That made sense. A builder could easily conceal the space behind a fireplace or off to the side of one. He watched as his housekeeper touched a few places on the ornamental mantel. Finally, a bookshelf swung open. “Amazing. I never would have found it.” Unfortunately, it had indeed been blocked. “It could be worse. They could have bricked it closed. The wood shouldn’t take too long to remove.”

Eleanor inspected the wood. “You father must have been a very obedient child. Those boards would not have kept any of my brothers or sisters out of it.”

He suddenly had a vision of their children playing in the damn thing and finding their way to his chamber at a most awkward time. “We will have to keep it a secret.”

“His lordship didn’t know how to open it. He was very young. The cousin who put him in there was sent away quick enough.”

John tried to think of a cousin he had that was no longer around and couldn’t come up with one. “Who was that?”

“He’s dead now, my lord. They sent him to the navy.”

It couldn’t be . . . “Uncle Crispin?”

Rennie scowled. “That’s the name. Always getting into trouble, he was. According to the old housekeeper.”

Eleanor tilted her head. “Did you know him?”

“Lord yes.” John barked a laugh. “He made admiral. He’d visit when we were children and tell us all sorts of stories about fighting pirates.”

“I’m glad to hear he redeemed himself.” His housekeeper gave an emphatic nod. “He sounded like a ne’er-do-well to me.”

John remembered one of his uncles talking about Crispin as a boy. “Apparently, he was a great deal of trouble until he was sent off. He took to the navy like a duck to water.” John glanced at Eleanor. “Do you still want to open it?”

“Absolutely.” Her eyes shone. “I have always wanted a secret passage.”

“In that case we will make it happen.” He could think of uses for it as well. “Let’s keep it among the three of us. I do not want it widely known.”

“No, my lord,” Rennie agreed. “My lady, shall I show you the rest of the rooms?”

“If you would, please.” Eleanor scribbled something in her pocketbook. “After which I shall be ready for a cup of tea.”

“I’ll be ready for more than tea.” He had not eaten much at breakfast and was famished.

“Do you usually serve luncheon?” Eleanor asked Rennie.

His housekeeper shook her head. “It depends what time everyone breaks their fast. Will that be something you’ll want to change?”

“Yes.” Again, Eleanor made a note. “I will speak to the cook about it.”