5. Flat as a Pancake

5 Flat as a Pancake As they walked through the room, some musicians began to play, and a young man in a tailcoat approached the Lambchops and Detective Bates. He greeted them warmly. "Welcome," he said in a low voice that Stanley could barely hear over the music. "I'm glad you were able to join us tonight." Detective Bates turned to Stanley. "This is Prince Henry," he said. "The future king of

England!" Stanley put two and two together. "Are you the queen's son?" he asked. He was not sure if this was good manners, but he needed to know. Was Prince Henry the one who needed all the crown jewels? Prince Henry nodded. "I am!" he said. He smiled at Stanley. "I hope you will enjoy your evening at the palace." He winked to show he knew that Stanley was here for another reason, too. "Will you come with me?" he asked. "I will introduce you to a very special guest." "Remember," Detective Bates whispered, "I am here if you need help. I will never be very far away." He stepped into the crowd with the rest of the Lambchops. Stanley followed Prince Henry through a group of guests until he came to some women in long gowns, standing by the fountain. One of them had excellent posture. "Lady Laura," said the prince, "there is someone here I'd like you to meet."

Lady Laura! She was the one who had borrowed the Windsor Ring before it disappeared. She could be a thief! Do I have to shake her hand? Stanley wondered. When she turned around, Stanley gasped and quickly realized he would have to. Lady Laura was the woman from the tearoom at Harrods! Lucy's auntie! Stanley knew that Lady Laura cared deeply about good manners, like handshaking. "A pleasure to meet you," she said. "Charmed, I'm sure." Her smile was frozen and her fingers were cold. As he shook her hand, Stanley could feel that she was wearing rings, but he did not look at them. He did not want her to guess why he was here quite yet.

"It is very nice to meet you, too," he said. She asked, "Is this your first visit to London?" Her voice was friendly enough, but she was not even looking at Stanley. She was looking over

his head. Was she trying to find someone else to talk to? Stanley wondered. Sure enough, Lady Laura caught someone's eye and nodded. "If you'll excuse me...," she said. She drifted away, and Stanley was on his own. What did people do at a ball? Well, now Stanley would find out. Some people were dancing near the musicians, but more people were just standing around and talking. All around him, he could hear the clink of glasses and the hum of conversation. The ballroom was full of actors and rock stars and gold medalists—not to mention members of the royal family—so Flat Stanley did not stand out. That was what Detective Bates had in mind, Stanley remembered. Since no one was watching Stanley, he could watch everybody else! It was the first step toward becoming a spy. A server in an apron approached Stanley, holding out a tray. "Would you care for a canapé?" Stanley looked at the tray just as his stomach rumbled. There were about a dozen tiny meatballs

and a bowl of toothpicks. He said, "Yes, please," and stabbed four of them with a toothpick. Just when he had stuffed all four meatballs in his mouth and was savoring the delicious taste, Lady Laura happened to glance his way. He could read the disapproval in her eyes. But the meatballs were so good! And here came another server with another tray! In a corner of the ballroom, Stanley could see Arthur with a group of children. One of them was