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contributed to her mother’s actions because grown-ups are so very complicated.
    Sloane was sorely tempted to tear it up right then and there, but something made her stop. Instead she put the letter in her top dresser drawer and wondered if she would hear from her again. And like clockwork, the following week another letter arrived. This one described the end-of-term activities and how well Sep was doing and that it was so lovely for Lucas to have such a good friend, seeing that he’d had rather a rough trot the past few years. She asked how Sloane was settling into her new school and if she was enjoying her life in the sun.
    Sloane’s nosey mother had missed seeing the first letter. Her father had picked up the mail that day, which was just as well. Sloane didn’t feel like being subjected to the Spanish Inquisition from her mother about why the little princess was writing to her. She’d successfully intercepted the second letter and now there was a third. Sloane slid off the sun lounge and sloped off into the garden.
    â€˜Where are you going, Sloane?’ September demanded. ‘Can you pop inside and get Mummy some corn chips and dip? I’m a bit peckish.’
    Sloane ignored her mother and headed to the front steps of the villa. She would be safe there, seeing as just after they moved in September had seen a giant skink and run off screaming to the back of the house. Sloane told her mother that Spanish skinks were deadly (which of course they’re not) and that they only lived out the front of the house, closest to the ocean, hence her mother had steadfastly refused to go anywhere near the beach and spent her days reclining by the pool out the back.
    â€˜So what news do you have for me this time, little girl?’ Sloane murmured while she slid her finger under the flap of the envelope. She then read the letter aloud.
    Dear Sloane,
    I hope that you are very well and enjoying life in Spain. It’s the final week of term and Miss Grimm has arranged a whole school working bee at Miss Hephzibah’s. The boys at Fayle are joining us and afterwards there is a huge picnic planned. As you can imagine, Mrs Smith has been cooking non-stop. She told me she’s making apple tarts and strawberry sponge cake and chocolate torte and that was just for starters.
    Sloane’s stomach grumbled. If there was one thing she did miss about her old school it was the delicious morning and afternoon teas.
    Miss Hephzibah’s house is coming along beautifully too. Daddy sent our builders over and they’ve already fixed the roof and I know Miss Hephzibah and your granny, Henrietta, have been making plans to turn part of the house into a training college for teachers. Miss Grimm and Professor Winterbottom are busy working out the curriculum and having interviews for new staff. And I can’t wait until the end of the week because we’re being whisked off to a secret location for Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Lawrence’s wedding. Sep is coming too, but I suppose you knew that already because Mummy would have had to check with your mother and father about him going. I’ve been asked to be a flower girl, which is terribly exciting. My dress is the most gorgeous shell-pink. I promise to send some photographs. If you have a spare minute I would love to hear your news.
    With all best wishes,
    Alice-Miranda
    Sloane tucked the letter back into the envelope.
    â€˜As if I’d want to see your stupid photographs.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘And don’t expect to get any news from me anytime soon, you little twit.’
    But reading the letter gave Sloane a niggly twinge in her stomach. Her new school, though well-equipped, was not the same as Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale with its amazing facilities and clever teachers. She had no ear for languages and, truth be told, Sloane was finding it awfully hard to make any friends.
    Her thoughts were interrupted by an ear- piercing scream coming