The Tale of Hawthorn House — Susan Wittig Albert

Beatrix Potter's stories have enchanted readers for a century. And now, fans young and old cherish Susan Wittig Albert's Cottage Tales mysteries, starring Miss Potter herself...

Beatrix Potter receives an unexpected--and possibly long-term--visitor in the form of Baby Flora, left in a basket on her doorstep with a note, a sprig of hawthorn, and a scarab ring. No one in Sawrey has recently become a parent, so Captain Miles Woodcock deduces that the child must belong to the band of gypsies camped just outside of town.

But the gypsies deny knowing anything about the child--or the mysterious ring inscribed To R.K, Forever. Further investigation reveals that the ring was pawned and reclaimed in Sawrey by a resident of Hawthorn House. The legendary manor is supposed to be vacant--and is rumored to be haunted. Now, Beatrix and her animal friends are left pondering the possibility of fairy-folk involvement in these utterly puzzling happenings...