Of course it was, but this was strangely embarrassing—as though she was already undressed and naked in front of the whole room.
Three days before, Celeste had taken the cellar stairs, candles in hand, fighting away her fears while the excitement of the impending discovery pressed her forward. Now, the journey was ten times more frightening. All the way, she could feel the force of Crawford at her back, even though he was still in the library puffing rings of smoke through the air. Alone now, Celeste meandered through the close, dank spaces, finding it easier to negotiate the path to the dungeon—though it was hardly a simple trip. What had she done to deserve this, her anxious mind wondered?
Reaching the stonewalled portion of the cellar, she was surprised to see a drape hanging
