Clementine Rose and the Perfect Present 3 Read Online Free Page B

now standing at the counter packing them into his grocery bag.
    ‘Are you all right, Digby?’ Mrs Mogg noticed that his face had turned a rather horrible shade of grey and he seemed to be sweating.
    ‘Yes, it’s just a bit warm in here.’ He removed his scarf and used it to mop his brow.
    ‘Well, take care of yourself. The last thing Lady Clarissa needs is you getting sick. And tell her I’ll be there first thing in the morning to help. Clyde can look after this place for the day.’ She was referring to her husband, who preferred watching television to serving in the shop.
    Clementine heard Uncle Digby and Mrs Mogg talking and hurried back to them.
    ‘Did you see anything you liked, Clemmie?’ the old woman asked.
    Clementine shrugged.
    ‘Are you sad about that party?’ Mrs Mogg whispered as she leaned forward on the counter.
    ‘A little bit,’ Clementine replied.
    ‘Never mind, sweetheart. We can’t all go to everything. And no one else is having a wedding at their home this weekend, are they?’
    Clementine smiled. ‘No, that’s true. And I do like the red material with the spots.’
    ‘Ah, that’s my girl. I thought you might like that one. Goodbye dear.’ Mrs Mogg turned to Uncle Digby. ‘And take care of yourself.’
    The old man nodded. ‘See you tomorrow, Margaret.’

Clementine, Lavender and Digby Pertwhistle walked up the front driveway just as a black station wagon reversed into one of the parking spaces.
    ‘Looks like some of the guests have arrived early,’ Uncle Digby said with a worried look. He had struggled to keep up with Clementine and Lavender on the way home and was feeling far worse than earlier. He was cross with himself for getting sick, and today of all days.
    Clementine ran ahead and greeted the dark-haired man who hopped out of the car. ‘Hello. Are you here for the wedding?’
    ‘Yes. My brother’s the groom. Are you here for the wedding too?’ he asked, wondering if the child was a friend of the bride’s family.
    ‘No, I live here with Mummy and Uncle Digby and Lavender.’ She motioned towards the pig, which was snuffling about beside her.
    ‘Oh, you’re a lucky girl then,’ the man replied.
    ‘Except when it rains,’ Clementine said.
    The man looked at her curiously. ‘I don’t quite follow.’
    Clementine remembered that her mother had told her to stop telling the guests about the leaking roof so she changed the subject. ‘It doesn’t matter. Are you on your own?’
    ‘No, my wife and children are upstairs getting settled. They’ll be thrilled to meet you. And you –’ He bent down to give Lavender a scratch. ‘I don’t think the children have ever seen a pet pig before.’
    ‘She’s a teacup,’ Clementine said. ‘Well, she’s a lot bigger than that now.’
    ‘Hello there.’ Uncle Digby puffed as he caught up. ‘Welcome to Penberthy House. I’m Digby Pertwhistle.’
    Just as Uncle Digby said his name, he let out a gasp of air and collapsed to the ground, scattering the groceries all over the place.
    ‘Uncle Digby!’ Clementine shouted.
    The guest swung into action. ‘Run and tell your mother to phone for an ambulance.’
    Clementine’s face crumpled.
    ‘Don’t worry. I’m a doctor.’ He smiled at her kindly and then turned his attention to Uncle Digby, who looked as if he was asleep.
    Clementine raced up the front steps and into the house. ‘Mummy, Mummy,’ she called as she ran into the kitchen. Her mother was stirring something on the stove.
    Lady Clarissa turned around. ‘What is it, Clemmie?’
    Clementine’s words spilled out in a panicky rush. ‘It’s Uncle Digby. He’s fallen down outside and the man said you need to get an ambulance.’ Her mother raced to the telephone and dialled the emergency number. She gave the house’s name and address and ran to the front door.
    Digby Pertwhistle didn’t remember falling over. But now when he tried to lift his head, the whole world seemed to be spinning.
    ‘Mr Pertwhistle you