“Wait, you swallowed a poem for this guy?”

“He’s friends with Diana Yip. He’s taking her to the Duchess’s party.”

“Sounds like you wish he was taking you instead,” said George wryly.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited for my date with Sven. He’s very artistic. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot. And he’s encouraging me to perform, too. This guy, Zeke, just had something special about him.”

“He’s much cuter than Sven, for one thing,” I said.

“Who’s cuter? I hope you’re talking about me,” came a voice from the doorway. Ned had finally been released from my dad’s lawyerly clutches.

I skipped over to give him a kiss on the cheek.

“That’s right. You’re the cutest of them all,” I said.

“Fee-fi-fo-fum. I smell lobster! Hi, Hannah. Hi, girls!” Dad entered the kitchen holding a heavy law book. Over the years, he’d perfected his ability to read while walking without tripping and falling on his face. He dropped the book on the kitchen table with a heavy thud. “I can’t read one more line of this nonsense. Hannah, is there anything I can help with?”

“We’re just about ready to eat. Would you set the table for me?”

“Of course,” Dad replied, heading for the silverware drawer. “How was the performance, Nancy? Were you moved by the power of art?”

“More like the power of art theft,” I said. “One of the Duchess’s statues went missing in the middle of the show. If I were the Duchess, I’d be worried about the rest of my art collection. Do you think she’s going to cancel her party?”

“No, I don’t think so,” my father said. “From what I recall, she’s made of pretty strong stuff, and she doesn’t change her mind once it’s decided. Anyway, there are so many out-of-towners here for Art Week, I think they’d riot if the Duchess canceled. I can’t say I know what these artsy characters are talking about half the time, but it’s been really interesting having them around.”

“That’s a relief. Thanks, Mr. Drew,” said Bess happily.

“Hmm, sure wish I could go to that party,” Ned grumbled.

“Sorry, Ned. The trial starts a week from Monday and there’s just too much to do.” With that, my dad took the plates and silverware into the dining room. Ned glowered after him.

“Maybe the boss man will give me another break so you can at least show me your dress,” said Ned, giving me a squeeze.

“I’ll put in a good word for you,” I said, patting his head. “But I guess that means I’m taking George as my date.”

“Charmed, I’m sure,” said George, grinning.

“Girls, can you help me carry these dishes into the dining room?” said Hannah.

“Of course!” I grabbed the tureen of mac and cheese. “I might just carry this up to my room and eat it all myself.”

“Nancy Drew, you’d better not!” Hannah laughed. “Here, Ned, why don’t you take this pitcher of iced tea? Be careful it doesn’t spill!”