Caroline Hartley and the Great Adventure: Book Four of the Four-Part Caroline Hartley Series

By D.J. Robinson

Caroline Hartley has a magic key. It has allowed she and her brother Martin to secretly step through an attic door and time-travel back to 1912, at a castle where they are staying with their father in Central Europe.

One evening, whilst in 1912, the children discover Caroline’s magic key has gone missing. A frantic search with their friends fails to find it. Only the servants might know where it is, but some of them have taken time off. Caroline and Martin are stuck in 1912, unaware of the great adventure that now awaits them…

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Apr 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9781532070167

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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Copyright © 2019 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 author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Certain characters in this work are historical figures, and certain events portrayed did take place. However, this is a work of fiction. All of the other characters, names, and events as well as all places, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-5320-7015-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-7017-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-7016-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019902847

iUniverse rev. date:   04/18/2019

For my

deceased parents

CONTENTS

Chapter 1    The Horse Ride

Chapter 2    The Servant’s Kitchen

Chapter 3    The Attic

Chapter 4    The Budapest Express

Chapter 5    An Afternoon in Budapest

Chapter 6    The Parlour

Chapter 7    Was There Gold in Timbuktu?

Chapter 8    The Spa

Chapter 9    A Night at the Circus

Chapter 10    Whodunit?

Chapter 11    The Underground

Chapter 12    A Visit to the Market

Chapter 13    The Cottage by the Lake

Chapter 14    Lake Balaton

Chapter 15    The Trains, the Boat, and the Horse Carriages

Chapter 16    Vienna

Chapter 17    The Explanation

Chapter 18    Time for Bed

Chapter 19    Rise and Shine

Chapter 20    Breakfast in Vienna

Chapter 21    The Imperial Natural History Museum

Chapter 22    The Nutty Professor

Chapter 23    The Maze

Chapter 24    The Palm House

Chapter 25    An Unexpected Surprise

Chapter 26    A Glorious Lunch

Chapter 27    The Box

Chapter 28    The Dance Lesson

Chapter 29    The Man with the Bowler Hat

Chapter 30    The Department Store

Chapter 31    Prater

Chapter 32    A Room with a View

Chapter 33    The Greatest Puppet Show on Earth

Chapter 34    Good Morning Children!

Chapter 35    A Sunday Service

Chapter 36    The Imperial Spanish Riding School

Chapter 37    A Spot of Lunch

Chapter 38    Dirty Dancing

Chapter 39    Coffee and Cake

Chapter 40    Martin’s Two Left Feet

Chapter 41    The Empire Awards Gala Night - Arrival

Chapter 42    The Empire Awards Gala Night

Chapter 43    The Vienna Waltz

Chapter 44    The Three Penguins

Chapter 45    An Old Wives Tale: Eight Eyes

Chapter 46    The Bell, the Lie, and the Taxi

Chapter 47    Vienna South

Chapter 48    Sneaking Back

Chapter 49    Time for Tea?

Chapter 50    Timber!

Chapter 51    The Discovery

Chapter 52    The Castle

Chapter 53    Caroline Hartley woz here

Chapter 54    The Unexpected Visitors

Chapter 55    The Explanation

Chapter 56    Another Funny Feeling

Chapter 57    An Alternative Morning

Chapter 58    The Power of the Magic Key

Acknowledgements

About the Castle

About the Author

CHAPTER 1

The Horse Ride

Straussburg, Austro-Hungary, August 1912

It was a glorious morning in Straussburg. The small village lay in the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It formed part of the vast Strauss Castle estate, which was owned by the Strauss family. The villagers were in the fields, cutting the wheat and hay. Horses and carts were taking it to the nearby Strauss Estate farm.

In the farmyard, two stable boys led four horses out of the stables.

Here are your horses, Miss Veronica, said one of them.

She replied, Oh, thank you, Ladislav.

He replied, Not at all, Miss.

The girl looked across at her best friend. Don’t the horses look lovely, Caroline? she said, patting her horse.

The girl replied, Yes, they do.

Going over to the horse, she asked, Is this one mine?

The second stable boy replied, Yes, Miss. He is yours.

Caroline’s brother asked, Which one’s mine?

Probably the shortest horse, Martin, joked his sister. As it’s like you – short.

He replied, Funny!

Nein, added Veronica. The shortest horse is for Manfred. Martin, I think your horse is the brown one of the smaller horses.

Oh, right

He looked at his sister, and pulling a face, said, So you are wrong, Caroline.

She returned the funny face.

The stable boys helped the children onto their horses, including Martin.

How do you steer it? he asked.

Martin, said Veronica, laughing, Ladislav will now guide you through the basics of how to ride a horse. Just listen carefully to him, vill you?

The boy replied, Yes, okay.

The others waited patiently, while he received some initial training.

The two English children, Caroline and Martin, were able to understand what was being said in German, thanks to Caroline’s magic key, which allowed her and her brother, and their friends from the castle, Manfred and Veronica, to communicate in each other’s languages.

Caroline had received the key through the post in England, just before going on holiday with her brother and father to Slovakia, where he lived in Bratislava. Caroline had discovered her key was magic at the castle they went to stay at. It had brought her and her brother back to 1912. So far, she didn’t know why, other than it provided a huge element of fun.

Once Martin had learnt the basics of how to ride a horse, the stable boy led him around the farmyard a few times. The others watched, as he quickly learnt the ropes of what he needed to do.

Satisfied the boy from England could manage, the stable boy patted the horse on its side.

Right, he said. She’s all yours, Martin. Have fun.

The boy replied, Thanks, I will.

Just remember what I told you and you’ll be fine.

Righty-Ho

Martin now had the reins of the horse in his hands.

Looked across at his sister, he said, I think I’ve got the hang of it now, Caroline.

She replied, Let’s hope so. Otherwise, you’ll fall off and hurt yourself.

It’s a long way to the ground.

Yes, it is. But it’s even further on this one.

The stable boy got out some sugar lumps and gave the horses a couple of lumps each.

He said, Take this, Miss Veronica, will you?

She replied, Thanks.

Ladislav tied a small package of sugar lumps and carrots on the side of her horse.

Veronica took her reins. Are ve ready everyone? she asked.

Yeah, I think we’re ready, replied Caroline.

Gut! Vell, let’s go then.

Wunderbar, said her brother.

Er, Manfred…

Ja

It might be an idea to follow Martin. Is that all right?

Ja, it is gut, he replied, giving a thumbs up to his sister, who led the way out of the farmyard.

The children headed down the slope and onto the main road. Veronica then gradually increased the pace of her horse, which the others tried to match. She led them up along a dirt track. Soon they were in the open fields, where the girl increased her speed. She loved the moment, as did the others…

In one of the fields, some workers were cutting the wheat. One of them looked up. He pointed the children out to his fellow workers, as they rode across the top of the hill.

Caroline was desperately trying to keep up with Veronica, whose white horse she had put into a gallop. Her brother Manfred was a little way behind her, as he was looking after Caroline’s brother Martin. The boy was struggling, as it was his first time on a horse. Martin had quickly discovered it wasn’t as easy riding a horse, as it had first looked…

The horse riding idea had been Veronica’s. She had been longing to show Caroline around the Strauss Estate, on horseback, since the day they had first met. Now, she was enjoying the moment with her. Their respective brothers, when invited, had opted to join them for their early morning ride. Veronica was fine with this idea, as she was finally able to show her friend all the places where she liked to ride.

Galloping across the hill, Veronica led the others into some woods and then out again into more fields. Slowing up, the horses cantered down various lanes. For the English children, it was all great fun. Keeping up with Veronica was proving a challenge for Caroline. For Martin, it was more the question of how not to fall off his horse, and could he keep up with them all?

The horses the girls were on trotted down a lane. They arrived at a ford, where Veronica dismounted her horse and led her horse down to the stream.

Why have we stopped? asked Caroline, who had now dismounted.

Her friend replied, To give the boys time to catch up with us, and to give the horses some water.

Oh! Good idea. I wouldn’t mind a drink myself.

We can have one when we get back to the farm.

Yes, alright

The girl led her horse down to the water’s edge, where it drank.

Are you enjoying the ride, Caroline? asked Veronica.

She replied, I am, thanks.

You’re pretty good for a beginner.

Thanks

Martin and Manfred arrived on their horses.

How do I get down? asked Martin.

Here, let me help you? said Veronica, who went over to assist him.

The boys dismounted.

Caroline was stretching. She said, You get a sore bum and aching legs, sitting on a horse for so long.

Veronica looked at her in her strange way: A sore bum?

Her friend then explained: It means my bottom feels sore, sitting like this.

Oh, I zee, said Veronica, now understanding her.

She added, Don’t worry. You’ll get used to it.

The children gave the horse’s time to refresh themselves.

Veronica got out the sugar lumps and carrots. You can give your horse some of these, she suggested, passing them to everyone.

As Manfred fed his horse, he said, You did well, Martin.

He replied, Did I?

Sure you did, as that ditch back there can sometimes be difficult to cross.

I thought I was going to fall off when I rode across it.

Veronica looked at him, and said, Martin, just don’t do anything you don’t feel comfortable with, and you’ll be fine.

Yes, alright

The boys sat down on the grass. Their horses stood near them, nibbling at some long bits of the wild grass. Martin then looked up at his sister, who stood by her horse. He was thinking about the situation they were currently in.

Caroline, he said. Do you think we’ll find your magic key?

Dunno, she replied. Hopefully, we might find out more, later, when the servants return from their days off.

Well, I hope we do find it, as I don’t wanna be stuck here forever, you know.

Me neither

Veronica interrupted them: I thought you both said you like it here.

Oh, I do, said Caroline. I just don’t wanna live here forever.

Vhy not? asked Manfred.

’Erm…because I prefer my own time. I mean, I like it here, but…

Suit yourself

What happens if we don’t find your magic key? asked Martin.

We stay here in 1912, said his sister, while patting her horse.

What do you think dad will say?

Er, well, I don’t think he’d be too chuffed, if we fail to go back to our own time.

I know that, Caroline, said her brother, picking some grass.

The magic key has a mind of its own.

Yes, I know it does. I mean, it’s brought us here six times now.

Right!

Manfred then said, Your key’s bound to turn up at some point or another.

Let’s hope so.

Have faith, Caroline, said Veronica. I’m sure ve’ll find it.

Her brother threw a stone into the ford, a distance away from the horses.

"What are we doing later, Veronica?" he asked.

Vell, she replied, while giving her horse another sugar lump. Depending on vhat happens at lunchtime, vill depend on vhat ve might do this afternoon.

And what might ve do?

Vell, I had hoped to go Budapest this afternoon.

Budapest? said Martin.

Ja, I thought ve might go to the spa?

Surely, we need to find my magic key first? said Caroline.

Of course ve do. My idea vas merely a suggestion, as it vould get our minds off this wretched situation.

It was a good suggestion, added her brother.

I think I’d rather go down to the lake, said Caroline.

Ve can do, said Veronica. I just thought it might make a change to go to the spa, as ve talked about going there, a while back.

Well…

How long does it take to get there? asked Martin.

Veronica replied, About an hour and a half.

Oh, not long then

Nein

The English children looked at each other. They got the idea.

Let me think about it, said Caroline.

If we do go, said her brother. Let’s hope we don’t disappear into thin air, on the way there.

His sister responded, It’s funny you should say that, Martin. You took the words right out of my mouth.

Looking at Veronica, she said. I must admit, I am not so keen on leaving the castle without my magic key. It doesn’t make sense.

Caroline, said Veronica. I am sure everything vill be fine.

That’s all very well you saying that. But, I am not so sure.

There’s only one way to find out, said her brother.

His sister looked at him, saying, I know, but even so. I don’t particularly wish to fade away into nothing, when I don’t need to.

Veronica shared her concerns. Come on, she said. I think it is time ve moved on. Ve can talk about all this, later.

Yes, alright

Are you ready, Caroline?

Yes, I’m ready.

As they remounted their horses, Martin said, Where are we going now?

Veronica replied, Back to the farm. Only this time, I’ll take you back another way.

Fine, said Caroline, who was enjoying the ride.

Right, let’s go then, added Veronica, taking her reins.

She kicked her heels into her horse, encouraging it to set off across the ford. The other three children followed closely behind, keeping to the same order as before. Seeing everyone was with her, Veronica sped up into a canter, then a gallop. She led the children across a field, across a brook, across another field, and down a lane that led into another small wood. They emerged into another field and then reached a lane, the English children recognised, as they all headed back towards the farm.

In the farmyard, some geese ran across it as the children dismounted.

That was brilliant, said Martin.

Ja, it was, added Manfred.

Caroline patted her horse.

She said, It was definitely a good idea to go horse riding, Veronica.

Gut, she replied. I’m pleased you enjoyed it.

The two farm boys came out of the stable.

One said, May I take your horse, Miss Veronica?

She replied, Thank you, Ladislav.

As he did so, he said, Did you have a good ride, Miss?

Ja, it was zuper, thanks.

Caroline patted her horse, and then gave it to the stable boy.

Bye, Red Rum, said Martin, waving at his horse, as it was led away.

Once the horses had been handed over to the stable boys, Martin said, What now?

Veronica replied, I think it’s time ve went back to the castle.

Good idea!

As the children walked up the road in the village, Caroline said to Veronica, "I hope the servants have returned from their two half days off, otherwise we’re in trouble."

Veronica smiled, and replied, Vell, let’s vait and zee, shall ve?

CHAPTER 2

The Servant’s Kitchen

On their return to Strauss Castle, the boys stood with their hands on their knees at the entrance gate of the castle. They were breathless, after running on ahead of the girls.

What are you waiting for, Martin? asked Caroline, as she arrived at the black painted metal gates.

He replied, Christmas!

The boy laughed at his own joke, and then said, No, we’re waiting for you.

Are you now? replied his sister, smiling sweetly at him.

Caroline then looked at Veronica in her girlie way, saying, Brothers!

As the children crossed the driveway of Strauss Castle, Martin stopped to look at the fish in the circular pool and fountain. Kicking some gravel, he ran on, to catch his sister up. At the front door of the castle, Veronica rang the bell.

Ivan the butler opened the door.

Miss Veronica, he said, surprised. I didn’t expect you back zo soon.

She replied, It was only a short ride, Mr Ivan, as my English friends have not been horse riding before.

Oh, I zee.

Turning to the other children, the butler said, Did you all have an enjoyable ride?

Caroline responded, Yes, thanks, we did.

The butler added, Did you go anywhere nice?

Veronica replied, Yes, I took my friends around a bit of the castle’s estate. We rode up to and across the Eastern Hilltop, past the spring above Upper Brook, then down through the woods to the ford near the old cottages, where we let the horses drink. After that, we headed towards the water mill and then back to the farm.

Oh, it sounds like you all had a nice time.

Yeah, we did, thanks, said Martin.

It’s certainly been a lovely sunny morning for going horse riding, Miss Veronica.

She replied, Yes, indeed it has. I think the early start helped.

Perhaps?

Manfred had been thinking about Caroline’s missing magic key. Changing the subject he said, Er, Mr Ivan. Is Katarina back yet?

The butler replied, Er, yes. I believe she returned to the castle about a quarter of an hour ago, Master Manfred.

Gut, gut, said Veronica, who was pleased by the news.

Caroline said, Perhaps she might know where my missing key is?

The butler replied, Indeed, she might, Miss.

We can go and ask her? suggested Manfred.

Gut idea, said his sister. Has she returned to work yet, Mr Ivan?

The butler looked at his watch, and said, Er, Katarina is not officially on duty till midday, Miss Veronica.

Oh, that’s a pity.

However, if you want to see her, you might find her in the kitchen.

Thank you, Mr Ivan.

Frau Nagy was in the castle kitchen making some bread, when she heard the sound of children’s voices approaching. Behind her, Eva the scullery maid was peeling some potatoes.

Looking up, the cook said, I thought I heard the patter of feet, heading in this direction.

Good morning, Frau Nagy, said Veronica.

Good morning. Did you children have a good time horse riding?

Ja, it was wunderbar.

The boys had sat down on the chairs at the table.

My legs really ache now, said Martin.

Manfred added, Ja, zo do mine.

Caroline said, My thighs and back really aches.

Veronica laughed, and said, I thought you were the fit one, Caroline.

I am! But not when it comes to horse riding.

Veronica added, When you ride a horse, you use muscles you don’t normally use.

That’s true.

It’s called exercise.

Oh, I do a lot of that. It’s called running.

Any chance of a glass of water? asked Martin.

His sister added, I’d also like some, if that’s possible?

Eva, said the cook, loudly. Can you get four glasses of water for the children?

The scullery maid replied, Yes, Frau Nagy.

She then organised the drinks.

Caroline, meanwhile, was watching what the cook was doing.

She asked, What are you making, Frau Nagy?

The cook replied, I’m making some bread.

Is it hard making bread?

The cooked looked at her, and then laughed. She said, I can tell they don’t teach you cookery lessons in school.

Caroline thought about it. They don’t, she replied, shaking her head.

She also knew her mother bought the family bread in Tesco, as she didn’t have time to make it herself.

Frau Nagy, said Manfred, interrupting them. Mr Ivan said Katarina is back from her two half days off. Is that right?

The cook replied, It is indeed, Master Manfred.

Is she here? asked Martin, looking around.

I think she is just getting changed into her uniform.

Oh, right, replied the boy, in his gormless way.

The cook added, But she’s not due to start work till midday, zo you might have to wait a bit.

Just then, Katarina walked into the room.

The cook looked up and saw her standing there.

Surprised, she said, Good Lord! Talk of the devil.

The maid replied, Good morning, Frau Nagy.

The cook looked across at the grandfather clock. Katarina, she replied. You’re not due here for another hour,

Well, said the maid. Seeing as I’ve nothing else to do, best I get stuck in.

Did you enjoy your time off?

Yes, thank you

How was Budapest?

The same as it always is.

And your mother?

The maid replied, She is much better, thanks.

Oh good! I am pleased, said the cook.

Katarina was watching the children.

She said, You all appear to be looking at me. Can I help you, Miss Veronica?

The girl replied, As a matter of fact, I hope you can.

There was a moment of silence.

Frau Nagy stopped making her dough and looked at Veronica.

Well, get on with it girl, ask her, said the cook, while wiping her hands on a tea towel.

Veronica cleared her throat. Katarina, she said. My friend Caroline has lost her front door key. We wondered if you might have seen it, or even might have it.

The maid quickly thought about it, and then said, No, I haven’t seen it, Miss. Well, not that I know of.

Oh dear, replied the girl. What a pity!

The children looked at each other in their strange way.

When did she last have it? asked the maid.

Yesterday morning, said Veronica.

She added, It was on my dressing table, alongside my own key.

The maid was wracking her brain.

She said, Didn’t I come up to your room, Miss, when you children were all in the long cupboard in Master Manfred’s upper bedroom?

You did, said Veronica, nodding.

She added, You were carrying some laundry and left it on one of the beds.

The maid replied, You are right, Miss, I did.

We then departed, as we were going to the farm.

Yes, I remember now. You were talking about elephants and trunks. Well, something like that. It got a bit confusing.

When you were in my room, do you remember picking up the keys, which were on my dressing room table, by any chance?

The maid went bright red. Erm, well, on reflection, Miss, I think I did pick up some keys. It’s normal, Miss, to put any key left unattended back on the key rack in the servant’s kitchen.

Yes, I am aware of this, Katarina, replied Veronica. What I am trying to establish is, what happened to Caroline’s key.

Erm, sorry to be a bit vague, Miss.

It’s quite all right, Katarina.

I was just doing my job.

Indeed

Veronica added, You said you picked up the keys. Can you remember where you put them? For example, were they in your hand, or perhaps you put them in your pocket?

No, Miss. I put them on the silver tray; I had been carrying the laundry on.

The girls looked at each other in their girlie way.

Zo, said Veronica. "We’ve now established that you did take the keys from my dressing room table."

Er, yes, Miss, replied the maid, who quickly added, I’m sorry if I wasn’t meant to.

It’s quite all right, Katarina. This is not a Spanish inquisition. I just need to locate Caroline’s front door key.

If I remember correctly, I think the two keys looked much the same. I didn’t study ’em close, mind.

Caroline breathed a sigh of relief, on that point.

Zo, said Veronica. You put the keys on the silver tray. What did you do next?

The maid replied, I went downstairs, Miss.

Where did you go?

I went to the commander’s bedroom. No wait. That’s not true. I was intending on going there, but first, I went into the dining room.

The dining room?

Yes, Miss. I popped in there for something. Can’t remember what. Anyway, while in the room, I bumped into Marcel. He asked me to help him move some candlesticks.

Candlesticks?

Yes, Miss. He was carrying them to a corner, to polish ’em.

What has this to do with Caroline’s key, Katarina?

I don’t know, Miss. You just asked me what I did. I am trying to tell you.

Fine, fine, well go on…

Frau Nagy stood there listening, intently. She was as intrigued as all the children were.

The maid continued: I had to put the tray down to help Marcel. The next thing I know is, Lady Adriana came into the room, and asked me to follow her into her room, to sort some clothing for her. As a result, I think I left the tray with the keys on, on the dining room table. I don’t know what happened to them after that, as when I remembered the tray, later, I went back for it. Only it had gone. And when I looked in the servant’s quarter, I saw one of the keys on the rack. So I just thought everything was in order, Miss. Did I do wrong?

No, no, Katarina. You did nothing wrong, said Veronica. We have at least got the answer to where my key went. What we now have to establish is, what happened to the keys, after you left them on the dining room table?

Well, Sherlock Holmes, said the cook, interrupting them. It looks like your trail’s gone cold, for now.

Not really, Frau Nagy, said Veronica. I’d say it narrows the field down to two people; my mother and the footman.

Neither of whom are here at the castle.

My mother should be in Vienna. Though knowing her, she could be anywhere.

Marcel is in Budapest.

Is he?

Yes, I believe he’s visiting his lady friend and mother.

Oh, I zee, said Veronica.

Is this missing key important, Miss Caroline? asked Katarina.

She replied, Yes, it is. It’s my front door key to our flat in Vienna.

Oh, I zee, said the maid. Do you not have a spare?

Martin coughed a false cough. All the children knew Veronica’s key was ‘the spare key’, but couldn’t say so.

Of course, said Caroline. "My father has one. But this is my key."

The cook said, If you can’t find your key, Miss Caroline, might I suggest you either get a spare key cut from your father’s key, or perhaps change the locks at your flat.

I think I’d prefer to try to find my key first, thanks, Frau Nagy.

It was only a suggestion.

What are you going to do next, Caroline? asked her brother.

She replied, No idea. We’ll have to see how it goes.

I have a suggestion, said Veronica.

Oh, I like suggestions, said her brother.

Let’s go up to my room and think it through.

Caroline got the idea. Standing up, she said, Thank you, Katarina. I’m happy we’ve at least answered a part of this mystery. We just need to work out what happened next.

The maid replied, I’m pleased to have been able to assist you, Miss.

Caroline started to walk away. Martin, she said. We’re in the attic.

The boy looked over from the table, eventually getting her point.

We’re leaving, Manfred, he said.

He replied, Are we?

As Martin walked away, he said, waving at the servants, Bye, Frau Nagy. Bye, Katarina.

Cheeky young thing, said the cook to the maid, after the boys had departed.

CHAPTER 3

The Attic

The children decided to return to the attic. Once they had bounded up the steep stairs, which led up to it, the girls decided to sit on their beds in Veronica’s bedroom; the boys at the table that was in it.

This is turning into a bit of a ‘Whodunit’, Caroline, said her brother.

She replied, Yeah, I suppose it is. To be honest, I hadn’t really thought about it, like that, before.

Fancy Katarina taking our keys? said Manfred.

Is that normal, Veronica? asked Caroline.

She replied, Ja, its normal.

Where’s your key now, Veronica? asked Martin.

It’s in my handbag, hopefully. I put it there last night, after I found it on the servant’s key rack. She went over to it and undid the handbag, then rummaged through it, till she found the key. Here it is, she said, taking it out.

Don’t lose it, said Caroline. Or I won’t get it in the future.

Seeing as you’re here now, how can I possibly lose it?

Well, you could, said Martin. Then you might find it again.

His sister replied, Let’s not go down that line.

Zo, vhat are we going to do? asked Manfred.

Dunno, said Caroline.

Veronica said, I suggest ve go to Budapest.

We discussed that earlier, and you know my feelings.

"Yes, I know you vant to go to the lake. And I know vhy you want to go there. The thing is, if ve don’t go to Budapest today, ve will lose the opportunity to go to the spa. And I did zo want to take you there. It might, also, take our mind off this wretched key business."

Well, said Caroline, pausing to think about it. If you put it like that, then maybe we can go?

Caroline, said her brother. I thought you said that if we went away from the castle, we might disappear into a puff of thin air?

The girl looked at her brother. She replied, I was joking, Martin. But if I do disappear, so will you.

I might like it.

She twitched her nose, and stuck her tongue out at him.

The boy returned the gesture.

Oh, it is tongue sandwiches time, Manfred, said his sister, delightedly. I do zo love this moment.

The Hartley children stuck their tongues, and funny faces, in her direction.

Veronica, who was a bit of a snob, this time, surprised them. She stuck her tongue out at them.

A room full of laughter followed.

Veronica went to her wardrobe and opened it. If ve are to go to Budapest, she said. Ve will need to take a small travel suitcase, to put our swimming costumes and towels in.

I haven’t got a swimming costume, said Martin.

You can borrow one of Manfred’s? suggested Caroline.

But the one he has looks so stupid.

In that case, you should definitely wear it. Then it’ll be ‘stupid’ on ‘stupid’.

Ha, ha!

Caroline, said Veronica. You can borrow one of mine.

The girl thought about it, and then said, I hope it’s not the one you once showed me?

It is.

Humph, said her friend, negatively.

Neither English child was particularly keen on wearing the swimming costumes of the period. They had seen them on swimmers in Trieste. Both had thought the designs looked awful.

Caroline, said her brother, smiling sweetly. We can look stupid together.

She replied, You speak for yourself, sunshine.

Don’t worry! It’ll be fun, said Veronica.

Caroline responded, Let’s hope so!

She added, To be honest, Veronica. I don’t like making a prat of myself, dressed in one of your swimming costumes.

A prat?

It means an idiot.

Veronica laughed.

Vell, she said. I vill wear one, zo ve can be prats together.

Martin decided to change the subject. How are we going to get to Budapest?

That’s easy, said Manfred. Ve take the train.

Martin looked at Veronica.

He’s right, she said, nodding. If you like, ve can get the one that departs at 12.28.

What time is it now? asked Caroline.

Veronica looked at her watch. It’s 11.15, zo we have a bit of time.

I’m already ready, said Martin, smiling.

Veronica added, I think you need to try on Manfred’s spare swimming costume, first.

Do I have to?

I’ll leave it up to you, Martin, she said, walking over to the attic stairway door.

Standing by it, she said, However, before we do anything, I need to powder my nose.

Caroline replied, Oh, that’s a good idea.

In the castle hallway, the girls bumped into the butler.

Ah, Mr Ivan, just the man, said Veronica.

He replied, How can I help you, Miss?

There’s been a change of plan.

How do you mean?

We are going to Budapest.

Budapest?

Yes. We have decided to go to the spa this afternoon. We will be back, later this evening.

Oh! That sounds, er, very alternative, Miss.

It is, said Caroline.

The butler asked, What time are you leaving?

Veronica replied, In about half an hour.

But, er, what about lunch?

Could you ask Frau Nagy to let us have something for the train journey, instead, Mr Ivan?

He replied, As you wish, Miss Veronica.

Just after midday, the children departed the castle. On this particular occasion, they had opted to walk down to the station, as opposed to taking a horse and carriage. Veronica and Manfred each carried a picnic hamper, which Frau Nagy had given them, so that they could eat their lunch on the train. Caroline and Martin each carried a small travel case, which had everyone’s swimming costumes and towels in.

As the children walked down the road, towards the railway station, they chatted.

The boys were walking behind the girls.

Do you think I will disappear into a puff of smoke? asked Martin.

Manfred laughed. You might do, he said. But somehow, I doubt it.

What makes you say that?

Because you only disappear into thin air at the castle, vhen the magic beam arrives.

Yeah, that’s true.

The girls were also chatting.

What’s Budapest like? asked Caroline.

Quite nice, replied Veronica, who added, I go shopping there with my mother twice a year. We go to visit Great Aunt Sophie sometimes.

Oh, right

There’s a nice shopping street we could visit.

I thought we were going to a spa?

We are.

Is it a big or small spa?

It’s pretty big. It’s indoor and outdoor. Sort of Roman style.

Oh, that sounds interesting. Do we all dress up like Romans, when we go bathing there?

Some people do.

Really?

No, I’m joking.

CHAPTER 4

The Budapest Express

At Straussburg railway station, Veronica led her friends and brother into the ticket office. The stationmaster was serving a customer behind the ticket counter.

Whilst the children stood behind the woman, who was getting a ticket, Veronica turned to her brother, and said, You boys may as well wait outside.

He replied, Yes, all right.

Once the woman had been served, Veronica stepped forward to the ticket counter.

My, this is a pleasant surprise, said the stationmaster, on seeing her. Good afternoon, Miss Strauss.

She replied, Good afternoon, Mr Prednosta.

Lovely day

Yes, isn’t it?

How can I help you?

We’d like four first class return tickets, for children, to Budapest, please. We shall be coming back this evening.

Are you getting the 12.28, Miss?

Hopefully

Just a moment

The conversation was brief, as the stationmaster could see a local family standing behind Veronica, who also wanted serving.

Outside the railway station, a boy pulled up on a bicycle.

Hi, L’ubor, said Manfred.

He replied, Hi, Manfred.

You remember, L’ubor, Martin?

The boy responded, Sure. He was at the garden party, the other week.

Yes, that’s right.

Martin was thinking. He said, Isn’t he the one who gave you Veronica’s magic key?

Manfred replied, Ja that is correct. He did.

L’ubor ignored the comment. Where are you going? he asked.

Manfred replied, To the spa in Budapest.

Oh, that sounds fun.

Hopefully

Martin was aware that the boy knew something about his sister’s magic key. But right now, he didn’t know what.

L’ubor, he said. Can I ask you something?

The boy replied, Sure.

We’ve lost Caroline’s magic key. I don’t know what you might know about it, but, if we don’t find it, will we disappear into a puff of smoke?

The boys laughed.

L’ubor looked at them. Have you really lost the key? he asked.

Yes, said Manfred. Caroline and Veronica lost their keys yesterday. My sister found hers. But we are waiting to speak to one of the servant’s, tomorrow afternoon, about Caroline’s missing key.

Oh, I zee.

Just then, the girls joined the boys outside.

Oh hi, L’ubor, said Veronica.

The boy replied, Hi, Miss Veronica.

Did you get the tickets? asked Manfred to his sister.

Yes, of course, she replied. Otherwise, how else might we get to Budapest?

We could take a horse and carriage.

Well, you can. I wish to go to the spa this afternoon, not tomorrow afternoon.

Manfred turned to Martin, and said, She’s in a funny mood.

Caroline, said Martin. Manfred has just told L’ubor about your missing key.

His sister was surprised to hear this comment.

She said, "Why would you want to tell him about it?"

Because, said her brother. It was L’ubor who gave it to Manfred, originally.

The children looked at the boy.

Really? said Caroline, giving him one of her puzzled looks.

Martin then said, I was just asking him if we might disappear into thin air, if we don’t find it.

How would he know that? asked Veronica.

I’m not sure? said Caroline, eying him suspiciously.

Will they? asked Veronica.

The boy said nothing and smiled.

Just then, a loud whistle blew from the approaching steam train.

You can answer the question, said Caroline to the boy.

He replied, You might. But then again, you might not.

Humm! That’s not a very helpful answer, L’ubor.

Look, to be honest, I am not really sure.

Caroline realised, she wasn’t getting anywhere.

She said, L’ubor, we need to get the train. We’ll speak about this another time.

The boy replied, Yes, all right.

Once the steam train had pulled up, the children jumped on. They waved to L’ubor, who stood there watching them. The stationmaster stood on the platform, near the boy. He waved his red flag to the engine driver, who waved back. The big wheels under the engine geared up, smoke went everywhere. Slowly, the steam train departed the station. L’ubor waved at his friends, who waved back. The train headed around the bend, through the wood, and onwards, towards Budapest.

In the train carriage, having settled into her seat, Caroline said, That was a funny meeting with your friend, Manfred.

The boy replied, Ja, I know it vas.

Does he know something we don’t?

Like what? asked Martin.

Like, I don’t know?

He didn’t know the answer to your missing magic key, said Veronica.

Martin replied, I thought he said he did know if we might disappear or not.

No, said Manfred, He said you might, but then again, you might not disappear.

Caroline was curious: Who is this L’ubor?

Veronica replied, He is the son of the builder, who built my father’s castle.

He’s a strange character.

Maybe that’s because he’s adopted.

Is he?

He’s my best friend, said Manfred.

So is Martin, said Caroline.

My friends aren’t strange.

Well, Manfred. Martin – like me – comes from the future. So perhaps, he might be?

I’m not strange, said the boy, annoyed.

I never said you were.

You did.

He stuck his tongue out at her.

His sister did likewise.

Oh, it’s tongue sandwich time again, joked Veronica, who loved this moment, when her friends squabbled.

Veronica, said Caroline. For all we know, the cook might have prepared tongue sandwiches. Then what will you do?

She might have, but hopefully not, as I don’t like them.

They all laughed.

Veronica stood up. Actually, she said. Ve may as well have lunch now.

Caroline replied, That seems like a good idea. As I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.

Martin held his hand out: Nice to meet you, Starving.

They shook hands, with his sister replying, You too.

Veronica added, I must admit I am as well, after our early start.

I think it was a bit too early, Veronica. I could have done with a longer sleep.

You went to bed early last night.

Even so, said Caroline, smiling. "I am not a