Jennifer Jane and the Crown Jewels 2/6

Clarence came out of his cave. "Can't a chap get some sleep round here?" he asked. "You're not due for another week yet."

"Special priority run," said Frosty proudly. "I've brought someone to see you."

"Bless my soul," said Clarence, "it's young Thingy again. No don't tell me; let me try and remember. Funny sort of a name... Monica May? no, er Lucinda Lane?"

"Jennifer..." prompted Jennifer Jane helpfully.

"That's not right; it's double barrelled. Oh, I see what you mean, old gel. Jennifer Joan, that's it. How are you, old thing?"

"My name is Jennifer Jane," said Jennifer Jane.

"Oh well, near enough," said Clarence, "now what can I do for you? I expect you want something: you usually do."

Jennifer Jane explained why she had come to see him and asked if it really was him in the drawing.

"Well I'm blowed," said Clarence, "fancy somebody making a drawing about that old story. I'd like to see it sometime if I can."

Jennifer Jane thought a photocopy could be arranged.

"Jolly good show, old thing. It isn't me, of course, much too old. I think it was my grandfather, or was it my great grandfather? I forget but there is a strong family resemblance, so I'm told. I inherited the family treasure and I think I've got the crown from that very occasion."

Jennifer Jane followed him into the cave.

"It's round the back at the bottom of the pile, I think. Yes, here it is, good as new."

"Please can I borrow it to use in Mum's play?" asked Jennifer Jane.

"Yes, of course you can, old gel. Usual terms: failure to return inside one week and I'll come and get it back myself. There's a lot of small print in the contract but don't worry, I trust you."

Jennifer Jane didn't quite understand what he meant but she realised that she could keep the crown for a week before having to return it. It certainly was a work of art. There were spikes all round with glowing jewels in each one and because it was very heavy, the inside was padded and lined with crimson material.

She left the cave with the crown in her hand and walked over to Frosty's cloud. As they left the ground, Clarence shouted, "See you in a week's time, or I'll have to come and get it back myself and you wouldn't enjoy that one little bit."

"Whatever does he mean?" Frosty asked, as the cloud gained height and headed for home.

"I'm not really sure," replied Jennifer Jane, "he said something about small print in the contract but not to worry because he'd come and get the crown back himself. I think I'll ask Lieutenant Moonshine when we get back to the Wish Warehouse."

When they arrived, Lieutenant Moonshine was nowhere to be seen.

"She's just gone on holiday," said one of the fairies when Jennifer Jane asked where she was, "her replacement hasn't turned up yet but we're expecting her tomorrow."

"Oh well, never mind," said Jennifer Jane, "at least I've got the crown in time for Mum's play tonight."

Her parents were having an argument as Jennifer Jane arrived home.

"That's no good; it doesn't even look like a crown. There are no jewels and it's too big for the person playing the king."

Dad was holding a rather ordinary looking metal ring.

"Well, I think a lick of gold paint and some fruit gums glued round the edge will make it look fine. It certainly makes the right noise when you drop it. And it's taken all day to make."

"It's all right Mum," said Jennifer Jane, "I've managed to borrow a proper crown from a friend."

She held it up.

"Gosh," said Dad, "it looks ever so real; much better than the one I've made."

He turned it round in his hands and looked at it carefully. "It can't be gold, there are no hall marks,” he said "but it feels like the real thing and it's just right for the play."

"Thank goodness for that," said Mother, "everything's all right at last. I don't know where you got it, but it's exactly what we want. I'm ever so pleased" and she gave Jennifer Jane a big kiss.

"It has to be returned by next Saturday," said Jennifer Jane.

"That's all right dear, the play is only for two nights, so there's plenty of time to give it back. What amazing friends you do have!"