After a very long time spent in the garden, the children decided it was time to head up. 'Let's watch a movie,' Mary suggested, 'Jumanji?'
'Do we need to answer?' Colin laughed.
'No.' Mary replied giggling, already turning on the flatscreen TV that was mounted against the wall. The boys jumped on the sofa next to her and the movie began.
Halfway through the movie there was a knock on the door. 'Go away! We're busy!' Dickon shouted, pausing the film.
'Well that's no way to welcome an old friend!' Ben Weatherstaff cried, flinging open the door.
'Ben!' Mary screamed, jumping up to hug him. 'What are you doing here?'
'Just dropping by.' Ben laughed, enveloping Mary in a bear hug.
Ben Weatherstaff was Misselthwaite Manor's retired gardener, a tall, gruff man who had pulled many weeds in his lifetime. Despite his sultry appearance, Ben's ice blue eyes that stared beneath a mop of white hair, could sparkle like the sun on the sea, and his thin frown could turn into a beaming grin. He had a loud, booming voice and his entrances were nearly always paired with a massive hug.
'Ben!' shrieked the boys, pausing the film and leaping into his outstretched arms.
'Boys!' cried Ben, 'How are you all doing? My golly, look at how you've grown!'
'But seriously what are you doing here? I thought you went back to Devon to spend time with your family?' Mary smiled, nestling into his chest as if he were her father.
Ben had always been a father figure to Mary; her parents had died when she was very young, and she didn't have anyone like Ben in her life. He was like the father she never had - caring, warm and humorous. The only memories Mary had of her real father were never that affectionate, she remembered him being away with his military friends and never glancing twice at his daughter. But Ben was the perfect substitute.
'Ah well, you know I couldn't stay away for Misselthwaite for too long.' Ben chuckled. 'It's such a special place - with such special people.' He winked. 'And I've brought some visitors...'
A small, pale face with a mop of straw yellow hair appeared around the corner. His ice blue eyes peered above a thin frown as he eyed the children suspiciously.
'Tommy you're nearly 14 and you're still scared of strangers.' came a voice from around the corner. 'Hey, I'm Robin.'
