Landlord Calling!

Chapter 46   The Emergency

Acknowledgements

About the castle

About the Author

For my deceased parents

During the last years of her life my late mother spent many happy hours helping me read, edit and correct the Caroline Hartley mini-series. It gave us both a lot of pleasure. My late father also enjoyed me reading him the early drafts of the books before he died.

Unfortunately my mother gradually lost the ability to walk normally. Towards the end she was bound to a chair all day long. She died in November 2014 at her care home in Norwich when she was 90, nearly 91.

When editing the books my mother and I argued, we laughed, we disagreed - but you know what - we also improved the books! Her mind was sharp. I couldn’t have done them without her.

My regular visits home to England to see and help her made the writing of the Caroline Hartley mini-series all worthwhile. This book is a memory for me of those happy times.

Middle Europe

Once upon a time, in a land far away, lived an old woman. She lived on top of a hill in a small crumbling cottage that had a large garden with a nice view. The locals called her ‘a good witch’, as she looked after them kindly.

One day a young boy was passing her cottage. The old woman, who was dressed in black and wore a laced white scarf around her neck, beckoned to him.

Boy, I have something to give you, she said adding, Come with me.

The boy went into the old woman’s cottage with her. The room was dimly lit with candles. She motioned for him to sit down next to a fireplace that was alight. Its logs crackled as the flames licked around them. The old woman went over to a shelf, picked up an old jar and placed it on a table in front of them. She then reached into the jar and picked out a set of old keys.

These are for you, she said to the boy adding, I want you to become the keeper of these keys.

What do I do with them? the boy asked.

The ‘good witch’ replied, You will give them to other children. Together you will ensure this land and all that is built on it in the future is looked after.

But why me? asked the boy.

Because alas, I have no children, said the old woman. I have not long to live. It is therefore my wish to pass on my magic to future generations of children to enjoy as I once did.

She then pressed the keys into the boy’s hands. Suddenly, he felt a strange tingling in them. They momentarily appeared to light up with a white glow that seemed to rise upwards, almost as if something magic had just happened.

You are now the keeper of these keys, she said. I have given you a special power, which in time you will discover.

I don’t know what to say? replied the boy.

Say nothing, said the old woman standing up. Now go boy. It is late and I am tired.

As the boy started to walk away down the old windy forest path the old woman, who was now leaning on her ramshackled garden gate, said to him, Remember, the magic will only last so long but its power will survive long after to ensure its survival and transition. Nevertheless, be warned. There are dark forces out there. Guard the keys from evil.

The boy walked on into the forest…

1

The Envelope

Welwyn Garden City, England

Summer 2007

It was a hot sunny summer’s morning and in the sleepy streets of Welwyn Garden City, the milkman was delivering the milk. The electric milk float turned into Partridge Crescent. A 90’s housing development that was built on a school playing field; the small estates front overlooking a now smaller playing field area.

The milkman picked up four pints of milk, popped them in his delivery holdall then walked down the driveway of No. 55. He remembered he does this every other day. Today, like many others, is again just another day.

Commuters were leaving their houses. One husband kissed his wife, and then crossed the road near the school fence opposite en route to the station. Next door but one, another commuter left his house. As he did, the bedroom curtains opened and his children appeared at the window waving goodbye to their father. He waved goodbye back to them before continuing his journey to the station.

The newspaper delivery boy was delivering the morning papers to local homes. He delivered one to No. 55. Moments later its front door opened. A huge Old English Sheepdog rushed out on a lead with a girl following.

The newspaper boy, who was now picking up his bike, turned around, saw the girl, blushed and said, Morning Caroline, morning Dudley.

Morning Danny, she replied smiling at him.

The dog barked and wagged its tail.

She crossed the road looking at the school field beyond. The dog was pulling on the lead anxious to be free. Further along she opened a school gate, let the animal off the lead, took off her blue tracksuit and started running around the field. The dog barked and ran after her. The girl saw the head groundsman, who was across the school field marking the running track with white paint. She waved at him whilst practising her running.

At No. 55 Suzanne Kemp was in the kitchen buttering the toast. The table was laid for breakfast. The kettle boiled. She emptied the water into a teapot and then placed it on the table.

On a kitchen worktop, a homemade chocolate cake with thick chocolate icing and cherries on the top was sitting next to a heap of homemade scones. A pile of freshly washed and ironed sportswear was next to it. A sports bag was on the floor.

Walking into the hall Mrs Kemp shouted up the stairs, Hurry up Martin. You’ll be late for school again.

After a few seconds, a boy descended the stairs, rushed into the kitchen and started eating his breakfast.

As he ate his Corn Flakes his mother said, Don’t forget Martin that when you call me after your swimming session today I might be a few minutes late, as I am at your sister’s school fete and sports day this afternoon.

Yes Mum! replied the boy whilst eating.

The kitchen door opened and the Old English Sheepdog and the running girl entered.

Hurry up Caroline, said Mrs Kemp, Or you’ll be late like your brother already is.

The girl replied, I did it in 43 seconds this morning!

Super darling! Now let’s get ready for school, shall we?

Fifteen minutes later the two children descended the stairs, lugging their school bags. Caroline patted Dudley, who was standing in the hallway wagging his tail.

Have a nice day both of you, said Mrs Kemp smiling.

You too Mum, replied Martin kissing his mother.

Have you got your German books?

Yes Mum!

Just checking, she added smiling at him.

Kissing her daughter her mother said, See you this afternoon Caroline.

You will be there mum? asked the anxious girl.

Yes of course darling. I’ve got your cake to deliver to the cake stall on the school field. Anyway, Mrs Pendleton-Smyth will kill me if as Treasurer of the Parents Teachers Association I fail to attend. Mercy! she added raising her eyebrows.

Suzanne Kemp waved them both goodbye; holding the dog as she did so. The kids crossed the road by the school fence, passing a Royal Mail van that was parked up. A postman was delivering the post to the estate.

Returning to the breakfast area Mrs Kemp sat at the table, picked up her coffee, sipped it, took a bite of her toast and marmalade and unfolded the newspaper.

The Welwyn Weekly was a typical English regional newspaper. Not much happened in Welwyn. It was a commuter town.

She read the headline.

‘Google to open new admin centre in Garden City’

Google in Welwyn Garden City! Whatever next? said Mrs Kemp chuckling to herself.

Curious, she clicked on the laptop that was next to her and searched for Google maps. Typing in Welwyn Garden City she zoomed in to see the town more closely. She always did wonder where the ‘Garden City’ actually was. Clicking on the satellite image she zoomed in. Yes, there it was - Partridge Crescent. Another zoom and she saw her house: No. 55 Partridge Crescent.

Just then the postman dropped some letters through the letterbox. Dudley barked. A second later there was a ring at the door. The dog ran towards the front door and barked again.

Getting up Mrs Kemp went into the hall, picked up the post from the doormat, put it on the side table, grabbed Dudley’s collar and opened the front door.

A postman stood there with a package in his hand.

Good morning Mrs Kemp.

Oh, good morning, she replied.

The dog barked.

Be quiet Dudley, she said to him.

I’m afraid this one’s too thick for the letterbox, said the postman passing the package to her.

So I see! she said looking at its size. Well, thanks very much. Have a nice day.

You too!

The postman waved at her as he walked back down the drive.

Walking into the kitchen, Mrs Kemp placed the post on the table, flicked through it then glanced at the medium but thick brown envelope the postman had just given her.

Looking a little closer she noticed it was addressed to Ms C. Hartley.

She observed the stamp wasn’t British. There was a Swiss stamp on it. Looking a bit closer she saw it had a Zurich postmark on the envelope.

A mobile rang.

Mum, it’s me.

Yes Caroline, replied her mother. What have you forgotten?

Can you bring my sports top with you? I forgot it.

What are you?

Forgetful! replied the girl down the phone.

She added, By the way, has the post come yet?

It has actually!

Has my clothes catalogue arrived?

Flicking through the post her mother replied, Sorry, nothing as yet. By the look of it your mobile phone bill has arrived.

Oh! Pity!

Her mother added, Oh and there’s a letter here for your father. Why he can’t get his address changed I don’t know. I’m fed up always having to forward his mail to him.

Seeing a teacher approach Caroline said down the phone, Look, I’d better go. See you later.

Her mother replied, Okay, bye darling!

2

Sports Day

That afternoon the joint annual Parent Teacher Association Summer Fete and School Sports Day began on the Welwyn Garden City High School playing field. On the near side of it was the summer fete. On the far side was the running track that stretched out across the school field.

The runners lining up on the starting line placed one foot in the starting block.

The starter yelled, On your marks, get set…

A pistol fired.

The runners sprinted away.

A small crowd gathered on one side of the running track cheered as the girls ran round the first curve.

Come on Jane! yelled someone in the crowd.

Go for it Deborah! shouted another.

The girls ran as fast as they could. To win was vital. They had been practising for weeks. Three girls were now ahead of the pack. As they edged their way further forward the crowd egged them on.

For one girl that green field momentarily seemed particularly big. The boundary fence she had walked the dog along that morning suddenly seemed a long way away. As she ran in the pack she passed the head groundsman. He seemed to be waving her on. She wondered how many metres he had had to walk marking out the track.

Caroline Hartley was now second in the 400 metres. She was trying desperately to focus on the race. The girl was running the race of her life. She was determined to win it.

Come on Caroline, yelled her mother from the edge of the track.

Tanya, Tanya, Tanya, a group of boys yelled.

Caroline could see Tanya Smith was in front of her. They were now on the final curve. It was now or never. She made her move. Using all her strength she could muster she somehow managed to find a burst of hidden energy. The crowd yelled their encouragement. Caroline Hartley managed to reach her rival. There was 20 metres to go. She gave it her all; her legs seemed to sprint like never before. The finish was within her grasp; still neck and neck…

It was almost a photo finish but Caroline Hartley was the winner, be it by a whisker. She had done it. She was thrilled. Her team-mates crowded around her to congratulate her. What a moment! What a win!

Yes! She’s done it Maggie, said Mrs Kemp hugging another school mum.

She then rushed over to where her daughter was.

Caroline was standing drinking a bottle of water with her school friends when she saw her mother coming towards her.

Waving as she approached Mrs Kemp yelled excitedly, Well done Caroline. Well done!

Caroline rushed over and hugged her.

I did it. I won Mum! said the delighted girl.

Super darling. Super! I knew you would.

The Welwyn Garden City High School joint annual Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Summer Fete and School Sports Day was in full swing. The school field was packed with students and families. While various sports events continued to happen on the main area of the sports field, the annual PTA summer fete saw many people mulling over the different stalls and sideshows that various teachers, mums, and dads were manning.

Caroline Hartley and her best friend Monika were walking round some of the stalls.

Look, said Monika. There’s that boy who fancies you Caroline.

Ugh, Stephen Jones, she replied. I hate him.

You’re joking! Why?

He tried it on in the bike sheds last week. Thinks he’s so cool.

But he is!

He’s yours Monika.

Why don’t you like him?

He’s not my style!

So what is your style then?

Dunno really, said Caroline thinking it over. It kinda changes.

She looked over at one stall where a small group of boys were standing. The girls giggled at them.

Danny Essex is a pretty cool guy, she said looking at him with his friends.

Yeah he is! replied Monika. But he’s leaving at the end of term.

Yeah, I know, added Caroline shrugging her shoulders.

He’s moving to Spain. His father’s got a new job out there.

Lucky him!

But, you’re going to Eastern Europe, right?

Yeah, but only because my Dad lives there.

That’s cool!

No, I think I’d rather be in this country.

Well, it’ll be better than Clacton?

Maybe!

Walking on a bit further Caroline saw one of her teachers.

Oh look Monika, she said. There’s my Geography teacher.

The girls reached a lucky dip stall. The teacher who was serving saw them.

Lucky Dip girls? he asked.

How much Mr Newman? asked Caroline.

Three tickets for a pound, he replied.

A pound? said a shocked Caroline.

Okay, said Monika grinning, This one’s on me Caroline. You got me an ice cream earlier.

Take three tickets, said Mr Newman adding, You need a five or a ten to win.

Caroline reached in. She pulled out four tickets.

Three tickets Caroline! added Mr Newman smiling at her.

Yes sir, she smirked, putting one back.

Caroline carefully unfolded the tickets.

The first ticket was 266, the second 789, the third read 495.

I’ve won! she yelled adding, Look Monika, it’s No. 495. Sir, it’s No. 495.

You’re a lucky girl then! said the teacher.

What have I won? asked Caroline.

Let’s have a look, shall we?

The geography teacher looked over the prizes, reached over and picked out the prize.

You’ve won a pot of homemade raspberry jam, he said.

Raspberry jam! replied Caroline. Is that it?

Yes, that’s your prize! added the Geography teacher smiling at her again.

"And I so wanted the cuddly lion," said Caroline disappointedly.

Maybe next time, eh? he said winking at her.

I’ve been done, sir!

Not everyone wins Caroline, he replied a little sympathetically adding, You’re actually a bit luckier than most.

Mr Newman passed over the jar.

Thanks! she said taking it.

The teacher added, Oh and don’t forget the geography quiz tomorrow!

Yes sir, she replied rapidly losing interest.

As the two girls walked away, Caroline said disappointedly, A pot of raspberry jam Monika.

She replied, Well, it’s better than nothing.

Yeah, I suppose so!

You can give it to your mum.

Caroline’s mother suddenly walked into view.

Talk of the devil!

The girls walked up to her.

Oh hello Mrs Kemp, said her friend.

Good afternoon Monika. And how are you today?

I’m fine thanks.

Look what I won mum! said Caroline beaming.

Her mother looked at the prize wondering quite how to react.

Taking it from her daughter and with a pleasant surprise in her voice said, Oh! A pot of raspberry jam. How lovely dear!

Their conversation was interrupted by an announcement on the school fete tannoy system.

Could the winners of the school sports day events please assemble at the finish line? The presentation of the medals and cups will take place in five minutes.

Caroline had been listening to the announcement.

I’d better go and get my prize Mum, she said.

Her mother replied, Yes, let’s see what you’ve won?

The three of them made their way over to the finish line where many people had gathered. The sports day presentation ceremony of the prizes for students was being done on a small stage. The cups and medals were being presented to the winners by the Headmaster.

One of the female sports teachers was announcing the winners.

And the winner of the girls under 15 400 metres is Caroline Hartley.

A cheer and round of applause went up from the students.

Caroline went up to collect her cup and medal.

Well done Caroline! said the Headmaster shaking her hand.

Thank you sir, she replied beaming.

She waved her cup above her head while wearing her medal round her neck.

Jumping off the stage Caroline returned to where her mother and friend Monika were standing.

What do you think of that Mum? she said showing her the cup.

Super darling! It looks lovely.

It’s bigger than the last one I won.

You’ll be able to display it in your bedroom alongside all the other cups you’ve got.

You’re building up quite a collection now, added Monika.

Yep! It seems like it, replied Caroline grinning.

A mobile phone rang. Caroline’s mother answered it.

Hello Martin! Yes alright! she said looking at her watch. We’ll be with you in about say, 15 minutes – is that okay? Fine! See you shortly.

As Mrs Kemp replaced the phone in her pocket and looking at Caroline she said, That was your brother. He’s just finished his swimming session and wants picking up.

Her mother was thinking: ‘The taxi service is on its way!’

I suppose that means we’ll have to go? said Caroline reluctantly.

I’m afraid so darling!

She turned towards her daughter’s friend.

Well Monika, lovely to see you.

You too Mrs Kemp.

Come to tea after Caroline’s holiday.

Can I? said the girl enthusiastically.

Yes, yes! said Caroline.

Her mother looked at her watch.

I’m afraid we’ll have to go Caroline. Your brother’s waiting.

Let him! she replied none too happy.

She bade farewell to her best friend.

See you tomorrow Monika.

They hugged and kissed then Caroline and her mother walked away.

3

Ms C. Hartley

Caroline and her mother chatted as they drove towards the Welwyn Sports Centre in the new family BMW.

That was a fun afternoon Caroline, said her mother. Did you enjoy it?

The girl had been looking out of the window.

After thinking about it she replied, It was okay.

You won the 400 metres.

Yeah, I must admit that was pretty cool!

A top twenty song was playing on the radio.

Maybe you could do some more running when you are at your father’s?

Maybe?

Darling, what exactly will you be doing there? asked her mother as they approached the sports centre.

Caroline wasn’t quite sure what to say as she didn’t know herself.

She thought about it then said after a moment, Erm…dunno.

Outside the sports centre a boy waved.

Caroline’s mother bipped the horn, pulled up next to him, opened her window and said, Hop in Martin, will you?

The boy opened the rear passenger door and got in.

Hi Martin, said Caroline.

Hi Caroline, he replied. How did you get on today?

I won!

Cool! Well done sis!

Their mother drove out of the sports centre and headed home.

At No. 55 Partridge Crescent the kids were welcomed at the front door by Dudley their Old English Sheepdog. After lots of hugs and licks in the hallway Martin then ran up the stairs carrying his school bag. Caroline, after dumping her bag in the hall, walked into the kitchen and put her winning cup on the table. Her mother, having closed the front door, then followed her into the room.

Cup of tea Caroline? she suggested.

Yeah, okay

Her mother added, In English Caroline!

Yes please! she said properly.

Would you like a piece of cake?

Yes please, replied Caroline clearly, as she walked out of the kitchen and into the sitting room.

Turning on the TV she sat on the sofa.

Martin appeared with Dudley in the doorway. The Old English Sheepdog went up to Caroline then lay