‘Then you could look at all her books. I’m sure she’d let you borrow some yourself,’ I said. ‘No, I’ve got things to do, party games to plan,’ said Harley. I turned to Jodie and started begging her in turn. ‘No way. I wouldn’t even if you’d asked me first. I’ve got things to do too,’ she said huffily. ‘Go on. You go. You’re the one she wants to see.’ I nudged up close to Jodie. ‘I’m scared,’ I whispered in her ear. ‘Look, you’re eleven now,’ she said. ‘Don’t be such a baby.’ I thought about taking one of the little ones, but Miss Ponsonby said they all had to go with her. I was on my own. I fetched the copy of The Secret Garden. I’d enjoyed it so much I’d read it all over again. Jodie had flicked through it, keen to pick up any gardening tips to impress Jed. She tossed it to one side after twenty minutes, wrinkling her nose. ‘I can’t think what you see in it, Pearl. It’s written all weird and old-fashioned and it’s such a waste.
