Page 33 of Tender Blackguard

But something about the marquess seemed to bring her toes to the line, as though she considered him an equal adversary rather than her employer and an aristocrat. It was a dangerous tack to take and one she couldn’t afford considering how badly she needed this position.

She waited patiently for the inevitable reprimand. But when he continued to stare and said nothing, she started to fear he’d finally decided her impertinence was cause for dismissal.

She couldn’t let that happen.

“My lord,” she began, hoping her tone was properly deferring.

But before she could come up with anything to say that might excuse her impudence and dissuade him from taking offense, he lowered his attention back to the newspaper.

“Please ensure Cook includes some of the rose marmalade for which she is so renowned with breakfast this morning.”

Lark gave a quick nod. “Of course, my lord.” Then she turned and swiftly escaped back to the kitchens.

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GIDEON’S GRANDDAUGHTERS had proven to be as accomplished as he’d claimed. Once Lark verified their references, she’d arranged for them all to start their new duties as soon as possible. Getting all three girls acclimated to their new positions would take nearly all of Lark’s attention and most of her time over the next few days.

Thoughts of Harriet and questions about the marquess kept her mind whirling while she focused on her duties as housekeeper. Every moment she was delayed from discovering Harriet’s whereabouts felt like a lifetime.

But another mystery had arisen. One she couldn’t manage to let go. So, as soon as the marquess left the house that afternoon, Lark headed straight for his bedchamber.

The marquess’s actions from the night before had roused too many questions and suspicions for her to ignore. She needed to determine what he’d been about. Especially considering she couldn’t completely discount the possibility that his behavior might somehow be connected to Harriet’s disappearance.

Her experience in searching out hidden valuables from her time as a burglar came to the fore as she thoroughly searched his wardrobe and bureau before sliding her hand under his mattress and pillows. She checked every container and vase and behind the pictures and under the chairs. She even checked for loose floorboards, false drawers, and hidden cupboards.

She was just about to accept there was nothing to discover when she noted an oddity in the ornate fireplace. It was carved from marble decorated with dramatic Italianate medallions formed of gold filigree surrounding a large black onyx. She’d been examining the large antique clock set on the mantel when her fingers brushed lightly over one of the decorative medallions and she noticed the center onyx felt loose.

Curious, she retraced her fingers to the inlay and gently pressed.

Immediately, she heard a very soft snick, and a narrow wall panel right beside the fireplace shifted, opening just a tiny crack.

A secret passage.

The tingling rush of discovery washed through her. It was the same as when she’d been young and had happened upon a particularly valuable prize.

With her heart skipping to a faster pace, she stepped carefully toward the panel and gingerly slipped her fingers into the slim gap. Very little force was required to swing the panel fully open on silent hinges. Peering into the corridor revealed behind the door, Lark noted the deep darkness before her with a hint of trepidation.

But she’d come here to discover secrets and couldn’t back away from the biggest one yet. She knew the marquess had gone to his club, and by her estimation, she still had plenty of time before he was likely to return. It might be a long time before she got another chance such as this.

Lighting a nearby candle to take with her, she stepped into the passage. Since she had absolutely no intention of getting trapped in the hidden corridor, she kept the panel open while she carefully examined in the interior of the doorway. After a bit of searching, she discovered the small hidden lever that would allow her back into the marquess’s bedroom. Only then did she allow the panel to close soundlessly behind her.

If not for the candle she carried, she would have been enclosed in complete darkness.

With a deep breath, she started forward. The passage was very narrow, so much so that she wondered how the marquess comfortably made it through considering the breadth of his shoulders. The walls were wood paneled, and the floor was covered in a thick, soundless carpet.

As she progressed, she considered what rooms she was moving behind. After about only fifteen paces, which would have put her right in line with the bedroom designated for the mistress of the house, she noticed that one section of the wall seemed different from the others. Feeling along the trim, she located a lever like the one at the door to the master bedroom. Rather than press it and risk coming upon anyone unaware, she continued along the passage, again, making mental note of where she was in the house. An unexpected turn in the corridor brought her to a tight winding staircase. Descending carefully, she noted that it went straight down to the ground level, where the passage turned and continued past the lord’s study. There, she found another hidden lever. And in the far corner of the library, yet another.

She stopped then, her breath halting at the realization that it was the exact location where she’d thought she heard someone that night she’d sat in the library to read Harriet’s letter. She’d been convinced she was wasn’t alone.

Had she been right? Had the marquess been there the whole time, slipping back into the passage before she could discover him?

The thought chilled her and she quickly turned away.

From there, the passage descended once again, taking her underground. There, she found another door. This one, however, possessed a lock. Without her tools, she’d gone as far as she could that day. Turning back, she retraced her steps, counting each one and once again noting the locations of each exit into the house, until she reached the lord’s bedchamber.

Before tripping the lever to open the panel, she listened carefully to ensure no one moved in the room beyond. Once certain she would not be discovered, she opened the panel, but before she could step through, her toes bumped against something tucked into the corner. Leaning down, she discovered a small wooden box. Though taking additional time was a decided risk, she brought the box with her into the light of the bedchamber.

She lifted the lid to find a thick sheaf of papers all rolled together and tied with string.

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