Free A Kiss With Scandal (Scandals & Secrets 4) by Janelle Daniels Page B

Robert died, it was passed to his heir. Offspring from his first marriage. But it was a place I enjoyed visiting from time to time when he wasn’t fulfilling his diplomatic duties for the queen.”
    Lady Pembroke, never far away from her protégé even this far out of town, harrumphed. “You mustn’t focus on the past, Lydia. Robert is dead, God rest his soul, but you are not. You must move on. It’s time to find another husband.”
    Charlotte gave Lady Norland a small smile of pity. Although Lady Norland had much more freedom than Charlotte enjoyed, they were in similar positions. Lady Norland was young enough that she could easily remarry and have children. Although without a large fortune, it was unlikely she’d ever make another great match, yet she wasn’t entirely plain looking. Without her spectacles and tight coiffure, Lady Norland would be much more appealing. The older woman might yet wed for love. But Lady Norland wasn’t a close enough friend that Charlotte felt she could impart an opinion. A fine line separated trying to help and giving offense.
    Charlotte smiled regretfully to her mother. “I’m afraid I cannot stay.”
    “No?”
    “I skipped breakfast, and hope to find a light repast in the dining room. Then I thought I’d read in the library after.”
    Her mother patted Charlotte’s hand. “You do look a little pale. Nourishment would do you good.”
    After conversation resumed, Charlotte ducked out. Freedom. With no other obligations, Charlotte had the rest of the morning and early afternoon to read before she’d be forced to mingle.
    At this hour, most of the guests contented themselves with games in the parlor or walks in the garden. Even with the opened windows, the library was dim, but it appealed to her. With books piled to the ceiling, it hinted at abundant secrets.
    She browsed the titles, but didn’t find any that immediately struck her fancy. Sighing, she twisted toward the fireplace. Her head cocked to the side as she studied it.
    Plenty of homes had secret doors that led to safe rooms or tunnels. Why not Derek’s? It seemed that if secret doorways were to be found, it would be in a spy’s home.
    She marched to the mantle, looking over her shoulder before pushing and pulling objects on top. There might be a lever somewhere.
    After Charlotte displaced the last candlestick, she huffed. This was ridiculous. Why on earth would the fireplace move anyway? Would someone need an escape after reading a good book?
    She snickered and leaned unladylike against the mantle.
    A click popped under her arm, and her breath whooshed out as the cream-marbled fireplace rotated, enclosing her into a new room. She regained her balance, and glanced at the massive cherry wood desk in front of her.
    It worked! She’d actually found her first secret passageway. With how many times she tossed figurines and candlesticks at other estates, she’d never found a door.
    Paper rustled across the room, and hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.
    “You’ve been busy. No one has ever found that passage.” Derek folded his newspaper, eyeing her with appreciation from a large chair in the corner.
    Her mouth fell open as she realized which room she’d invaded.
    Derek’s private study.
    “I am so, so sorry.”
    “A spy should never apologize.”
    “Oh! But I’m not!” She squeezed her eyes shut. She could just die now.
    “No?” He stood slowly from his chair, watching her with an edge that both thrilled and terrified her.
    “I had no idea I’d end up here.”
    “And where exactly did you think you’d end up?”
    She shifted and mumbled, “A secret tunnel.” Could she sound any more stupid? Secret tunnel, indeed. Why had she ever thought exploring was a good idea?
    He stalked toward her. “Well, then. Since you weren’t able to find your tunnel, I think that’s something we should remedy.”
    Her head jerked up. “Really?”
    He smothered a grin.
    Oh, sugar lumps . He was laughing at her. She