Matt climbed the stairs following the route Penelope and ‘Melody’ had taken. He was very aware of the sound his heels made on the marble floor. Amazingly he had climbed the stairs in the 4 inch stiletto’s without even thinking. There was a long hallway at the top of the stairs and Matt recalled the map of the mansion he had scrutinised earlier in the day. This should be a wing of bedrooms. There was an open door halfway down the corridor the light was on in the room. Matt decided that was as good a bet as any.
As he got closer he heard talking. However it wasn’t English. Matt knew enough to recognise two women talking in Spanish. It certainly sounded like ‘Melody’ and Penelope. He entered the door.
It was a large room but dominated by a large bed. The colour scheme of the room was pale pink and white. The bedspread was white with a fine pink floral pattern. There was a pale pink upholstered lounge with a matching single chair but they were empty. The talking was coming from through a secondary door leading off from the bedroom.
Matt called out “Penelope”
He quickly got a reply “Senorita, I was just showing the senora the gown you are wearing to dinner”
Matt followed the voice into what turned out to be a large walk in closet. “It is beautiful” piped in ‘Melody’. “You didn’t tell me dinner was a black-tie event” Matt looked at the former Cheryl. She was pointing to a long silvery brown dress hanging separately to the other clothes.
Penelope added “I had the dress maker repair that hem as you requested”
“Ah…. Of course… Thankyou” Matt found himself blushing. The dress was beautiful and would no doubt show off the body of whoever wore it. Was it supposed to be him?”
Cheryl could see that Matt was at a loss for words. “If you don’t mind I’ll choose something for myself. Then leave you. I think I need a long hot bath”
“Ah Yes…. Choose anything you like. There is a big choice” It was a large closet and there seemed to be hundreds of colourful garments hanging up. Matt felt dumb he didn’t know what to say. “Penelope would you have any suggestions as to what might suit Melody”
“Perhaps this red gown. The colour would go very well with Senora’s complexion and the long train would be ideal for Senora’s height” Penelope was pointing out a silky red garment.
'Melody' took it off the rack and held it against her body. ‘Yes this will do nicely. Good suggestion Penelope”
"Gracious Senora"
Matt felt he need to say something as well “Your welcome to it Melody. Take some shoes as well. There are plenty to choose from” he had just seen rows of shoes arranged neatly on racks on the other side of the closet.
‘Are we the same size?” asked ‘Melody’ as her eyes took in the collection. She moved across and lifted up a pair of red pumps, almost the same colour of the dress. After checking the size she said “I could be in luck” she slipped off the modest heels she had been wearing and placed her foot in one of the shoes. “Seems comfortable enough. Even if it’s not it will do. I won’t have to walk far. Could I borrow some of your gels?”
Matt wasn't totally sure what 'Melody' meant. 'Uh?"
“I will bring you a set” said Penelope. “Perhaps I could show you to your suite”
“Why thank-you Penelope. That would be nice. Would you mind waiting outside for a minute I would like a word in private with Amelia”
“Por supuesto señora”
“No seré larga”
Penelope left and shut the main door behind her.
Matt spoke first to ‘Melody’. “I didn’t know you spoke Spanish”
“Spanish? I don’t speak Spanish”
“You just did. And you were speaking Spanish to Penelope when I first came into the room. You also replied in Spanish to whatever Penelope just said”
“Are you sure. I don’t recall speaking Spanish”
“Well you just spoke in a language to Penelope that I didn’t understand”
“Well I’ll be. Or should I say ‘Creo que realmente puedo! Me asombra eso. Esto es increíble. Debe ser ese artefacto”
“What?”
“I can speak Spanish fluently. That artefact is amazing”
“I need to tell you about my conversation with Pedro. I suspect Pedro is Amelia’ fiancé. He kissed me when we were alone”
“I guessed as much. I mean you’re living here and appear to be the mistress of the house”
“Yeah well I’m going to need advice on how to keep him away from me”
Cheryl giggled. “If you are undercover you need to be flexible and adapt to any situation. If your Pedro’s fiancé you need to behave like Pedro’s fiance”
“Not funny. I need your help”
“Just say you aren’t feeling well or let him know you are on the rag”
“On the rag?”
“Menstruating”
“Oh” Matt could feel himself blushing once more.
“I’m probably going to need your help to get dressed for dinner”
“You have your own maid. That’s what Penelope’s for”
“I thought she was the housekeeper or something like that”
“No she is your personal maid. She was telling me that before you showed up. She is new here, only been employed by you for two weeks. I suspect she’s a newly arrived illegal immigrant. See that bell. You ring that and it summons her”
“A personal maid? Who is this Amelia? Some sort of princess?”
“You at the moment” ‘Melody’ giggled once more. “I had better go. Send Penelope to fetch me when you are ready to attend dinner”
“Before you go. I almost forgot. Pedro wants Amelia to quit her job as a lawyer and instead look after the family finances”
“Way to go girl. You work fast. I’m impressed. I hope you said yes”
“Sort of. I think I said I would think about it”
“There is nothing to think about. Do it. Do whatever it takes to get access. The sooner we get our hands on those books the sooner we can finish this assignment”