The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor by Eva Frantz

Author:Eva Frantz [Frantz, Eva]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pushkin Children's Books
Published: 2023-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

The librarian refused to lend the book to Flora.

‘You can’t borrow a book without a library card, there’s no way.’

‘But, Hilde,’ Petra piped up from the round table, ‘can’t I borrow it then? I have a card.’

Flora expected Hilde to tell Petra to be quiet in the library, but instead she answered just as loudly.

‘No, you can’t. You can only borrow books for yourself.’

‘But I could always read it here in the library, couldn’t I?’ said Flora.

‘Yes of course, but you’ll have to come back tomorrow. We close at three today, which is ten minutes from now.’

Flora felt like roaring in frustration. She had barely had a chance to flick through the book and she was desperate to study all the photographs, drawings and descriptions that were hiding inside that green jacket.

Hilde glanced at her.

‘Why so much interest in the history of the glassworks, then?’

‘No reason,’ muttered Flora.

Hilde nodded.

‘I have an idea: I’ll keep the book here so that no one else can borrow it. That way it will be waiting for you when you come back. How does that sound?’

It would have to do. Flora cast one last longing glance at the book, then put on her scarf and buttoned her jacket.

‘Goodbye, Flora,’ Petra, Anneli and Matilda all said in unison before leaving the library, chattering away happily.

‘Bye.’

It was only when Flora was out on the street again that she realized she had pocketed the wise man. She had done it without thinking. It meant she had basically stolen something from the library, but there was nothing she could do about it now. Hilde had just locked the door behind her.

Besides, surely the wise man wanted to come home, to join his friends on the bookshelf…

‘Hello, Flora! Have you been in the library?’

Flora was snapped out of her thoughts by the appearance of Ann-Britt.

‘Yes, but they had to close.’

‘I’m going to the city hall for a council meeting soon. I suspect that a certain mayor is going to make a passionate plea in favour of the plan to build a certain hotel…’

Ann-Britt looked bitter and Flora sighed.

That stupid hotel. If it weren’t for Dagmar Marton’s terrible plans, searching for the treasure would be nothing more than an exciting adventure.

‘Come along to the town hall if you have time,’ said Ann-Britt.

‘To the council meeting?’

‘No,’ Ann-Britt said with a chuckle, ‘but there is something I’d like to show you.’

‘OK.’

The town hall was right next to the bus stop, so it wasn’t far to walk.

‘So, how’s your mother?’ Ann-Britt asked.

‘Good. She’s writing.’

‘She’s an incredible writer. Everyone should read her books.’

‘Mm.’

Ann-Britt opened the door to the town hall and looked at her wristwatch.

‘Ten minutes to the meeting, we’ve got time.’

They went up a flight of stairs and ended up in an oblong room with several doors. Flora looked around, confused. There was hardly anything there.

‘Allow me to introduce,’ Ann-Britt said solemnly, ‘the founder of Helmersbruk, factory director Helmer von Hiems.’

Flora looked up at a portrait hanging on the wall. An old man in a white wig stared back at her.

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