The Wanton Widow by Maggie Carpenter

Author:Maggie Carpenter
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Maggie Carpenter
Published: 2017-01-20T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

After scouring the remainder of the East Wing, Rocco and Verity found another hidden chamber in the servants sleeping quarters. It was surprisingly obvious behind a small stand that held a basin and pitcher, and when they followed the passage, they discovered it took them to one of the finer bedrooms.

“This is suspicious,” Verity giggled. “I think we both know why that was put there.”

“Lords, and possibly even Ladies, would have enjoyed a secret rendezvous just as much in the past as we do now,” he winked.

“Where should we go next?”

“Since we’re so close to King Henry’s room, let’s finish in that chamber and see where it leads. It’s where I wanted to begin, but the hunt for more distracted me.”

“I’m so glad we’re doing this. 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. “I think we’d best get back to Henry’s room before I decide to ravage you again right here!”

“I wouldn’t object,” she smiled back at him, her eyes shining, then added, “and that’s what I must call it now, Henry’s room.”

“I’m sure there will be passage from that chamber, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes us to your former bedroom,” he remarked as they headed down the hall, “but it will be a long passageway with a staircase if I’m right.”

They were in high spirits, but as they entered Henry’s bedroom they stopped short, alarmed to see the door to the hidden area had closed.

“How did that happen?” Verity asked, worry in her voice. “No-one was up here to close it.”

“Clearly it has some kind of mechanism in place to make sure it shuts. We need to find the open lever on the other side before we head down.”

“You’re certainly right about that!”

“You stay on this side while I search it out,” he said, moving to the bed and pressing on the carved square.

Ducking inside, it took him a few minutes, but he found an iron bar against the wall. Pushing it down closed the door, and pulling it up, opened it again, but to make doubly sure they wouldn’t become imprisoned, he placed some heavy books and 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, and one time I thought I’d become trapped. It taught me well.”

The items in place, holding their lanterns they started down the spooky, dark passageway, but after just a few steps, they were at a fork offering a sharp turn to the left.

“Already?” she exclaimed. “Which way should we go?”

“Let’s follow it around. I think I know where it goes.”

It was only moments later they discovered a steep set of steps, and when they reached the top, they found themselves in a small, square room with a low roof.

“Can

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