41. Chapter 41

Chapter 41

E velyn woke early the next morning, her heart light with joy. She dressed with care, fingers lingering on the ring that now adorned her hand. As she made her way down to breakfast, she couldn't help but smile, anticipating the announcement to come.

The dining room was quieter than usual when she entered. Julia and Augusta sat at the table, their faces a mixture of curiosity and concern. The Baron was already there, his expression unreadable as he sipped his tea.

"Good morning," Evelyn said, trying to keep her voice steady despite the excitement bubbling within her.

The girls murmured their greetings, exchanging glances with each other. Evelyn took her seat, acutely aware of the Baron's presence beside her.

As they ate, the silence stretched on, broken only by the clink of cutlery against china. Evelyn could sense the girls' unease, and she longed to reassure them. But she knew it wasn't her place to speak just yet.

Finally, as the meal drew to a close, the Baron set down his napkin and cleared his throat. "I have an announcement," he said, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of something Evelyn couldn't quite place. "I would like to see all the staff in the main hall of the manor after we've finished here."

Julia and Augusta's heads snapped up, their eyes wide. They looked to Evelyn, worry clear on their faces. Evelyn gave them a reassuring smile, hoping to ease their concerns without giving anything away.

As the Baron rose from the table, Evelyn caught his eye. He gave her a small nod, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards ever so slightly. It was all the confirmation she needed that everything was going to be all right.

Evelyn's heart raced as she stood amongst the assembled servants in the main hall. The Baron's presence beside her was a comforting anchor, yet she couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves as she awaited his announcement. She caught Nell's eye across the room, the maid's sympathetic gaze touching.

The Baron cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Thank you all for gathering here," he began, his voice steady and clear. "I have called you together because there will be some changes to the household from this point forward."

A ripple of murmurs swept through the assembled staff. Evelyn fought to keep her expression neutral, though her pulse quickened at his words.

"After much consideration," the Baron continued, "I have decided to remarry. There will be a new Baroness in the house again."

Evelyn felt the weight of several gazes upon her, including Nell's, which now held a mix of surprise and concern. She was touched by the maid's evident worry for her wellbeing, grateful for the friendship they had formed.

The Baron paused, his eyes sweeping across the room before settling on Evelyn. "It is someone with whom I have developed a close friendship," he said, his voice softening slightly. "Someone who has brought light into this house and into my life."

With those words, he turned towards Evelyn and offered his hand. Time seemed to slow as she looked up at him, seeing the warmth in his eyes that was usually hidden behind his stern fa?ade. Taking a deep breath, Evelyn placed her hand in his, feeling the strength and gentleness of his grip.

Evelyn felt a wave of relief wash over her as the servants' faces broke into smiles. The tension that had filled the room moments ago dissipated, replaced by a buzz of excitement and genuine joy. She barely had time to register the change before Nell rushed forward, enveloping her in a fierce embrace.

"Oh, Miss Evelyn!" Nell exclaimed, her arms tightening around Evelyn's waist. "I'm so happy for you!"

Evelyn gasped, struggling to draw breath as Nell's enthusiasm threatened to squeeze the air from her lungs. Despite the discomfort, she couldn't help but laugh, touched by the maid's unbridled delight.

When Nell finally released her, she grasped Evelyn's hands in her own, her eyes shining with emotion. "I just know," she said emphatically, her voice thick with conviction, "that you'll be exactly this happy for the rest of your life. You deserve it, Miss."

Evelyn felt her eyes prick with tears at Nell's heartfelt words. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a chorus of excited shrieks filled the air.

"Miss Evelyn! Father!" Julia cried, rushing towards them with Augusta close behind.

The girls threw themselves at Evelyn, nearly knocking her off balance. She stumbled slightly, steadied by the Baron's hand at her elbow, as Julia and Augusta wrapped their arms around her.

"You're staying forever!" Augusta exclaimed, her usual reserve forgotten in the moment of joy.

Julia nodded enthusiastically, her face beaming. "We were so worried—but you're staying!"

Evelyn's heart swelled with love for these girls who had become so dear to her. She hugged them tightly, overcome with emotion. As she looked up, her eyes met the Baron's, and she saw her own happiness reflected in his gaze.

The rest of the day passed in a happy blur for Evelyn. After the announcement, the Baron took her hand and led her out into the crisp morning air. The estate stretched before them, a patchwork of fields and woodlands bathed in golden sunlight.

"I'd like to introduce you properly to some of our people," the Baron said, his voice warm with pride. "They should know the woman who will soon be their new Baroness."

Evelyn's heart fluttered at his words. She squeezed his hand, still marvelling at the feeling of his calloused palm against hers.

They walked together across the grounds, stopping to speak with the gardeners tending to the formal gardens. Evelyn was struck by the easy way the Baron addressed each person by name, inquiring after their families and work with genuine interest.

As they moved on to the stables, the Baron's hand rested lightly on the small of her back, guiding her. The gesture, so simple and yet so intimate, sent a thrill through her.

"Mr Hamish," the Baron called out to the stablemaster. "I'd like you to meet Lady Evelyn, my betrothed."

The older man's weathered face broke into a broad grin. "It's an honour, my lady," he said, bowing slightly. "We're right pleased to have you here."

They continued on, meeting with farm hands and tenants alike. Evelyn was touched by the warmth of their welcome, the genuine joy in their faces as they offered their congratulations.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the fields, the Baron turned to her. "I promise to introduce you formally to more of our tenants soon," he said. "You'll be a wonderful Baroness, Evelyn."

Exhausted but elated, Evelyn retired to her room that night. As she lay in bed, her mind replayed the events of the day: the joy of the announcement, the warmth of the estate's people, and the tender looks the Baron had given her throughout the day.

Evelyn gazed around her room, her eyes lingering on the familiar furnishings. The small writing desk where she'd penned her lessons, the armchair by the window where she'd often sat to read—each piece held memories of her time as a governess. But soon, she mused, this room would no longer be hers.

A warm flush crept up her neck as she contemplated her impending move to the Baron's quarters. She would share his bed, his life, his everything. The thought both thrilled and daunted her.

As she settled beneath the covers, Evelyn's mind wandered to what it might be like to share a bed with a man again. Her experiences with the Judge had been far from pleasant, and her affair with Richard had been a heady thing, but she pushed those memories aside. This would be different. The Baron was kind, gentle when he needed to be, and she'd seen the passion that smouldered beneath his stern exterior.

She imagined the warmth of his body next to hers, the strength of his arms around her. Perhaps he would pull her close in the night, his breath soft against her neck. Or maybe they would wake together in the pale light of dawn, exchanging sleepy smiles before starting their day.

A contented sigh escaped her lips as she nestled deeper into her pillow. For the first time in years, Evelyn felt truly hopeful about her future. As sleep began to claim her, a smile played across her face, her dreams filled with the promise of love and companionship.

Evelyn woke with a start, her heart pounding in her chest. Something was wrong. The air felt thick and heavy, and an acrid smell filled her nostrils. She blinked, trying to clear her vision, but the room remained hazy. It took her a moment to realise that it wasn't her eyes playing tricks on her—her bedchamber was filling with smoke.

Panic gripped her as she sat up, her nightgown clinging to her sweat-dampened skin. The smoke was rolling in beneath the door, accompanied by an ominous flickering light. Fire. The word echoed in her mind, bringing with it a rush of terror.

Evelyn scrambled out of bed, her bare feet hitting the cold floor. She stumbled towards the door, her throat tightening with each breath of the smoky air. Her hand trembled as she reached for the doorknob, praying that she could escape.

But as she turned the handle and pushed, the door refused to budge. Evelyn's heart sank. She pushed harder, throwing her weight against the wood, but it was no use. Something on the other side was blocking her exit.

"Help!" she cried out, her voice hoarse from the smoke. "Is anyone there? Please, help me!"

The crackling of flames grew louder, and the heat in the room intensified. Evelyn's mind raced, searching for a way out. The window—perhaps she could escape through there. But as she turned towards it, she remembered with a sickening jolt that her room was on the second floor. Even if she could open the window, the drop would be dangerous, if not fatal.

Tears stung her eyes as she looked around frantically, seeking any means of escape. The smoke was getting thicker, making it harder to breathe. Evelyn coughed violently, her lungs burning. She couldn't help but think of the Baron's late wife, who had perished in a fire. Was this to be her fate as well?

Evelyn's heart raced as she thought of Julia and Augusta. Their room was just down the hall—were they safe? The thought of the girls in danger spurred her on, and she threw herself against the door with renewed vigour.

"Julia! Augusta!" she cried out, her voice hoarse from the smoke. She pushed harder, feeling the door give slightly. With a final burst of strength, she managed to create a small gap, just wide enough to see through.

"Girls! Can you hear me?" Evelyn called again, desperately hoping to wake them if they were still asleep.

"Don't worry, Miss Evelyn," a familiar voice replied, calm and steady amidst the chaos. "They're safe."

Evelyn's chest tightened suddenly. "Nell? Is that you?"

"Yes, Miss," came the response.

Relief washed over Evelyn, quickly followed by urgency. "Nell, please help me get out. The fire—"

"Now why would I do that?" Nell interrupted, her tone suddenly cold and unfamiliar. "Things are proceeding exactly as I wanted."

Evelyn froze, unable to comprehend what she was hearing. "What do you mean? Nell, please—"

"I'm sorry, Miss Evelyn," Nell said, though her voice held no trace of remorse. "But this is how it has to be."

Evelyn caught a glimpse of Nell's face through the gap in the door. Nell still smiled, her face bright and cheerful as ever, but there was a new, manic light to her eyes that Evelyn had never seen before.

Are you sure? Evelyn asked herself, her mind racing. Have you simply mistaken the warm glow of her friendship for mania?

Evelyn's mind reeled, struggling to process the horrifying reality unfolding before her. The smoke, the heat, Nell's chilling words—it all seemed too terrible to be real.

"Am I still dreaming?" Evelyn asked aloud, her voice trembling with desperate hope. "This can't be happening."

Through the gap in the door, she saw Nell sadly shake her head. The flickering firelight cast an eerie glow around the maid, making her appear almost otherworldly.

"I'm afraid not, Miss Evelyn," Nell replied, her voice tinged with a strange mixture of regret and determination. "This is all too real."

Evelyn stared at her, disbelief giving way to horror as Nell continued.

"You see, the Baron was always meant to be mine," Nell explained, her eyes taking on a faraway look. "I've known it since I first saw him as a girl. But the Baroness got in the way, and then you."

A chill ran down Evelyn's spine as the implications of Nell's words sank in.

"I got rid of the Baroness," Nell said matter-of-factly, as if discussing the weather. "And now, with you gone, the Baron will finally be mine."

Before Evelyn could respond, Nell disappeared from view, leaving her alone with the encroaching flames and thickening smoke. Evelyn's heart pounded in her chest as she realised she was completely trapped, with no way out. Already, flames were beginning to lick at one wall, smoke pouring in from the ceiling.

Desperately, Evelyn threw herself at the door again, trying to call for help, but her throat was too raw and parched to get the words out. She was completely and utterly alone.