35. Chapter 35

Chapter 35

E velyn spent the next few days in a state of unease. The Baron's absence left a palpable void in the house, and she found herself longing for his return, not just for the comfort of his presence, but also for the resolution she knew must come.

Nell's words about the Baroness's restless spirit haunted Evelyn's thoughts. She'd never been one for superstition, but the charred spot on the carpet and the strange noises in the night had shaken her more than she cared to admit. Each creak of the old house made her start, and she found herself avoiding thinking of the West Wing entirely.

As she went about her duties with the girls, Evelyn's mind wandered repeatedly to the secret she'd been keeping. The weight of it pressed heavily on her conscience, and she knew she couldn't carry it any longer. The Baron deserved to know the truth about her past, about who she really was.

On the third day of his absence, as Evelyn sat in the library helping Augusta with her Latin, she made her decision. When the Baron returned, she would tell him everything. The thought both terrified and relieved her. She had no idea how he would react, but she knew it was the right thing to do.

That night, as she lay in bed, Evelyn rehearsed what she would say to the Baron. How could she explain her deception without losing his trust entirely? She tossed and turned, the words tangling in her mind like a skein of knotted yarn.

As dawn broke, Evelyn rose, exhausted but resolute. She dressed with care, her fingers trembling slightly as she fastened the buttons of her gown. Today was the day the Baron was due to return, and she was determined to speak with him as soon as possible.

Evelyn descended the stairs, her heart pounding with anticipation. She had steeled herself for a day of waiting, rehearsing her confession over and over in her mind. But as she approached the breakfast room, the sound of familiar voices made her pause.

"Father!" Julia's excited squeal rang out, followed by the scrape of chair legs against the floor.

Evelyn was momentarily breathless. He was back already?

She rounded the corner to find a scene of joyous reunion. The Baron stood by the table, his arms full of his daughters. Augusta, usually so reserved, clung to him just as tightly as her more exuberant sister. The sight made Evelyn's heart twist with a mixture of warmth and longing.

The Baron looked up, catching her eye over the girls' heads. His face, so often stern, softened into a smile that made her knees weak.

"Good morning, Miss Bane," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "I hope we haven't disturbed your routine."

Evelyn shook her head, unable to speak for a moment. She hadn't expected to see him so soon, and the reality of his presence left her momentarily breathless.

"Not at all," she managed at last, moving further into the room. "We're delighted to have you back, aren't we, girls?"

Julia nodded enthusiastically, finally releasing her father. "Did you bring us anything, Father?"

The Baron chuckled, a sound that sent a shiver down Evelyn's spine. "Perhaps," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "But first, let's have breakfast. I've missed Cook's kippers something fierce."

As they settled around the table, Evelyn found herself studying the Baron. He looked tired, with shadows under his eyes, but there was a lightness to him that she hadn't seen before. Their eyes met across the table, and for a moment, the rest of the world seemed to fade away.

Evelyn watched with amusement as Julia and Augusta peppered their father with questions about his journey. Despite the brevity of his trip, the girls' excitement was palpable. Their eyes were wide with wonder at the mere thought of travelling beyond the bounds of their familiar world.

"What were the other estates like, Father?" Augusta asked, her usual reserve giving way to curiosity.

The Baron smiled indulgently. "Not so different from our own, really. Though I must say, Lord Ashbury's library would put ours to shame."

Julia leaned forward, nearly upsetting her teacup. "Did you see any grand balls? Or meet any interesting people?"

"I'm afraid not, my dear," he chuckled. "It was all rather dull business, I assure you."

Evelyn caught the Baron's eye over the rim of her teacup, raising an eyebrow in a look that clearly said, 'I told you so.' She had long argued that the girls needed more exposure to the world beyond their estate, and their eager questions only served to prove her point.

The Baron's lips quirked in acknowledgement of her silent message, a hint of sheepishness crossing his features. He cleared his throat. "Perhaps... perhaps we might consider a short trip to Bath next season. Would you ladies like that?"

The girls' squeals of delight drowned out any response Evelyn might have made, but her triumphant smile spoke volumes. As she watched the Baron's face soften with affection for his daughters, Evelyn felt a warmth bloom in her chest. It was moments like these that made her task of revealing her past all the more daunting, yet all the more necessary.

Evelyn watched the heartwarming scene unfold before her, a bittersweet ache in her chest. As much as she longed to let this moment linger, she knew they had a schedule to keep.

"I hate to interrupt," she said gently, "but we really should begin our lessons for the day."

Julia's face fell, her bottom lip jutting out in a pout. "But Miss Bane, Father's only just returned! Can't we have a little more time?"

The Baron chuckled, his arms still wrapped around his daughters. "Your governess is right, my dears. We mustn't neglect your education."

Julia tightened her grip on her father's waist. "I don't want to let go yet," she mumbled into his coat.

"Well now," the Baron said, his eyes twinkling with mischief, "if you don't release me, I'm afraid I won't be able to reach the presents I brought back for you both."

Augusta's eyes widened, and even Julia's head snapped up at this announcement. Evelyn couldn't help but smile at their excitement, even as a small part of her wondered if she should discourage such bribery. But the joy on the girls' faces was infectious, and she found herself leaning forward slightly, curious to see what the Baron had chosen for his daughters.

Julia reluctantly loosened her hold, stepping back with an expectant look. "What did you bring us, Father?"

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh as Julia and Augusta dashed out of the breakfast room, their excitement palpable. She knew she ought to chide them for their lack of decorum, but the joy on their faces was too infectious to dampen.

"I suppose that gives me a moment to finish my coffee," Evelyn said with a wry shake of her head.

The Baron cleared his throat, a faint flush colouring his cheeks. "Actually, Miss Bane, I think you should join us in the parlour as well." A pause. "Directly."

Evelyn paused, surprised by his invitation. "Oh, I wouldn't want to intrude on a family moment," she demurred, even as her heart quickened at the thought.

"Nonsense," the Baron said, his voice gruff but warm. "You should definitely drink your coffee in the parlour."

Evelyn felt her cheeks grow warm at his words. The idea that he had thought of her during his travels sent a flutter through her stomach. She tried to quash the feeling, reminding herself of the confession she still needed to make.

"That's very kind of you," she managed, her voice steadier than she felt. "I'd be honoured to join you."

As they walked towards the parlour, Evelyn was acutely aware of the Baron's presence beside her. The corridor seemed narrower than usual, and she could feel the warmth radiating from him.

Evelyn followed the Baron into the parlour, her heart fluttering with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. The girls were already there, bouncing on their toes as they eyed two packages wrapped in brown paper on the side table.

"Go on then," the Baron said, his voice gruff but warm. "Open them."

Julia pounced on her package first, tearing into the paper with unbridled enthusiasm. Augusta approached hers more cautiously, carefully untying the string before unfolding the wrapping.

A gasp of delight escaped Julia's lips as she revealed a ball unlike any Evelyn had ever seen. It bounced with an energy that seemed almost alive, springing back into Julia's hands as if drawn by an invisible thread.

"It's made of real India rubber," the Baron explained, a hint of pride in his voice. "I thought you might enjoy it for your outdoor pursuits."

Julia's eyes shone with excitement. "Oh, Father, it's wonderful! Thank you!"

Meanwhile, Augusta had opened her own gift, revealing a leather-bound collection of sheet music. Her fingers traced the embossed title reverently, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

"New compositions from Vienna," the Baron said softly. "I remembered how much you enjoyed that piece Lady Ashbury sent over last season."

Augusta looked up at her father, her eyes brimming with emotion. "Thank you, Father. It's perfect."

Evelyn couldn't help but smile as she watched the scene unfold. The Baron's choices showed a deep understanding of his daughters' interests and personalities. Julia's ball spoke to her love of physical activity and the outdoors, while Augusta's music catered to her more introspective nature.

The thoughtfulness of the gifts warmed Evelyn's heart, revealing a side of the Baron she had only glimpsed before. It was clear that beneath his gruff exterior lay a man who cared deeply for his children and paid close attention to their individual needs and desires.

Evelyn watched as the Baron's demeanour suddenly shifted. He cleared his throat, his hands fidgeting with the edge of his coat. She'd never seen him look so... nervous.

"There's, ah, one more gift," he said, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant.

Evelyn's brow furrowed in confusion. Surely he didn't mean...

The Baron bent down, reaching beneath the settee to withdraw a large white box. He held it carefully, as if it contained something incredibly fragile. Evelyn's heart began to race as he turned towards her.

"Miss Bane," he said, extending the box. "This is for you."

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock. She stared at the box, then back at the Baron, utterly flummoxed. "For me?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

The Baron nodded, a faint flush colouring his cheeks. "I saw it and... well, I thought of you."

Evelyn's hands trembled as she reached for the box. "My lord, I... this is too much. I couldn't possibly—"

"Nonsense," the Baron interrupted, his voice firmer now. "Please, I insist."

Evelyn hesitated, overwhelmed by the gesture. She glanced at Julia and Augusta, who were watching the exchange with wide-eyed curiosity. The Baron's eyes met hers, warm and encouraging, and she felt her resolve weaken.

With a deep breath, Evelyn accepted the box, marvelling at its unexpected weight. She placed it carefully on her lap, her fingers tracing the smooth edges of the pristine white packaging. She had grown up surrounded by fine things, had lived in one of the finest houses in London while married to the Judge. However, Evelyn's circumstances had taught her to treasure even the simplest of things.

Moreover, Evelyn couldn't remember the last time someone had given her a gift simply because they had thought of her. It was...well, it was too much, exactly as she had said.

Evelyn's fingers hovered over the box, her heart racing. She glanced up at the Baron, who watched her with an uncharacteristically nervous expression.

"Go on, Miss Bane!" Julia urged, practically bouncing with excitement. "Open it!"

Even Augusta leaned forward, her usual reserve giving way to curiosity. "Please, we'd love to see what Father chose for you."

Evelyn took a deep breath, steeling herself. With trembling fingers, she carefully untied the delicate ribbon and lifted the lid. As she peeled back the tissue paper, a sudden breathlessness overtook her.

The box was filled with the most exquisite fabric Evelyn had ever seen. Rich, dark purple satin cascaded over her hands as she lifted it, the colour reminiscent of a perfectly ripe aubergine. The material shimmered in the morning light, catching and reflecting it in a way that made the fabric seem almost alive.

Evelyn's eyes widened in astonishment. She had never owned anything so fine, not even in her previous life. The quality of the fabric was undeniable, its weight and sheen speaking of its value.

"It's... it's beautiful," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She looked up at the Baron, her eyes shining. "My lord, I don't know what to say—where would I ever wear something so beautiful?"

The Baron cleared his throat, his eyes darting away for a moment before meeting hers again. "Well, you see, there's a dressmaker in the village. Not a modiste, mind you, but competent enough. I thought perhaps you might have a dress made."

Evelyn blinked, still not comprehending. "A dress? But why would I need—"

"There's to be a harvest dance," the Baron interrupted, his words coming out in a rush. "At the public assembly rooms. In a week's time." He paused, taking a deep breath. "I was rather hoping... that is, I wondered if you might consider... attending. With me."

Evelyn's heart stuttered in her chest. She stared at the Baron, her lips parted in surprise. The room seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in this moment of startling clarity.

"You... you wish me to accompany you to the dance?" she asked slowly, as if she herself didn't understand what she was saying.

The Baron nodded, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "If you'd like to, of course. I understand if you'd rather not—"

Evelyn's heart raced as she looked down at the sumptuous fabric in her hands, then back up at the Baron's expectant face. She swallowed hard, trying to gather her scattered thoughts.

"My lord, I... I'm deeply honoured, but I don't think I should attend," she said softly, her voice tinged with regret. "It's hardly proper for a governess to accompany her employer to such an event. People would talk."

The Baron's brow furrowed, a flash of disappointment crossing his features before he squared his shoulders. "Miss Bane, I don't give a fig about what's proper," he declared, his voice gruff but earnest.

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh, the tension in her chest easing slightly. "No, I suppose you don't," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Not when you're so fond of farmers' hats and muddy boots."

The Baron's lips twitched into a wry smile. "Precisely. And I'll have you know, those hats are exceedingly practical."

His attempt at humour warmed Evelyn's heart, but she still hesitated. "Even so, I'm not sure it would be wise..."

"Consider this," the Baron said, leaning forward slightly. "If you don't attend, I fear we may have a revolt on our hands. The younger farm hands and bachelor farmers would be terribly disappointed. They've been looking forward to seeing you there."

Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise. "They have?"

The Baron nodded solemnly, though there was a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh yes. I've heard whispers of potential mutiny if you don't make an appearance. We can't have that, can we?"

Evelyn felt a blush creep up her cheeks. The idea that anyone would be eager to see her at a dance was both flattering and slightly overwhelming. She looked down at the fabric in her lap, running her fingers over its silken surface.

Evelyn opened her mouth, her heart racing. "My lord, before I agree, there's something I need to tell you—"

"Oh, Miss Bane!" Julia interrupted, her eyes shining with excitement. "Please say you'll have your dress made! I've never been to a proper dressmaker before. Couldn't I come with you?"

Augusta, usually so reserved, chimed in as well. "I'd like to see how it's done too, if you don't mind."

Evelyn hesitated, torn between her desire to confess and the eager faces of the girls. She glanced at the Baron, who was watching her with an expression of hopeful anticipation. Her resolve crumbled.

"Very well," she said softly. "I suppose I could have a dress made."

The girls' delighted squeals filled the room, and even the Baron's face broke into a rare, genuine smile. Evelyn's heart sank even as she forced a smile onto her face. The weight of her unspoken confession pressed heavily upon her.

Gathering the beautiful fabric in her arms, Evelyn rose to her feet. "If you'll excuse me, I should put this away before our lessons begin."

As she reached the parlour door, the Baron's voice stopped her. "Miss Bane? What were you about to say earlier?"

Evelyn froze, her hand on the doorknob. She turned slowly, meeting the Baron's curious gaze. His eyes were warm, his expression more open than she'd ever seen it. The hope she saw there made her chest ache.

She hesitated, the truth on the tip of her tongue. But as she looked at his eager face, at the girls' excited chatter about the upcoming dance, Evelyn found she couldn't bring herself to shatter the moment.

"I... I'm afraid I can't remember," she lied, forcing a smile. "It couldn't have been important."

That may have been the most significant lie that Evelyn had told in the Baron's house thus far.