George strode down the driveway, holding the roses to her chest. I noticed she was wearing a bow tie patterned with golden diamonds, with a matching pocket square that perfectly complemented my dress.

“Holy cow,” I said. “How did she know what colors I was wearing?”

Hannah giggled at my stunned expression. “A little birdie told her.”

“You?”

“Guilty as charged,” Hannah replied. “She wanted to set off your dress.”

George sauntered over to the driver’s-side window, propped her elbows on the glass, and gazed into the car with a mischievous spark in her brown eyes. On her lapel was a gold pin in the shape of a bow and arrow.

“In memory of the Duchess’s lost goddess statue,” she said, pointing to the pin, before solemnly offering me the bouquet through the window.

I accepted it, but I was still too stunned to say thank you.

“Hello to you, too, Nancy. Do you like my gown?”

“So handsome,” said Hannah. Her voice trembled a little, so I knew she was barely holding back laughter.

“Thanks. The tux is vintage. My dad wore it to his senior prom. He can’t even button the jacket anymore, but it fits me perfectly.”

George climbed into the back seat and stretched out like a cat.

“I like your hat, Hannah. And Nancy’s hair.”

Hannah finally let her giggles out. “Wait until you see her dress! She even added secret pockets.”

“Oh, so did I!” George exclaimed. “Great minds, Nance. Look! I have three inside the jacket. One for my blue fingerprint light, one for my magnifying glass and sketchbook, and one more for my phone … Oh, and I’m wearing the waterproof smart watch I got for Christmas. It records audio and video, and it’ll even take a picture if I press this button here.” She pushed her wrist between the front seats to demonstrate.

“She thinks she’s James Bond now,” I said, but I was touched by the trouble George had taken with her appearance. This was as sharp and put-together as I had ever seen her. And she did look a little like James Bond.

We passed the drive trading theories about who would show up to the Duchess’s party. Hannah thought we might see a few local celebrities, and maybe even a movie star or two. George had a feeling the guest list might be more eclectic, with local schoolteachers and butchers and pharmacists and accountants rubbing elbows with eccentric artists and wealthy collectors.

I kept thinking about Zeke’s slip of the tongue. Could it really be true that the Duchess was selling off her art? All those beautiful works of art would leave River Heights forever. I’d better make sure I got a good look at those famous Shammases tonight. It might be my last chance to see them here in River Heights.

A police car was parked at the gates of the Strickland estate. Chief McGinnis was sitting on the hood dressed in a tuxedo, trying to tie his bow tie.