The railway children

The railway children

Chapter 1 Change It all began at Peter's birthday party. The servants were just bringing out the birthday cake, when the doorbell clanged sharply.

“ Bother! ” exclaimed Father. “ Who can that be? Start without me everyone. I'll be back in a minute. " Peering into the hallway, Peter saw Father leading two men into his study. “ Who are they, Mother?” asked his sister, Phyllis.

" I don't know, " said Mother, frowning. “ Stay here. I'm going to find out. ” Mother disappeared into the study for ages. “ What's going on?” asked Phyllis. " We'll just have to wait and see, ” replied Bobbie, the eldest.

Mother emerged just as the front door slammed shut. Bobbie saw a carriage and horses driving rapidly away into the night. Mother's face was icy white and her eyes glittered with tears. “ Where's Father?” demanded Peter, running into the empty study.

“ He's gone away. ” Mother was shaking now. Bobbie reached for her hand and held it tight. “ But he hasn't even packed his clothes, " said Phyllis. “ He had to go quickly - on business, " Mother replied.