“The jewel box must be the Footman,” she thought over and over. “The queen mother’s family and trusted servants knew it was the one holding her most valuable pieces.”
Nancy felt that the revelation of the secret might in some way make up to Mrs. Alexandra for the disgraceful behavior of the prince.
“That little Footman must have another opening,” she reflected.
Try as she would, Nancy could think of no way to open it. Morning did not bring any solution to the vexing problem. It continued to plague Nancy throughout the day, even as she went through her afternoon routine at the fashion show. Then, just as she left the building, an idea flashed into her mind.
“That may be it!” Nancy thought excitedly. “I must go to Mrs. Alexandra’s home at once. I only hope I won’t find Michael there!”
CHAPTER XVI
CURTAINS were closed at the Alexandra home, But Anna opened the front door almost as soon as Nancy rang the belL “Madame is very low in spirit,” the woman whispered and sighed. “It is Michael! This morning he asked her to give him a very valuable bracelet to sell.”
“She didn’t do it?”
“Not yet, but she is considering it very seriously. Oh, can you not do something to save what remains of my good lady’s fortune?”
“I hope to, Anna. I have proof that Michael kept most of the money he received from dealers.”
“She will never believe it.”
“Probably not,” Nancy said. “And anyway, there’s a legal angle. Being related, he could say she gave it to him. My father is going to see about that. But I came here for another reason. Michael isn’t at home, is he?”
“He is with his grandmother now.”
“Then I will leave and come another time.”
“No, wait,” the woman urged. “Hide in this closet. I will send Michael out.”
Nancy secreted herself in the hall closet as instructed. Soon she heard the young man arguing loudly with Anna.
“You always want me to go on errands for you!” he complained. “I’m a prince and you’re supposed to wait on me.”
An outside door slammed and Nancy knew that Michael had gone. A few moments later Anna opened the closet door.
“I have announced to Madame that you are here,” she told Nancy. “She will see you now.”
Knowing that Michael would not be gone long, Nancy did not waste words as she explained to Mrs. Alexandra that she would like to try once more to find another opening in the Footman jewel box.
“I have an idea that I think may work,” she added earnestly.
Mrs. Alexandra smiled and asked Anna to bring the precious statue. As Nancy took it, she said:
“When I was a little girl my grandmother gave me a very old music box that had belonged to her. It had a secret drawer in it, which opened in a peculiar fashion.”
Her fingers explored the figurine. “If only it will work-”
With increasing interest the two women watched Nancy skillfully manipulate the jewel box. Suddenly Mrs. Alexandra gave a cry of delight.
“My Footman’s boot! It is coming off!”
Nancy nodded. Her hunch had been correct!
“But there is nothing in the foot,” Mrs. Alexandra added, disappointed.
Nancy peered into the tiny boot. Thrusting her little finger into it, she loosened a folded piece of paper.
“This must be the clue that the nightingale tried to tell us!” she exclaimed.
Nancy longed to look at the paper, but instead politely handed it to the former queen. Mrs. Alexandra pondered a long time over the words scrawled on the paper. Nancy began to doubt that the woman would ever reveal the contents. Finally she spoke.
“Anna,” she requested, “please leave us alone for a few minutes.”
After Anna had left, Madame Alexandra gave Nancy the paper. The young detective was unable to read the words. They were in a foreign language. The woman, her voice vibrant with excitement, translated them in a whisper.
“This information is amazing!” Nancy exclaimed.
“Sh!” the woman warned. “Do not speak aloud of the great secret. No one must know of it yet-not even Anna.”
“But neither you nor I can carry out the instructions on this paper,” said Nancy.
“You must ask some fine young man to help you,” Madame Alexandra advised.
“My friend Ned is very capable, and he’s just the person to help me,”
From the window Nancy saw Michael coming back with a package.
“I must go now,” she said hurriedly.
Anna had met the young man on the front walk, and engaged him in conversation until Nancy could leave by the rear door. He was talking loudly.
“I’m too busy to be running to the store for you,” he said crossly. “And you don’t need all this stuff, anyway. I won’t be here to dinner tonight, and maybe not all night, either!”
Without lingering to hear more, Nancy headed home in a state of thoughtfulness. When Hannah Gruen tried to learn the reason for her faraway expression, Nancy merely smiled and said, “Tomorrow I expect to solve a great mystery.”
Later, at the Woman’s Club, Nancy’s dreamy mood persisted. It lent a warm glow to her skin. Helen Archer complimented her friend. “I’ve never seen you look prettier.”
“I feel as if I were walking in a dream,” Nancy murmured. “Am I really in this fashion show?”
“There is your cue now!” Helen replied.
Nancy glided gracefully down the carpeted stairway, treading as lightly as if on air. She pivoted, displaying the Renaissance gown to the best advantage. The lovely tiara-like headdress sparkled under the lights, adding the final touch to the exquisite costume, When Nancy returned to the wings, thunderous applause followed.
“You were terrific!” Helen exclaimed.
Katherine praised Nancy, too, but she did not feel confident that the Renaissance gown would win the grand prize. Other costumes had received much attention. She was certain that a white satin evening dress, created by a professional designer, Wilbur de Wolf, might be named by the judges.
Soon it was time for the all-important decisions to be announced. An expectant hush fell over the audience. Nancy joined the other models crowding into the wings.
One of the judges made a little speech, praising all who had helped with the show. “And now, ladies and gentlemen,” he said in conclusion, “I take great pleasure in awarding the prizes.”
Quickly he presented trophies for the sport and daytime dresses.
“And now, will Mr. Wilbur de Wolf please come forward. His design, modeled by-”
Nancy heard no more. Katherine had grabbed her hand, and a little sob of disappointment had escaped from the girl. She started to walk away, but was hemmed in by the crowd of people in the wings.
When the applause died down, the voice of the judge boomed out again. “The grand prize-and may I say the vote of the committee was unanimous-goes to Miss Katherine Kovna, designer of the Renaissance gown modeled by Miss Nancy Drew.”
Further words were drowned by the loud applause. Katherine, blinded by tears, hesitated. Quickly she dried her eyes and then appeared on the stage with Nancy. Katherine was so overcome with happiness she could only say, “Thank you.”
Nancy graciously acknowledged the honor paid to the young designer and her creation. Flash-bulbs went off as photographers snapped pictures, and reporters pressed for statements.
“I never was so happy in my life!” Katherine declared when at last the excitement was over.
Nancy quickly changed into a sports outfit, which could be worn on the hayride.
“I hope Richard meet us at the inn on time,” Katherine remarked wistfully. “I do want him to know at once who won the big prize.”
After Nancy and Ned had returned the precious headdress to Madame Alexandra, the group of young people going to the supper and dance met at the ferry and crossed the river. A hayrack pulled by two large gray horses awaited them on the opposite shore. Amid shouts of laughter the group scrambled onto it.