Sins, Secrets and Spies by Maggie Carpenter

Author:Maggie Carpenter [Carpenter, Maggie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-07-26T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

After a fun but exhaustive search, Rocco and Verity found another hidden chamber in the servants’ quarters. It was surprisingly obvious behind a small stand that held a basin and pitcher. Following the narrow passage and climbing two short staircases, they had pushed open a wooden panel that turned out to be the back of a bookcase.

“We both know why that was put there,” Verity giggled as they entered an elegant bedroom suite. “I’m fairly certain this room is just down the hall from where we were.”

“King Henry’s room?”

“Yes, and that’s what I must call it now. Rocco, thank you. I haven’t had this much fun in ages!”

“I’m enjoying it too, but mostly because I’m sharing it with you,” he said, and leaning down, he brought his lips to hers in a soft, sweet, kiss. “Let’s go back there. I’d like to see where that chamber behind the fireplace leads. I got distracted by the hunt for more.”

They were in high spirits as they headed down the hall, and entering the master bedroom they were alarmed to see the door to the hidden area had closed.

“It must have a closing mechanism,” Rocco declared. “We need to find the open lever on the other side. You stay here while I search it out.”

Pressing on the carved wooden square, the wall swung open and he stepped into the dark. It only took him a minute to find an iron bar against the wall that opened and closed the door, but to make doubly sure they wouldn’t become imprisoned, he placed a bronze statue against the door’s frame.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Verity said as she watched him. “I’m not sure I’d have thought of that.”

“I’ve had some experience with secret corridors. One time I thought I’d been shut in. It taught me well.”

Holding their lanterns they started down the spooky, dark passageway, but after a short distance they reached a fork. Choosing to move to the left. It was only moments later they came across a steep winding stairway. It turned out to be surprisingly short, and deposited them in a small room with a low roof.

“Can you guess where we are?” he asked, having to bend over so his head wouldn’t touch the ceiling.

“Above the bedroom?”

“I believe we’re above the bed! If I’m right we’ll find a peephole. Let’s see if we can find it.”

“Such wicked people,” Verity laughed.

“Indeed. Hold your lantern low to the floor as we walk.”

“Rocco, I see something!”

The flame from her lantern was glinting on an exposed piece of steel, and dropping on to his haunches, Rocco found a steel plate with a small hole.

“Let me,” Verity said, crouching beside him. ”My fingers are smaller, and I don’t care about getting my gloves dirty.”

Putting the tip of her index finger into the hole she gave it a tug. Nothing happened, but when she pushed it sideways, it slid open.

“A mesh screen. Rocco, I can see the bed.”

“You would never notice this from the bed while in the throes of passion,” he remarked.

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