27. Chapter 27

Chapter 27

E velyn watched with amusement as Julia and Augusta darted about the meadow, their laughter echoing across the sun-dappled grass. She'd devised a scavenger hunt as a way to combine their lessons with some much-needed outdoor exercise, and the girls had taken to it with surprising enthusiasm.

"I've found the acorn!" Julia shouted, holding up her prize triumphantly.

Augusta, not to be outdone, emerged from behind a nearby oak tree. "And I've got the bird's feather."

Evelyn smiled, ticking off the items on her list. "Well done, girls. Now, can either of you spot something that starts with the letter 'M' that is neither animal nor mineral?"

The twins exchanged a glance before dashing off in opposite directions. Evelyn leaned back against the rough bark of the tree, relishing the warmth of the spring sun on her face. She'd never imagined she'd find such joy in teaching, let alone in the countryside she'd once dreaded.

"Miss Bane! Miss Bane!" Julia's excited voice pulled her from her reverie. "Is this what you meant?" She held up a small, delicate mushroom, her eyes shining with pride.

"Excellent work, Julia," Evelyn praised, unable to keep the warmth from her voice. "And Augusta, have you found—"

"Moss," Augusta interrupted, appearing at her sister's side with a clump of green fuzz in her hand. "It also starts with 'M'."

Evelyn chuckled. "Indeed it does. You're both doing splendidly."

As the girls continued their search, Evelyn was marvelling at how far they'd come. Augusta's quiet intelligence had blossomed, while Julia's exuberance had found a productive outlet. And she, too, had changed. The London lady who'd arrived at Ayles Manor seemed a stranger now.

"Miss Bane?" Augusta's voice was uncharacteristically hesitant. "What's the next item?"

Evelyn consulted her list. "Something that reminds you of happiness."

The girls paused, their brows furrowed in thought. Evelyn watched them, curious to see what they'd choose. After a moment, Julia's face lit up, and she raced towards a patch of wildflowers.

Evelyn's gaze followed Julia as she darted towards the wildflowers, her golden hair streaming behind her like a banner. A sudden prickling sensation at the nape of her neck made Evelyn turn, and she nearly jumped out of her skin to find the Baron standing mere feet away.

"My lord!" she exclaimed, pressing a hand to her chest. "I didn't hear you approach."

The Baron stood as tall and sturdy as one of the ancient oaks that dotted the meadow, his broad shoulders casting a shadow over her. Despite her startlement, Evelyn was unconsciously angling towards him, as if drawn by some unseen force.

"My apologies, Miss Bane," he said, his voice a low rumble. "I didn't mean to startle you."

Evelyn's heart, which had been racing from the shock, now seemed to quicken for an entirely different reason. She cleared her throat, willing herself to maintain her composure.

"Not at all, my lord. We were just in the middle of a scavenger hunt. The girls are searching for something that reminds them of happiness."

The Baron's grey eyes swept over the meadow, lingering on his daughters as they scoured the grass and flowers. "And what would you choose, Miss Bane?"

The question caught her off guard. Evelyn was staring up at him, struck by the way the sunlight caught the silver threads in his dark hair. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came.

"Papa!" Augusta's voice broke the moment. "Have you come to join our lesson?"

The Baron's lips twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile. "I'm afraid I'm woefully unprepared for Miss Bane's clever challenges."

Julia bounded up, clutching a handful of buttercups. "Look, Miss Bane! These remind me of happiness. They're so bright and cheerful!"

Evelyn tore her gaze from the Baron, focusing on her young charge. "That's a lovely choice, Julia. And you, Augusta?"

The other twin held up a small, smooth stone. "This reminds me of the ones we used to skip across the pond with Mama."

A heavy silence fell, and Evelyn saw the Baron stiffen beside her. She ached to reach out, to offer some word of comfort, but propriety held her back.

Evelyn watched as Julia's eyes lit up, her gaze fixed on the small stone in Augusta's hand.

"Oh! Can we go skip stones on the pond, Miss Bane? Please?" Julia pleaded, bouncing on her toes.

Augusta, usually more reserved, nodded eagerly. "It's been so long since we've done that."

Evelyn glanced at the Baron, uncertain how he would react to the mention of an activity they'd once shared with their mother. To her surprise, he gave a slight nod.

"Very well," Evelyn said, smiling at the girls. "But mind you don't get your dresses wet."

The twins dashed off towards the pond, their laughter carried back on the breeze. Evelyn was falling into step beside the Baron as they followed at a more sedate pace.

The silence between them felt charged, like the air before a storm. From the corner of her eye, Evelyn noticed the Baron's hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. His jaw worked as if he were chewing on words he couldn't quite spit out.

"The girls seem to be thriving under your tutelage, Miss Bane," he said at last, his voice gruff.

Evelyn felt a flush of pride. "Thank you, my lord. They're remarkable young ladies."

The Baron nodded, then fell silent once more. Evelyn could almost hear the gears turning in his mind, sense the tension radiating off him in waves. She longed to ask what troubled him, but held her tongue, acutely aware of the line between governess and employer.

As they neared the pond, the sound of splashing and giggles reached them. Evelyn saw the Baron's shoulders relax a fraction, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips as he watched his daughters.

Evelyn watched the girls skipping stones across the pond's surface, a sense of contentment settling over her. The gentle splashing of water and the girls' laughter created a soothing melody, one that seemed to ease the tension that had been building between her and the Baron.

Suddenly, the Baron turned to face her, his grey eyes intense. "Miss Bane, I... I realise I haven't properly thanked you for your bravery that day."

Evelyn blinked, caught off guard by the abrupt change in conversation. Her mind raced back to that harrowing afternoon when she'd raced across the fields to warn him of the impending flood. The memory of rain-soaked clothes and the thundering of her own heartbeat flooded her senses.

"My lord, I..." she began, fumbling for words. "It was nothing, truly. Anyone would have done the same."

The Baron shook his head, a hint of frustration creasing his brow. "No, Miss Bane. Not anyone would have risked their life as you did. I've been remiss in not acknowledging it sooner."

Evelyn felt her cheeks warm under his intense gaze. She clasped her hands tightly in front of her, unsure how to respond to this unexpected show of gratitude. The Baron's usual gruff demeanour had softened, and she found herself captivated by this rare glimpse of vulnerability.

"I... I'm glad I was able to help, my lord," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Your safety, and that of the girls, is of utmost importance to me."

The Baron opened his mouth as if to say more, but hesitated. Evelyn held her breath, acutely aware of the charged atmosphere between them. The sounds of the girls' play seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the rustle of leaves and the pounding of her own heart.

Evelyn's heart fluttered as the Baron's intense gaze held hers. His usual stern demeanour had softened, revealing a vulnerability that both intrigued and unsettled her.

"I would still like to thank you properly, Miss Bane," he said, his voice low and earnest. "Your actions that day were... extraordinary."

She swallowed hard, fighting the urge to look away. "My lord, I assure you, it's not necessary—"

"It is," he interrupted, then seemed to catch himself. "At least, I feel it is. And... there's something else."

Evelyn waited, watching as he struggled to find the right words. It was a rare sight, the usually decisive Baron Hastings at a loss.

"I would like to ask a favour of you, Miss Bane," he finally managed, his words coming out in a rush.

Evelyn couldn't help herself. She arched an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "My lord, do you intend to thank me by asking me for a favour?"

The Baron's eyes widened for a moment, and Evelyn feared she'd overstepped. But then, to her surprise and delight, a chuckle escaped him—a rich, warm sound that sent a shiver down her spine.

"I suppose it does sound rather contradictory when put that way," he admitted, the hint of a smile softening his features.

Evelyn was momentarily breathless as she waited for the Baron to continue. His usual stern demeanour had softened, and she found herself captivated by the warmth in his grey eyes.

"I would like to ask if you would consider acting as hostess at the tenants' luncheon," he said, his words coming out in a rush. "If you were to attend, it would mean the tenants' wives could join as well. It would make them very happy."

Evelyn blinked, surprised by the request. She had heard whispers of the annual luncheon from the staff, but never imagined she would be invited to play such a prominent role. As she pondered the invitation, she couldn't help but notice the eager expression on the Baron's face. It was clear that this request meant more to him than he was letting on.

"I... I'm honoured by your request, my lord," Evelyn said, her mind racing. "But surely there must be someone more suitable? Perhaps one of the local gentry ladies?"

The Baron shook his head, a flicker of something—disappointment?—crossing his features. "There's no one I would trust more with this task, Miss Bane. Your kindness and intelligence would be most welcome."

Evelyn felt a warmth bloom in her chest at his words. She glanced towards the pond, where Julia and Augusta were still engrossed in their game, then back to the Baron's hopeful face. In that moment, she realised how much she wanted to attend, not only to help the Baron, but for the chance to be on his arm.

Evelyn's heart fluttered at the Baron's words, but a knot of uncertainty tightened in her stomach. She longed to accept his invitation, to stand by his side at the luncheon, yet doubt gnawed at her resolve.

"My lord, I'm deeply honoured by your request," she began, her voice soft. "But I fear I may not be the right choice. I've never attended such an event, let alone acted as hostess. I wouldn't know what to do or say."

The Baron's brow furrowed, and for a moment, Evelyn thought she saw a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. But then his expression softened, and he took a step closer to her.

"Miss Bane," he said, his voice low and earnest, "I have no doubts that you will do splendidly. You need only be yourself."

Evelyn's breath was stilled at his proximity. She could smell the faint scent of leather and pine that clung to him, a scent she had come to associate with safety and strength.

"But what if I make a mistake?" she whispered, voicing her deepest fear. "What if I embarrass you or offend the tenants?"

The Baron's lips quirked into a small smile. "I assure you, Miss Bane, that is impossible. Your kindness and genuine nature will win them over, just as they have..." He trailed off, clearing his throat. "Just as they have endeared you to the girls."

Evelyn felt her cheeks warm at his words. She glanced towards the pond, where Julia and Augusta were still engrossed in their game, then back to the Baron's hopeful face. For just a moment, Evelyn caught a glimpse of the man that he had been before the great tragedy that seemed to divide his life in two.

Evelyn's heart raced as she contemplated the Baron's request. The warmth of his gaze and the sincerity in his voice made her want to accept on the spot. However, before she could formulate a response, a loud splash and a shriek of laughter from the pond caught her attention.

She turned to see Julia waist-deep in the water, her dress soaked through, while Augusta stood at the edge, trying to coax her sister back to dry land.

"Oh, goodness," Evelyn muttered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She'd been so caught up in her conversation with the Baron that she'd neglected her charges. "I'm terribly sorry, my lord, but I must attend to the girls before they catch their death of cold."

The Baron nodded, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. "Of course, Miss Bane. We wouldn't want that."

Evelyn took a step towards the pond, then paused, turning back to face him. "As for your request, my lord... might I have some time to consider it? It's a significant responsibility, and I wouldn't want to give you an answer without proper thought."

It was impossible to miss the way the Baron's face fell, though it was nearly imperceptible to anyone not well-acquainted with him. "Of course."

With a grateful nod, Evelyn hurried towards the pond, calling out to Julia and Augusta. As she approached, a mix of emotions swirled within her. She felt excitement at the prospect of attending the luncheon, nervousness about her ability to fulfill such a role, and a lingering warmth from the Baron's unexpected praise..

As Evelyn herded the girls back towards the house, her mind whirled with thoughts of the Baron's unexpected invitation. Julia's dress dripped steadily, leaving a trail of puddles in her wake, whilst Augusta tutted and fussed over her twin. Evelyn barely registered their chatter, her attention focused inward.

She imagined herself at the tenants' luncheon, seated across from the Baron at a long table laden with fine china and sparkling silverware. In her mind's eye, she saw herself engaging in witty conversation, drawing smiles from the usually stern-faced man. The thought sent a flutter through her chest.

Then, unbidden, another image formed. She pictured herself standing beside the Baron, her hand resting lightly on his arm as they greeted the tenants and their wives. She could almost feel the solid warmth of him beneath her fingers, the strength in his arm as he guided her through the crowd.

Evelyn felt her cheeks warm at the direction of her thoughts. She glanced guiltily at the girls, but they were still absorbed in their own conversation, oblivious to their governess's wandering mind.

As they neared the house, Evelyn was liking the idea of attending the luncheon more and more. It would be a chance to see a different side of the Baron, to stand beside him as an equal rather than just an employee. The prospect both thrilled and terrified her.

She pictured herself in her best dress, her hair carefully arranged, ready to face the scrutiny of the tenants and their wives. Would they accept her in this role? Would the Baron be pleased with her performance?

Evelyn shook her head slightly, trying to clear away the fanciful thoughts. She was getting ahead of herself. She hadn't even accepted the invitation yet. But as she ushered the girls inside, she couldn't quite shake the warmth that had settled in her chest at the idea of standing arm-in-arm with the Baron.

With a sudden jolt, Evelyn's pleasant musings about the luncheon came to an abrupt halt. A cold dread washed over her, replacing the warmth she'd felt moments before. Her steps faltered as the realisation struck her like a physical blow.

She didn't know if she was truly free.