Carolyn Keene_Nancy Drew Mysteries 059 by The Secret in the Old Lace

Author:The Secret in the Old Lace
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Mystery, Girls & Women, Mystery & Detective, Juvenile Fiction, Girls, Mysteries & Detective Stories, General, Belgium, Mystery Fiction, Drew, Nancy (Fictitious Character), Fiction, Mystery and Detective Stories
ISBN: 9780448436906
Publisher: Penguin
Published: 1980-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

11

Fantastic News

The oncoming boat drew closer. George clicked off her flashlight, waiting for the single occupant to reach the steps.

“When he gets here,” Nancy whispered, “shine your light right in his face. We’ll be able to capture him then!”

The boat, however, stopped some distance away. A man who was carrying a large bundle hopped out and entered another door at the base of the tunnel.

“I guess he lives next door,” Nancy remarked with a giggle.

George also laughed in relief. “I’m glad he wasn’t our ghost after all,” she said and seized the chance to relate Madame Chambray’s story about the stranger at the window.

“I wonder if he and Mr. Ghost are one and the same,” Nancy commented, leading the way back to the kitchen. “We have so much to talk about with Madame Chambray.” She glanced at her watch. “But it’s nearly dinnertime.”

Upstairs the girls found the woman peering into a large kettle on the stove. The aroma of delicate spices filled the air.

“What are you making?” Nancy said. “It smells absolutely delicious.”

“Waterzooi.” The woman smiled. “One of our traditional dishes—poached capon in a light creamy sauce. The rest of the menu is a surprise. And so is the package on your bed, Nancy. Now go up to your room and get ready. My guests will be arriving soon.”

Excitedly the girl dashed upstairs and opened the bundle. Folded carefully inside was a beautiful ecru linen dress trimmed in fine lace!

“Oh, it’s lovely!” the girl detective exclaimed happily.

She held up the dress in front of her and gazed into the full-length mirror in the corner of the room. Around the neckline and fitted cuffs of the long, tight sleeves were ruffles of lace. I wonder if François Lefèvre’s lace cuffs were like these, Nancy said to herself. Then, hearing Madame Chambray come up the stairs, the girl hurried out of her room. “Oh, thank you so much, Madame—”

Embarrassed, the woman cut her off, telling her to dress quickly. “Everyone will be here in a few minutes!” she said with a smile.

To her delight, the three girls were ready to greet the guests when they arrived. Madame Chambray introduced Professor Philip Permeke and his daughter Hilda, a pretty blond who looked about twenty. With her was a young man with sturdy features and brooding green eyes.

He’s cute, Bess thought, but he looks so sad. I wonder why.

“And this is Joseph Stolk,” Madame Chambray announced as Bess shook his hand. “He and Hilda went to high school together. Now Joseph is studying art history in Brussels. ”

“Oh, how interesting!” Bess said eagerly. “I bet you know a lot about all the museums of this wonderful old town. Perhaps you could take us on a tour sometime.” She flashed him a dazzling, flirtatious smile.

“Yes—uh—perhaps I could,” Joseph replied shyly.

Hilda seemed less than delighted with that suggestion, and George tugged on her cousin’s arm, signaling her not to pursue the conversation any farther. “You’re about to set off a little quarrel between those two,” she whispered to Bess.

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