The Mystery at Lilac Inn - Carolyn Keene [6]
“Guess that click didn’t mean an eavesdropper at the inn,” Nancy thought.
The others were sympathetic upon hearing her reason for returning home immediately. John promptly offered to drive Nancy in the jeep. But Mrs. Willoughby laughed and said, “I can give you a more comfortable ride, Nancy.”
As she started to explain, Anna came to take the orders of those at the table.
“I have to drive to the River Heights Bank this morning,” Mrs. Willoughby went on, “to get Emily’s diamonds from the safe-deposit box. I’d be delighted to have company.”
Before Nancy could reply, Maud Potter repeated shrilly, “Emily’s diamonds?”
Mrs. Willoughby nodded. “As you know, I’ve been Emily’s guardian for five years, since her parents were killed in the plane crash. Her mother’s will states that she’s to receive the jewels when she’s twenty-one.”
Emily dimpled. “That’s in two weeks. But I coaxed Aunt Hazel into letting me have them earlier. I’m going to sell enough to help Dick and me with expenses at the inn.”
Nancy smiled. “That must be the plan you told me about yesterday.”
“That’s right.” Emily’s eyes sparkled.
Maud had been listening intently. She said to Mrs. Willoughby, “You told me there were twenty unset diamonds. I suppose they are worth quite a bit?”
Mrs. Willoughby smiled. “Yes. Over fifty thousand dollars.”
Maud remarked pointedly, “You’d better be careful, Hazel. Some people would love to get their hands on those jewels.”
As soon as Mrs. Willoughby finished her toast and coffee, she arose from the table. “Nancy,” she said, “I’ll get the car.”
The three girls excused themselves and went outside. “Perhaps, Helen,” Nancy said, “you’d like to stay at the inn. I’ll be driving back, and can stop at your house to pick up whatever clothes you need.”
“Thanks, Nancy. I’d like to stay. I’ll phone Mother.”
Emily asked if Nancy would have a chance to do her a favor in River Heights. “I’d ask Aunt Hazel, but she wants to get back here as soon as possible with my diamonds.”
“I’ll be glad to. What is it, Em?”
“Find out if the Empire Employment Agency has any waitresses available.”
“Did you get Mary Mason through them?” Nancy asked.
“No. She stopped here. But her references were excellent, so I engaged her.”
“I’ll be happy to do the errand for you, Emily,” Nancy said.
Mrs. Willoughby pulled up in her black sedan and Nancy climbed in front. John had come outside too.
“Don’t forget,” he said to her, “we have a skin-diving date when you get back.”
At that moment Maud Potter hurried from the inn to the car. “I’ll come along, if you don’t mind,” the social director said blithely.
She hopped in beside Nancy without waiting for an invitation. Mrs. Willoughby’s lips tightened, but she made no comment. Good-bys were exchanged and the car started off.
Soon the sedan was speeding along the main highway. “Any ideas about your burglar?” Maud asked Nancy.
“No,” Nancy admitted. “Except he might have been trying to break into Dad’s safe.”
Maud cocked her head. “Does your father keep important papers at home?”
“Sometimes,” Nancy replied noncommittally. She tried to hide her annoyance at the woman’s inquisitiveness.
Mrs. Willoughby frowned disapprovingly. “Don’t ask so many questions, Maud.”
The social director shrugged. Once more she turned to Nancy. Arching her eyebrows coyly, she said, “I’d love to meet your dad sometime. I understand he is a widower.”
“This is the last straw!” Nancy thought. Though annoyed, she had to suppress a smile at the woman’s remark. Maud Potter certainly was not the type of person to interest her father!
“Dad keeps very busy, and travels a lot on his cases,” Nancy said coolly. “He’s away now.”
Maud’s coyness vanished. “I see. No time for social life,” she said sarcastically.
To Nancy’s relief, the woman spoke hardly at all for the balance of the trip. Presently Mrs. Willoughby pulled up into the winding driveway of the Drews’ handsome brick home, surrounded by a velvety green lawn.
Nancy expressed her thanks for the ride and said good-by. She hurried into the