Free Jade and the Surprise Party by Darcey Bussell Page B

year.”
    “Exactly,” said Lila. “And because it
is
a leap year this year, we decided we should celebrate it properly. We’re going to give him a lovely big party!”
    “Cool!” said Jade.
    “But,”
said Lila, looking behind her to check he hadn’t returned, “it’s a surprise. He has no idea!”
    Jade smiled. So that was what was going on! “He told me that people keep whispering in little groups and then breaking up as soon as he appears,” she said.
    Lila’s eyes twinkled. “I do hope he doesn’t suspect anything because it’s going to be wonderful. Practically the whole of Enchantia will be there. And there’ll be live music and every kind of dancing, as well as delicious things to eat and drink. At the moment he just thinks he’s meeting a few close friends for tea at five o’clock at Little Red Riding Hood’s cottage, but when he gets there he’ll find a carriage that will whisk him away to the Marshmallow Palace in the Land of Sweets.”
    Jade felt excitement building up inside her at the thought of such a brilliant plan.
    “I’m so glad the shoes brought you here to Enchantia,” went on Lila, “because it’s practically impossible to get everything prepared for a five o’clock start, without the White Cat finding out. I was wondering whether you could help us.”
    “Of course!” said Jade. “What can I do?”

    “Well, could you distract the White Cat somehow?” Lila frowned in concentration, then broke into a smile. “I know! Ask him to show you his favourite old haunts. That’ll take him well out of the way!”
    Jade nodded. “No problem!”
    “Try not to get back until just before five!” added the Lilac Fairy, her face suddenly taking on an anxious look.

    “Don’t worry, I’ll keep him busy!” said Jade, brightly. But she noticed that Lilastill seemed very anxious. “Is… anything the matter?”
    Lila sighed. “It’s silly, but I just keep worrying that something might go wrong.”
    “Like what?” asked Jade, puzzled.
    “Like King Rat or one of the other wicked characters of Enchantia trying to ruin the party.”
    Jade shivered. She’d met King Rat before and knew just how horrid he could be. “He hates dancing, doesn’t he?” she said quietly.
    Lila nodded, looking upset. So Jade tried to cheer her up. “Look, I’m sureeverything will be just fine. And the White Cat is going to be over the moon.” Then suddenly she remembered something. “You know, I saw a tiny little flash earlier on. And the White Cat says he’s seen loads, but no one else seems to know anything about them!”
    Lila laughed her light, tinkly laugh. “They’re camera flashes. We’ve hired a photographer called Bettina. I only met her a few days ago, but she’s kindly offered to build up a collection of photos so we can show a photo collage to music on a big screen at the White Cat’s party.” Lila waved to someone behind Jade.

    “Ah, here she is now!”
    As the lady came closer Lila said, “Bettina, this is Jade. She’s going to help distract the White Cat, whilst the preparations for his party are going on.”
    Bettina nodded at Jade. “Pleased to meet you.” She turned to Lila. “And where is the White Cat right now?”
    “Rescuing a gingerbread child stuck up a tree!” answered Lila. “At least…”
    She was going to explain how this was a bit of a trick, but Bettina was already hurrying off, mumbling about a photo opportunity.
    Jade smiled to herself. What a fun visit to Enchantia this was turning out to be. She’d thought at first she’d have to help solve a problem, but all she had to do was explore the place with her friend. Bliss!

“Oh, my shimmering whiskers! It’s a while since I’ve been this way.” The White Cat was leaping and bounding along the little path that led to Buttercup Valley.
    Jade was hurrying behind trying herbest to keep up with him.
    “You’re going to love the valley, Jade!” he said, jumping effortlessly on to a boulder at the