The Mystery of the Velvet Gown

he’ll think his spot as Number One Family Pet has been usurped.”
    “I suppose you’re right,” Trixie sighed. “This little guy is so cute, though. His nose is so tiny and pink; it looks like an eraser!”
    “So it does,” Miss Darcy laughed. “Actually, Dr. Samet, I was thinking about getting a pet. I was considering a watchdog, because I live alone, but a watch kitten would be cozier.”
    “You’d never have to worry about mice,” Dr. Samet said, “but that’s about as ferocious as any of these little rascals will ever get. Which one would you like?”
    “I’d like the one I’m holding,” Eileen Darcy answered, burying her face in the kitten’s soft fur. Then she smiled at Dr. Samet. “And I think I’ll name him after his ‘nanny’ and call him Sam.”
    “Sam it is, then, Miss...?” The doctor ended on a questioning note.
    “My goodness!” Trixie exclaimed. “We never even introduced you!”
    “There were more important things to worry about when we first arrived, Trixie,” Miss Darcy said kindly. Then she turned to the doctor and introduced herself.
    “So you’re the new drama teacher. I’ve heard about you,” Dr. Samet said. “My niece, Jane Morgan, stops by every day and helps me feed the strays I pick up, and she was telling me about the production you’re putting on.”
    “Jane Morgan is your niece?” Trixie exclaimed. “Why, yes,” Dr. Samet chuckled. “Is that so strange, Trixie, or aren’t veterinarians supposed to have relatives? I’m not related to horses, you know,” he teased. “My younger sister, Mary, is Jane’s mother.”
    “I’m sorry, Dr. Samet,” Trixie stammered. “I just never knew—”
    “You’ll have to excuse Trixie, Dr. Samet,” Brian interrupted. “If she hasn’t heard about something, then it must be something surprising or totally unimportant or mysterious.” He nudged Trixie teasingly.
    “Ah, yes, Trixie. I’ve heard that you seem to have a nose for mystery,” the doctor said, not without admiration.
    “Stronger than the best bloodhound you’ve ever seen,” Brian chuckled.
    “It’s reassuring to know that Sleepyside has its own resident sleuth,” Dr. Samet said.
    Trixie blushed as she handed the little kitten back to Dr. Samet.
    “Would you like to take your kitten with you now, Miss Darcy?” Dr. Samet tactfully turned the attention away from Trixie, sensing that she was embarrassed.
    “I’d rather pick him up tomorrow,” Eileen Darcy answered, “if that would be all right with you, Doctor. Then I could check up on how Reddy is doing, too.”
    “No problem. Just stop by anytime tomorrow afternoon.”
    Trixie and Brian tiptoed into the next room to check on Reddy and found him sleeping peacefully. Then Dr. Samet walked the trio to the door. They all thanked him repeatedly for his help as they bid the doctor good-night.
    “He’s a great guy—and a great veterinarian,” Brian said as they headed toward the car.
    “He certainly is,” Miss Darcy agreed, taking the car keys that Brian handed her. “Thank you so much for driving, Brian.” She smiled at him gratefully. “I’m quite recovered now, I think.” The trio climbed into the car. “I can’t tell you how bad I feel about Reddy,” Eileen Darcy said, starting the engine. “I’d like to apologize to your parents and to your little brother. I hope he isn’t still so awfully upset. I’m sure the whole incident has given him quite a fright.”
    “I talked to him on the phone,” Trixie said, “and he calmed down after hearing that Reddy was going to be all right.”
    They drove the rest of the way to Crabapple Farm in silence. Miss Darcy drove slowly, overly attentive to her driving.
    Trixie, in the backseat again, was dying to ask about the young teacher’s father and the kidnapping, now that her mind was more at ease about Reddy. But she restrained herself, not wanting to upset Miss Darcy any more that evening.
    When they finally reached Crabapple Farm, Mr. and Mrs. Belden, Mart, Honey, and Bobby were all anxiously waiting for them.
    Brian introduced Miss Darcy, who immediately began apologizing for the accident. She insisted upon paying all the veterinarian bills.
    “You’re a bad lady!” Bobby cried, glaring at Eileen Darcy.
    “Bobby!” Peter Belden said sharply. “We talked about this earlier, remember? It was an accident. ” He continued more gently. “You know that you should have gone to bed when you were told to, and you should not