Nancy Drew: The Castle & The Masquerade

The Orchard II

Holla!! Finally chapter two, I think I've kept you all hanging for way too long. Sorry for the delay but enjoy!

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Chapter Two:

Nancy followed the heavy crunches of leaves a few feet ahead of her. The figure didn't seem to detect the young sleuth behind him. Her footsteps were light and unlike his didn't break any leaves or branches as they trudge along the dense dense forest.

The forest consisted mostly of overgrown apple tree's whose fruits were scattered among the forest floor. Nancy guessed that this place was an apple orchard.

The man Nancy was stalking followed a cobble stone path withered by time. Although there was no else to be seen, Nancy sensed someone was watching her. She knew it wasn't the man in front of her, but she still gave some space between him and her.

She followed him for a few minutes until the path soon meshed into the wild forest forest and then disappeared. They ended up in front of a cliff, "Is this man about to jump off..." She watch carefully.

Crunch.

The man quickly shot his head back as Nancy hid behind an old tree. Nancy knew that wasn't her. It was the person following her. Nancy peeked to see if the man was still there but he has disappeared.

"I got to get out here." Nancy mumbled to herself as she decided to follow the path back. She concluded that she'll ask Aunt Lucey about the broken path and grab Bess from her royal life to explore the path together. She followed the path, back tracking until she hit the fork in the road from earlier. Nancy was well prepared and had already marked the path leading her back toward the old garden, but her curiousity led her down the other unknown path. Unlike the rest of the forest, it became well kept. The trees were pruned, allowing the sun to shine and the path looked almost new. The peeking sunlight bounced off the smooth stones that made up the path, as Nancy's heels clicked against it. It was a dramatic difference from the path going to the cliff.

Nancy encountered a road block sign but it was facing the other side. She jumped over the blocking and found herself in a well trimmed orchard of apple trees and cherry blossom trees. The path was made out of shimmering granite stones carefully placed among other precious stone.

"YES! The rooms are magnificent, almost as luxurious as what I have back home! And don't get me started on the roast turkey..." A loud cobnoxious English voiced approached. It was a petite lady, probably in her 50's jewelled with rubies and crystals. She wore a dress with a corsette that made anyone's chest look great and it flowed into a long puffy skirt that was the perfect length because it kissed the ground playfully. "oh, yes darling. I would have to say you choose the perfect place for our-. Oh oh my." She cut off looking at the girl with a simple yellow dress. "And who are you?" She asked simply.

Nancy replied quickly thinking of her aliby, "Just a checking for wilting flowers and pruning the trees..." Nancy paused and examined the lady before continuing, "my lady." She courtsied politely and smiled at the old woman. The old woman grinned in approval and continued her walk as she talk to, what seemed to be her husband, on the phone.

Aunt Lucey mentioned something about royals staying in the castle. As Nancy walked down the path she noticed a few things. Unlike the other path, this one seemed to be public and everyone knew about it. The path she took earlier on wasn't public, and she was curious why.

Nancy ended up in one of the larger gardens that was well maintained by the gardeners hourly. She slipped through the back door that led her inside to the bustling kitchen. They were preparing Lunch. "You!! You must be the replacement." A tall thin lady spoke. She wore a black dress and a white apron. The lady was plump and obviously well fed, but she still remained beautiful. She had bright red hair with grey strands peeping from the side of her head. Her expression were kind and motherly.

"What are you wearing?" She asked examining her clothing. "Never mind," she quickly added shoving a black dress and apron at nancy. "Change into these and report back immediatly! People are flocking here because of the missing ring, and when there is people there are hungry stomachs."

"I didn't catch your name." Nancy said politely.

"Call me Mrs.McClarity." She smiled kindly and went back to ordering the servers.

Nancy quickly changed into the outfit that Mrs.McClarity gave to her. She was walking down the long hallway back to the kitchen when she spotted Bess. She was well acquainted. Bess was wearing a large tangerine ball gown and was surrounded by other royals.

Nancy approached the royal crowd. A few of them looked at Nancy in disgust. "My lady, Sire...Frank wishes to speak with you." Nancy bowed as she made up the request. Bess nodded and excused herself from the crowd. When they were well off Nancy informed her about the path she found and the strange man. She didn't mention how he looked like Ned from afar. Bess freaked out the most when she heard the news. Nancy believed if she told Bess about how he looked, she might think she's crazy and misses Ned.... which she didn't! She'd probably call off this case, saying she wasn't in the right state of mind or mentality. Which was a bit true. Still, it was better if she didn't know.

"Alright Nancy. We can meet up at 12? At the room?" Bess mumbled quietly.

Nancy nodded and Bess quickly joined for dinner.

Nancy quickly reported back to the kitchen. Seeing Nancy uniform Mrs.Mc Clarity did not hesitate to send her out. "Here," handing Nancy a beef stew and roasted chicken. "This goes to ballroom 3." She said pointing to the third door.

Nancy walked into the grand ballroom. There was a large table with a family. "About time!" Said the woman at the end of the table. It was the lady from the apple orchard. Recognizing Nancy's face, she frowned. "Do the same servants prune the trees as the one prepare the food? That's quite unsanitary isn't it?" She asked Nancy sharply.

"Don't worry I washed my hands, my lady." Nancy replied sharply as she placed her beef stew in front of her.. She had bad atmosphere from this woman.

Nancy placed the Black Forest cake on the table. "Oh, that's James's." Nancy guessed it was the empty seat next to her and placed the cake in front of the empty plate.

"Is that all, my lady?" Nancy asked. The woman didn't answer as she was too preoccupied with her stew. Nancy sighed. 'Its okay Nancy, you've dealt with more arrogant people.' She told herself as she walked out the door.. But she's always had Bess to talk to, but now she really can't be seen with Bess and her second choice would've been...

"Watch out!" Someone quickly grabbed Nancy as large cart flew past her.

'Ned?!'

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Roughly edited!! New ending :-)

Hahahaha. I kinda ended it the same as last time, but you know it's fun torturing you guys! I hope you guys like this chapter! I might post chapter three today since I have free time today.

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