With a glance in each other's direction, they began to press the woodwork, lift books, and feel for any hidden catches in the nooks and crannies behind. Not one inch could be overlooked in their search as he started at the top, and she the bottom.
“It has to be here, somewhere,” Miss Elizabeth huffed as she passed in front of him, his own search delayed as she did.
A waft of some sweet scent mingled with citrus pooled up from her as she reached past again, his gaze frozen to her as she continued scouring the wall of books.
Focus, Darcy. This is not the time to admire her sweet scent… or the way the light plays in her hair… or her lovely face… or her closeness.
Gripping the shelf, Darcy ripped his eyes to the books in front of him.
She had no idea what she did to him. Oh, he had ought to ask her to court him… and soon.
“Here; this scrollwork seems lighter than the rest, as if…” a click filling the air as she pressed it inward, Elizabeth turned to face him, her eyes wide as she laughed.
The great wall of books creeping outward, they stepped to the side, Darcy searching for the nearest candle they might use, several littered on the largest table.
“We might need this,” he teased as he lit the wick, “I doubt our hostess keeps it well-lit.”
“No; not for unexpected guests in any case,” she smirked as she opened the secret door, her heels lifting up and down as she waited for him to bring the candle.
“Well, let us see where this goes.”
Stepping into the dusty old space, Darcy lifted the candle higher. Directly in front of them was a door, though the passage continued on either side.
“Lady Charmane’s study no doubt,” Miss Elizabeth remarked as she stood beside him, one hand laid on the door. Eyes cutting down the darkened passages, her smile turned mischievous as she came to face him. “I wonder where these lead?”
“Unless you plan on asking our host, only one answer remains. Shall we?” he asked with a flourish, her nod of acceptance prompting him to move that way. “Stay close; if the unfinished rooms in the house are anything to go by, it may not be entirely safe.”
Her arm brushing his back, Darcy’s hand flexed beside him.
No. She had no idea what she did to him. None at all.
Ten or so steps down the path and another door appeared, the pair growing still as they listened.Not a voice, footfall, or sound of life. They could see what was beyond.
Pressing at the door, Darcy’s brows furrowed as it stood fast, his eyes studying the area.At least they had left the library passage open.One corner of his lips pulling, Darcy turned to Miss Elizabeth, her gaze flitting to the lever he had just found.Perhaps they would not have to rely on the library after all?
Grasping the wooden pull, he tugged it downward, the door unlatching as it did.
With a push the door opened enough to reveal the deserted hall, the library and study to either side.
“Reverend!” the bright, cheery voice of Miss Umbridge called from somewhere out of sight, the sound of footfalls growing louder by the second. “Perhaps you can recommend a book for me?”
Whirling to meet Miss Elizabeth’s gaze, he pulled the door closed behind him.
“The library!” the pair said as one before scurrying as fast as the narrow space allowed, Miss Elizabeth drawing the library door closed with moments to spare.
Eyes blinking as they adjusted to the light of their candle, Darcy rested a hand on Miss Elizabeth’s arm; the voices of the Reverend and Miss Umbridge strengthening as they neared the bookcase they stood behind.
Motioning down the passage they had not explored, Darcy raised his shoulders in a silent question, the swift bob of her head answer. They would press on.
Slow and quiet, they made their way down the narrow passage, though dust-filled and possessing no lack of tiny cobwebs, the space clearly had been used; faint traces of prints on the floor and walls evidence of recent activity.
Turning sideways as they came to a steep, curving set of stairs, he sought Miss Elizabeth’s gaze as he pointed to them.Hopefully it would lead to somewhere they could escape; who knew how long Miss Umbridge would keep the Reverend in the library.Facing the stairway once more, they began the climb, the awkward pacing of the stairs and the dimness of the space slowing their progression considerably.
At the top of the meager landing, he paused and held out his candle, Miss Elizabeth navigating the final winding stair with intent; her furrowed temple eased as she came to stand beside him, eyes clearly alight despite the gentle glow.
“Well, that was an adventure,” she grinned impishly, her gaze casting toward the passage before them. “Shall we see where this leads?”
His lips wrapping upward, Darcy murmured his agreement before continuing on, the passage far less trodden than the one below; the dust thick and scarcely untouched.
