Ah. There seems to be little argument Francis can offer against that, really. He clears his throat a little sheepishly, brushing his hair back with one hand. It's true that it's somewhat impolite to go exploring the back passageways and secret places of a stranger's home, true that it's certainly not something he came here to do - but the lantern casts its light down what looks to him like a very old passageway, well-maintained and clearly used, and what is the worst they can find? That they come out in the kitchens, or the servants' quarters, and might be mildly embarrassed?

Besides, it seems pretty clear that Mr Ainsley means to go. Francis has a nasty feeling that this might be his fault, but it can't be helped now, and he may as well follow the other's lead.

He comes up beside Ainsley, frowning a little as he leans through the doorway. "Recently used, but not so often as you might expect. You see? These walls are very old, but the steps... hardly worn. It is hard stone, but still."