Samantha grabbed a book compact enough to fit in her apron and then slammed the trunk's lid shut. It wouldn't stay down without locking it. Above, came the sound not just of Miss Brigham's voice, but Prudence's as well. Samantha reached out to grab one of the bassinettes and placed it on the top of the trunk. The lid strained for a moment, but stayed down.
Samantha hurried back towards the opening to the cellar, hearing the sound of voices growing closer. At the opening, she heard the doorknob turning. Samantha leapt through the trap door, closed it, and then rolled the carpet back over before Miss Brigham entered the cottage with Prudence on her heels. "My word, Samantha, what is going on in here?"
"I was sweeping up," she said.
"Well, you've done a marvelous job, dear. I don't see a speck of dust on the floor at all." After Samantha thanked her, Miss Brigham put a hand on Prudence's shoulder. "Someone has come to pay you a visit. Why don't you two go outside to chat? I'll rearrange this furniture."
"I'll get it!" Samantha volunteered too quickly. "I would feel bad about making you do that after I moved it all."
"Nonsense, dear. You did such a wonderful job it's the least I can do to repay you."
Samantha glanced around the room to make sure she hadn't left any obvious clues and then met Prudence at the door. "Let's go over to your place," Samantha whispered. "There's something I need to show you."
"What is it?"
Samantha said nothing, instead shoving her friend out the door. They had much to discuss.