Ravens Deep (one) Read Online Free PDF Page B

first led into another bathroom, not quite as basic as the one downstairs, it contained an ornate Victorian bathtub and pedestal basin.  The decoration was simple and elegant, as the cream panelling on the walls complimented the white mouldings on the coving.
                  At the end of the corridor was the door to the main bedroom, and I was so unprepared for the magnificence that awaited me when I first entered into the room.  Leaded gothic windows curved in a semicircle to form a bay window, from which curtains cascaded to the floor in waves of heavy silk.  The curtains were well aged and their rose pink colour had faded considerably. I noticed that there were fine details in the ornate alabaster fireplace, which was partly obscured by a pale pink boudoir chair and matching footstool. Silk wallpaper the colour of the palest pink rose, worn and faded in places, hung on the walls and in the corners of the room, where the sunlight had never shined, I could still see the rich vivid hues of the pink and green butterflies, with delicate lacy wings that entwined the oriental flowers and adorned the background.
                  Above the fireplace hung a portrait of a pretty young girl, maybe eighteen or nineteen, her pale flawless skin matched the colour of the old fashioned ivory dress that she was wearing. Her eyes beckoned me to come closer, I obliged and stared at the image. I got the strangest feeling that I had seen this portrait before, there was something so familiar about it and I searched for some clue on the canvas, but I could not find the name of the painting or the artist.
                  After a few minutes I turned away, but I was certain that the girl’s eyes were firmly fixed upon me as I moved around the room.  I tried not to feel intimidated, after all, it was only a picture.  I turned my attention to the sumptuous four-poster bed adorned with more of the heavy silk curtains that dominated the main area of this room.  Laid across the bed was a bedspread of silk to match.  On closer inspection, I realized the fabric contained hundreds of tiny embroidered flowers in tones of pink, green and gold. The bed frame and headboard were made of exotic carved wood, with a relief of vine leaves that complimented a matching wardrobe and dressing table. This room felt as though somebody of great importance should have slept here and I felt in awe that this would be my bedroom. 
                  As I continued with the inspection of the room, I noticed an opening set into the wall, a small arched recess to the side of the dressing table, similar to what you could sometimes find in old churches, like a niche to hold a candle.  But this was different, it grew narrower towards its furthest wall and it had a glass inset, like a tiny window. I studied it in detail, but as much as I looked, I could see nothing but blackness.
                  Maybe the ivy has grown up and hidden its true purpose.
                  Although I wondered what purpose it could have possibly served, perhaps a candle being placed there, maybe to light the way to the house.  I liked the idea of that thought, a beacon of illumination rising out of the mists of the moors or a glimmer of light for those travelling home to Ravens Deep so many years ago. 
                  I glanced at my watch, it was already mid afternoon and as beautiful and decadent as this room was, I could not sleep in this ancient bed without changing all the old linens and removing some of the ingrained dirt. Besides, I had no idea when someone last slept here and for all I knew, the bed could be full of bed bugs and other creatures.  I was glad I had foresight to bring clean sheets and linens with me. The bed would need some thorough cleaning, to dislodge any unwelcome occupants it may contain, but I decided that job could wait until tomorrow. I could easily make up a temporary bed on the sofa