The Bluebeard Room by Carolyn Keene Read Free Book Online Page B

lately. The statuette is a bust of the old pagan British goddess Mab, or Maeve, as the Irish call her. She’s sometimes known as the Goddess of the Witches.”
    Witches! Another coincidence? Nancy repressed a shiver of excitement as Eustace Thorne went on. “It’s the finest example of ancient Celtic art ever discovered. It’s now on display at the Tate Gallery, by courtesy of the present owner, to whom I sold the bust last year.”
    “It’s quite valuable then?”
    “The gold alone makes it worth a small fortune. As an historical art treasure, ten times its weight in gold would be a modest valuation.”
    Nancy regarded Thorne thoughtfully. “You believe Ian Purcell was telling the truth?”
    “Who knows, my dear? All I can tell you is that art experts have traditionally held that the Golden Mab was one of a matching pair. A layman like Purcell would be unlikely to know that. Yet he told me this other Mab he’d seen faced right, whereas the bust at the Tate Gallery faces left. It gave his story a certain ring of authenticity.”
    “Did he give you any hint where he’d seen this other Mab?”
    Eustace Thorne shook his head sadly. “Alas, no. He merely left his name and address, and promised to return with photographic evidence. When he failed to do so, I took it upon myself to pay him a visit. I gather you saw with your own eyes the condition I found him in.”
    When Nancy arrived back at Claridge’s, she decided this would be a good time to phone her father. With the five-hour time difference betweenLondon and River Heights, he should be breaking for lunch soon.
    Carson Drew’s delight upon hearing from his daughter was evident even over three thousand miles of ocean. “How are things in jolly old London, honey?”
    “Marvelous, Daddy! I’m having such fun! I haven’t even seen Lisa yet, but I’ve already stumbled on a brand new mystery.”
    “That’s no surprise, coming from my favorite sleuth. By the way, let me give you the name and number of a law firm you can go to if you run into any complications. It’s Huntley & Dawlish, in Lincoln’s Inn. They’re top-flight criminal barristers. They can advise you, or put you in touch with the right man at Scotland Yard.”
    “Oh, good!” Nancy wrote down the information.
    Her father also reported that there was a special clause in Lisa’s trust fund that provided for Mrs. Harwood to serve as executor should her daughter ever become ill or incompetent.
    Nancy had barely hung up when the phone rang. She felt a moment’s panic—surely this couldn’t be Lance Warrick so early. She hadn’t even changed or showered yet!
    Instead, a hotel clerk’s voice informed her that a Miss Jane Royce was in the lobby.
    “Oh yes, of course. Ask her to come up, please.”
    The young Englishwoman wore a cool smile when Nancy opened the door to her knock.
    “Surprised to see me?”
    “Not at all. Do come in. I’m sorry I have no refreshments to offer you, but let me call—”
    “No, no. I can’t stay long, darling, so let me get right to the point.”
    Jane Royce took a chair and helped herself to a cigarette before speaking. “You’re rather fond of Lance, aren’t you?”
    “He’s certainly been very nice to me,” Nancy replied, “and I’m sure any girl would call him attractive. Yes, I do like him.”
    Her visitor’s smile became a trifle patronizing. “I thought so. Well, Nancy dear, may I offer a word of advice?”
    “Of course.”
    “Don’t get too fond of him.”
    “Why not?”
    “We haven’t broken the news yet, even to the rest of the group, but you see, Lance and I plan to marry soon.”

9
A Night on the Town
    Though taken aback and hurt by the news, Nancy forced a smile and murmured, “Congratulations.”
    “One congratulates the man, dear,” Jane Royce responded, “and wishes the bride-to-be happiness.”
    “You’re right, of course, Jane. I spoke without thinking. And I do wish you every happiness.”
    “How sweet! You’re not