Page 78 of Beauty and the Rake
Graham pivoted on his heel and turned his attention to Roxanne and Arthur. “I guess we’ll have to try again another day.”
“Preferably outside,” Roxanne said.
“Absolutely outside,” Graham agreed.
Roxanne headed over to the door. “Come, let’s get out of the chill.”
“I’ll take my leave,” Arthur said, turning to Graham, “unless there’s something else we need to talk about.”
“No, not that I can think of. I’ll see you in the morning,” Graham replied.
They stood in the grand hall and bid Arthur good day. As the door closed behind him, Graham put his arm around her waist and pulled her close. “Would you care to go visit the attics now?”
“Yes, but after I warm up. Let’s go to the drawing room and stand in front of the fire.”
“Are you sure I can’t warm you up quicker?” he whispered in her ear.
“Oh, I’m sure you can.”
Taking her by the hand, he led her to the staircase where they walked until they found the door leading inside the attic. He unlocked it and pushed the door open. She walked through and looked around at all the furniture and long-forgotten trunks and boxes.
“It’s musty up here. Are you sure there isn’t a leak from the roof or perhaps one of the windows?” She scrunched up her nose, reminding him of a rabbit.
“Attics are supposed to smell like this.”
“But…”
“If you’re worried about roof leaks, I can assure you there are none as a new roof was put in place last summer.”
She nodded as she made her way to an old trunk. “Good to know.”
Looking across the room, Roxanne noticed what appeared to be a door leading to who knows where. “Where does that lead?” she asked, pointing across the attic.
“I have no idea. Let’s go check it out. It may simply be the door that leads to the other side of the attic.”
“You don’t know?”
“Not for certain. You have to remember staff rooms are up here as well.”
“Well, let’s go see for ourselves.”
They picked their way through all the old furniture and trunks to the closed door. As they stood before the door, Graham found it to be locked. No key was to be found anywhere close to the door and he mumbled under his breath. Turning around, he found his bride checking old vases and bowls for the key. Still no key.
“I will ask about a key and if there isn’t one, I’ll have a new lock installed.”
“Good. I really want to find out what’s behind the door now,” Roxanne said.
“Is there something in particular you were wanting to find?”
She shook her head. “It can wait. It’s damp up here and I’m getting cold.”
“Can’t have that,” he replied, adding, “there’s another place I want to show you. In fact, it could end up being a place for us to go if we want complete privacy.”
“Promises, promises,” she giggled.
“You think I jest?
“No, not at all.”
