Whatever this key unlocked, it had been deliberately concealed.
Excitement coursed through Charlotte.
‘We must determine what this key opens.’ Lord Stanley lifted it towards the candlelight, studying the symbol stamped inside the cover. ‘A snake strangling an innocent English rose. A fitting emblem for a secret society devoted to ruining young women.’
Charlotte took the key from him and turned it thoughtfully in her hands. ‘We should search for the matching lock—a black wrought-iron keyhole. Do you suppose it opens the secret passageway?’
‘Perhaps.’
The only black wrought iron in sight was the fireplace itself.
Lord Stanley began examining it. Together they moved around the mantelpiece, shifting chairs, lifting fire screens, and moving ornaments aside. He dragged heavier furniture from the wall while Charlotte examined every inch of the ironwork.
Kneeling beside the hearth, she ran her fingers along the edges. A large potted plant obscured one corner.
Lord Stanley moved it aside.
There, concealed beneath it, was a small plate engraved with the same serpent-and-rose symbol.
Charlotte’s pulse quickened.
She flipped the plate open to reveal a hidden keyhole.
Without hesitation, she slid the key in and turned it. A soft click echoed through the library.
Charlotte stepped forward, grasping the edge of the mantel, prepared to pull. A surge of triumph swept through her.
Then large hands suddenly covered hers.
‘Wait. Let me go first,’ Lord Stanley said. ‘We have no notion what may be waiting on the other side.’
She nodded, as she allowed him to gently move her aside.
He braced one hand against the stone and pulled.
The entire mantel shifted outward with the same harsh grating of metal against stone Charlotte had heard earlier that evening.
Behind it lay a narrow hidden passage.
For a brief moment, both simply stared.
Then Lord Stanley recovered himself at once. Crossing swiftly to the library door, he summoned several footmen inside.
‘Remain here,’ he instructed Charlotte as the men gathered lanterns.
But Charlotte protested, ‘I wish to come with you.’
‘Are you sure, my dear?’ he asked, lighting a lantern.
Charlotte bristled at the endearment and lifted her chin. ‘I would not miss this for the world, my lord. And kindly call me Miss Lucas.’
One corner of his mouth lifted slightly. ‘Very well... Miss Lucas.’ He extended his hand towards her. ‘The steps are uneven. I should dislike seeing you break your neck in pursuit of adventure.’
He extended a hand. She hesitated only briefly before placing her own within it. The familiar warmth returned the moment his fingers closed around hers. Yet this time, an unexpected calmness unfurled within.
They descended into the shadows together. Lord Stanley carried the lantern ahead whilst the footmen followed several paces behind.
Cold air curled through the passage as it curved downward, and Charlotte pulled her shawl closer as she stepped carefully over the narrow stones, slick with damp.
