Rosalie is a fifteen-year-old girl from Camden, Maine, who is a dreamer and a daring adventurer. When given the opportunity to seize the moment to go on an expedition up the great Mount Megunticook to explore the mysterious Victorian house, she cannot resist. Once inside the house, she finds it holds a magical mystery: one that only her bravery and confidence can solve.

The House of Wonder

By Sharon Ross-Legasey

Trafford Publishing

Copyright © 2012 Sharon Ross-Legasey
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4669-6755-7

Contents

Chapter One: That's Interesting........................1Chapter Two: The Journey Begins........................5Chapter Three: Check It Out............................11Chapter Four: Surprises................................17Chapter Five: A Special Meeting........................25Chapter Six: The Answer................................37Chapter Seven: The Devastating Day.....................41Chapter Eight: Mother Responds.........................47Chapter Nine: Special Moments..........................51Chapter Ten: Hoping....................................55Chapter Eleven: Reminiscing............................61

Chapter One

That's Interesting....

The birds chirping loudly in the woods surrounding her house woke Rosalie early that October morning. The cool breeze blowing through her bedroom window made her shiver. Tossing the blankets to one side, she slipped out of her warm bed and walked to the window. As she looked out, her attention was drawn to a road where the sun twinkled more brightly than ever through the leaves. At first glance, it seemed that the road was wider. She rubbed her tired, brown eyes and took another look. "It must be just an illusion. I've walked that road before," she thought. Then she noticed sitting on one of the small branches of a golden maple tree, proudly perched, a sweetly singing robin redbreast. Caught by its magic, she walked away, still curious about the road.

Sheriff, her golden retriever watched as she grabbed her robe off the hook on the door and followed her to the kitchen. Slipping her arm into one of the armholes, she read a note attached to the refrigerator with a bird magnet:

"Good morning Rosa lie. Thought we would get an early start. Dad and I will be back around 3:00 with Grandfather. We made you a pot of hot chocolate and apple muffins. Have fu n today.

Love, Mom & Dad,

Reaching into the cupboard, she took out her favorite mug, poured the hot chocolate into it, and added a little cream. As she took her first sip, the robin redbreast started singing again. To get a closer look, she opened the door to the porch and stepped out. Sheriff followed her out the door. Glancing up at the mountain, she noticed the shroud of clouds surrounding the Victorian House dissipated early that day. The Victorian House looked more brilliant than she had ever seen it. Against the gray mountains, it seemed to stand straighter and taller than the Buckingham Palace guards. Rosalie thought maybe it was because the mountain covered with maple, elm, birch, and various pine trees seemed to be dressed so beautifully that morning. Their brightly colored, reds, yellows, burnt orange, and various shades of green, seemed to dance as the wind gently blew their autumn leaves. They gave the impression of a soft blanket being laid out on the mountain. Like a velvet cloth draped over a table. Bewitched by these sights, Rosalie declared, "I know what I'll do today. I'm going up there. I am going to knock on the front door of that Victorian House," she determined.

Chapter Two

The Journey Begins

An hour later, showered and dressed in her favorite safari shorts, green top, and Nike sneakers, Rosalie, picked up her brand new learner's permit, and the keys to the old jeep to begin a day of adventure. Sheriff followed her to the door. Bending down and scratching his ear she spoke sweetly, "No Sheriff, you are staying home this time." She tossed him a cookie and closed the front door. The journey began with a visit from the robin redbreast on the hood of the jeep. When she opened the door to climb in, he began singing a most joyous tune as he flew to a nearby maple tree at the beginning of the road. Rosalie wondered as she pulled her long brown hair into a pony tail, and finally asked out loud, "Is this a coincidence, or are you planning to show me the road to take up the mountain?" The robin redbreast answered with a quirk of his neck and a sweet whistle tune.

"Okay then Robin. Show me the way," she said sliding into the seat behind the wheel.

The robin redbreast flew to a nearby golden maple and perched on a branch, appearing to be waiting for her. As the jeep reached him, he flew to the next maple tree. He continued to lead Rosalie by flying from one maple tree, to a white birch, to another maple and so on as they traveled up the winding, rocky, dirt road. Just as they rounded a bend in the road, Rosalie could see that a very old weeping willow tree covered the road.

"Well Robin, I guess this is the end of the line," she said, sounding disappointed. Suddenly, the branches turned, parting from each other, creating a new road for her to follow. The robin redbreast flew between the branches and perched on a mountain laurel further up the road.

"Wow. I can't believe that just happened!" Rosalie exclaimed as she continued to drive. After a short distance, she noticed all the trees appearing to be clapping as she drove by them. "Oh my goodness, the trees are clapping, just like they have hands!" she declared with a giggle. "They must be `Isaiah's trees', the ones Mom told me about!" she declared in amazement as she passed by.

Suddenly, a crisp cool breeze blew over her face, sending a chill down her spine. Rosalie shivered, but her attention was drawn to the sound of water falling. As she traveled a little further she saw hidden behind some maple trees, a beautiful waterfall, cascading over the edge of the mountain. Finally the leaves parted and the sun's brilliant rays shined through them. She watched as Robin flew between the branches and into the sunlight, perch on a spruce tree for a minute, whistle a sweet tune, and fly away; leaving her to finish the journey.

Realizing her dream was about to come true, Rosalie anxiously stepped harder on the gas pedal and traveled the last minute over the bumpy road. As she approached the property, she noted the careful attention given to the grounds and landscape. The trees and shrubs were pruned and shaped perfectly. The flower beds were covered with new mulch. All the fencing was placed neatly around what should have been colorful flowers. But the flowers were all missing. Only the stems were in the gardens.

Putting the jeep in park, she stepped out and approached the Victorian House of Wonder. The blue and white paint on the house was fresh, as if it was just finished. "That's weird, missing flowers, wet paint, what else can happen?" Rosalie wondered.

Stopping in front of the house she could see the perfectly painted railings and ornate trimmings around the two levels of the building were evenly spaced. The white architecture and hand carvings around the house, and the bell shaped roofs, accented its magnificence. The two windows in the front of the house were made of colorful stained glass. The other windows shined, mirroring back the mountains. Even the siding was placed on the house in a careful distinct pattern.

The staircase seemed to beckon her to come. Taking a deep breath, she walked up and with a deep sense of satisfaction, knocked on the front door. To her amazement the door creaked open.

Chapter Three

Check It Out....

Thinking someone was holding the door handle on the other side, Rosalie stepped into the foyer and peeked around the door to see her greeter. But no one was there! A little frightened, she stepped back out of the doorway, still holding the handle of the door, and called into the foyer, "Hello! Is anyone...