"There may be another stairway up, on the other side of the house, but yes. We wouldn't be doing ourselves any favors by forcing our way up there. The layout is inconsistent. Good." He is pleased with the shared observation, and his tone is only a little patronizing.

He hushes himself, and rests his ear against a wall. He knocks his knuckles in a few spots, and listens for another moment. "Be a dear and go see if there's a pantry or closet or alcove with an entrance in that room." He gestures, then puts his ear back near the wall.