Lord Satan by Judith Laik

Author:Judith Laik [Laik, Judith]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-04-20T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Libbetty roamed the corridors of Cauldreigh Castle, almost forgetting that she was “It” in the game of hide-and-seek. No sounds reached her from the players, and this opportunity to look around The Castle was precisely what she had sought when she and Alonso sneaked in some weeks before.

How to search for clues, though, without being caught? She could not risk a repeat of her frightening experience, being captured by Lord Neil. However, she could memorize the layout of The Castle as she searched for spots where players might hide, and discover where Jonathan Colton’s and Lord Neil’s bedchambers were. Then she could hide there when her turn as It was completed. The plan was risky, but it could result in finding proof of the miscreant’s guilt.

Still, as she walked the corridors alone, Libbetty’s spine prickled. The Castle had an ominous atmosphere and no lack of secret niches in which to hide—or for danger to sneak.

Just as on her previous incursion, candles glimmered in brass sconces set at intervals in the walls, casting alternating patches of bright light and shadowy darkness. At every turning of the corridor and irregularity of the plastered walls, the flickering light failed to penetrate. Here and there, under a massive, medieval-appearing table or in the lee of a huge chest, gloom pooled forebodingly.

Surely she was near the room where she and Edwina had “refreshed” themselves on the occasion of her first official call at The Castle. Cauldreigh’s suite loomed just ahead. Did Lord Neil have rooms close by his nephew? What about the other guests? No parts of the modern wing had been declared off limits for the game. She opened several doors, peeking into the chambers.

They appeared to be the bedchambers of the guests from London. Would Mr. Colton’s chamber be one of these? She ventured in, undertaking a swift search for articles which identified the occupants, pretending she was looking for hiders in the game.

It appeared the maids had tidied the rooms, as little in the way of personal effects was visible. How could she identify who occupied the rooms? One was clearly a lady’s chamber, presumably either Mrs. Dalrymple’s or Miss Clark’s. Libbetty could not violate their privacy by entering.

The others, however—she needed time to look around more thoroughly. But, as she opened one door, she heard low-voiced whispers and rustling, then a giggle. Libbetty stepped in.

The bedchamber was made up as for a guest, but just as with the others, it showed no personal items or other signs of occupancy. A dull green damask coverlet lay on the massive oak bed, with draperies of the same fabric at two tall windows on the far wall. Brighter green satin swags decorated the tester over the bed. Libbetty began to back out the door when muffled noise and turbulent movement issued from behind the drapery at one window. She strode over and grasped the green damask, revealing Irene Bassett, her hand over her mouth in a futile attempt to stifle her giggles. “You found me!” she shouted happily.

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