6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6

E velyn knelt before the empty grate, her fingers hovering uncertainly over the unfamiliar iron tools. The chill of her journey still clung to her bones, seeping through her travelling dress despite the relative warmth of the day outside. She had never built a fire before, always relying on servants to tend to such matters. Now, faced with the prospect of warming herself, she felt woefully unprepared.

She picked up the poker, its weight foreign in her hand. How did one even begin? Surely there must be kindling of some sort. Her gaze darted around the sparse room, seeking anything that might serve. A stack of newspapers caught her eye, tucked neatly beside the fireplace.

"Well," she murmured to herself, "I suppose that's a start."

Evelyn reached for the papers, her movements hesitant. She crumpled one sheet, then another, arranging them in what she hoped was a suitable formation within the grate. The iron tools clinked together as she fumbled with them, the sound seeming to mock her inexperience.

"Now for the wood," she said, eyeing the small stack beside the hearth. She selected a few pieces, trying to recall how she had seen fires laid in the past. As she placed them atop the paper, doubt crept in. Was this correct? Would it even catch?

A sharp knock at the door startled her, nearly causing her to drop a log on her foot. Evelyn straightened, brushing her hands against her skirts as she rose.

"Yes?" she called, her voice betraying a hint of relief at the interruption.

"It's Nell, miss," a voice called through the door. "His lordship thought I might help get you settled."

Evelyn felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Please, do come in," she called, smoothing her skirts and willing the colour in her cheeks to fade.

The door creaked open, and Nell stepped inside. Her warm smile immediately put Evelyn at ease, dispelling some of the tension that had built up since her arrival.

"Welcome to Aylesbury Manor, Miss Bane," Nell said, dipping into a small curtsy. "I hope your journey wasn't too taxing?"

Evelyn couldn't help but notice how pretty the maid was, in a rural sort of way. Her flax-blonde hair was neatly tucked beneath her cap, and her dark blue eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief.

"It was... eventful," Evelyn replied, her mind flashing back to the uncomfortable ride with the Baron. She pushed the thought aside, focusing on the present. "I'm grateful for your assistance."

Nell's gaze drifted to the fireplace, and Evelyn felt a fresh wave of embarrassment. The maid's lips twitched, but she maintained her composure.

"You must be worn out from your travels, miss," Nell said kindly. "Why don't you have a seat? I'll tend to the fire for you."

Evelyn hesitated, torn between relief and a desire to prove herself capable. "I wouldn't want to impose—"

"Nonsense," Nell interrupted, already moving towards the hearth. "It's my job, after all. And between you and me, miss, I've had plenty of practice."

As Nell set about arranging the kindling and logs, Evelyn sank into a nearby chair, watching with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. The maid's movements were swift and sure, her hands deftly manipulating the tools that had seemed so foreign to Evelyn moments ago.

"There we are," Nell said, striking a match and touching it to the paper. The flame caught quickly, licking up the kindling and spreading to the logs. "It'll be nice and warm in here in no time."

"Thank you," Evelyn murmured, genuinely grateful. "I'm afraid I'm not terribly accustomed to... well, to much of anything here, it seems."

Nell turned, her expression softening. "Don't you worry, miss. We'll have you settled in before you know it."

Evelyn watched as Nell moved easily towards the trunk at the foot of the bed. The maid's efficiency was a stark reminder of Evelyn's own inexperience, and she felt a twinge of unease settle in her stomach.

"Shall I help you unpack, Miss Bane?" Nell asked, her fingers already working at the clasps.

"That would be most kind," Evelyn replied, rising from her chair. She hesitated, unsure whether to assist or simply observe.

As Nell began to remove Evelyn's carefully folded gowns, she glanced up with a curious expression. "If you don't mind me asking, miss, did you come from a large household? With many servants, I mean?"

Evelyn's breath caught for a moment. She had never outright lied about her circumstances, but neither had she been entirely forthcoming. "Yes," she said carefully, "I did. Quite a large household, in fact."

It wasn't untrue, she reasoned. Aunt Agnes's home had been sizeable, with a full complement of staff, and the Judge's household before that had been ostentatiously grand. The fact that Evelyn had been raised in such circumstances need not be mentioned.

Nell nodded slowly, her brow furrowing slightly as she continued to unpack. "That explains it, then," she said, more to herself than to Evelyn.

"Explains what?" Evelyn asked, curiosity overriding her caution.

Nell looked up, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. "Oh, I didn't mean... It's just, well, it explains why a governess wouldn't know how to tend a fire, is all."

Evelyn felt her own face grow warm. "I suppose it does," she admitted, forcing a small laugh. "I'm afraid I'm rather useless when it comes to practical matters."

To her surprise, Nell's expression softened. "Don't worry yourself about it, miss. We all have to start somewhere."

Evelyn found herself relaxing slightly. "You're very kind," she said. "I must admit, I'm a little jealous of your practical knowledge. I do hope I'll gain some of my own soon."

Nell's smile brightened as she continued to help Evelyn unpack. Her deft hands moved swiftly, removing each garment with care and laying it out on the bed. As she lifted a pale blue dress with pleated trim at the hem and delicate lace at the neckline, her eyes widened in admiration.

"Oh, Miss Bane," Nell breathed, her fingers tracing the intricate lacework. "This is beautiful. Your last mistress must have been very generous indeed."

Evelyn felt a pang of guilt at the maid's words. Thoughts of Aunt Agnes flashed through her mind – the woman who had taken her in, treated her as family and insisted on a new wardrobe for her new life away from the Judge. It wasn't entirely a lie to agree, was it?

"Yes," Evelyn said softly, pushing aside her discomfort. "She was very kind to me."

Nell held the dress up against Evelyn's face, her eyes sparkling with approval. "This colour suits you perfectly, miss. It brings out your eyes." She paused, a mischievous grin playing at her lips. "I'd wager you left a string of broken hearts behind you in London."

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh at the notion. If only Nell knew how close to the truth that was. "I'm afraid not," she replied, shaking her head. "My life has been rather... sheltered."

As Nell continued to unpack, chattering away about the manor and its inhabitants, Evelyn felt warming to the young maid. There was something refreshingly genuine about her, a warmth that cut through the uncertainty and fear that had plagued Evelyn since her arrival.

For the first time since setting foot in Aylesbury Manor, Evelyn felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps she wasn't entirely alone in this strange new world. Perhaps, in Nell, she might find a friend.

Evelyn watched as Nell continued to unpack, her movements efficient and practised. The maid's hands paused as she lifted another gown, her brow furrowing slightly as she glanced back at Evelyn.

"Oh, Miss Bane," Nell exclaimed, a hint of embarrassment colouring her cheeks. "I'm terribly sorry. You're still in your travelling dress. Would you like some help changing?"

Evelyn hesitated, suddenly aware of her rumpled appearance. "I... perhaps I should," she murmured, then paused. A thought occurred to her, and she bit her lip uncertainly. "But shouldn't I greet my new charges first? I wouldn't want to be a complete surprise to them."

To her surprise, Nell let out an unladylike snort. "I'd wager they've already seen you, miss, even if you haven't seen them."

Evelyn blinked, puzzled by the cryptic reply. She opened her mouth to ask what Nell meant, but the maid had already turned away, busying herself with explaining the household laundry system.

"The servants will collect your clothes for washing," Nell said, her voice muffled as she bent to retrieve a stray stocking. "You needn't worry about that."

Evelyn's curiosity about Nell's earlier comment gnawed at her, but she found no opportunity to ask as the maid continued her efficient unpacking. Instead, she watched as Nell's gaze lingered once more on the pale blue dress, a wistful expression crossing her face.

"If I may say so, miss," Nell said softly, her fingers ghosting over the delicate lace, "you might not want to trust the servants with such fine work. It's... well, it's not something we see often here."

Evelyn felt a pang of sympathy for the young maid. "It is rather lovely, isn't it?" she said gently.

Nell nodded, her eyes still fixed on the dress. "I hope one day I'll have a dress so beautiful," she murmured, almost to herself. Then, as if remembering her place, she straightened and offered Evelyn a bright smile. "Now then, miss, shall we get you changed?"

Evelyn stood still as Nell's nimble fingers worked at the fastenings of her travelling dress. The fabric, stiff with dried mud, clung stubbornly to her skin. She felt a twinge of embarrassment at her dishevelled state, but Nell's cheerful chatter put her somewhat at ease.

"There we are, miss," Nell said, easing the dress over Evelyn's shoulders. "Let's get you into something more comfortable."

The tea gown Nell selected was a soft, dove-grey light wool that whispered against Evelyn's skin as she slipped it on. The warmth from the crackling fire began to seep into her bones, chasing away the last of the chill from her journey.

"I'll have one of the kitchen maids bring up a tray for you later," Nell promised, smoothing the gown's folds. "You must be famished after your travels."

Evelyn nodded gratefully, sinking into a chair by the fire. As Nell turned to leave, a question that had been nagging at Evelyn's mind since her arrival bubbled to the surface.

"Nell," she called softly, causing the maid to pause at the door. "I was wondering... how close are we to the burnt-out West Wing, and all of that..."

Nell's expression softened. "Oh, you needn't worry about that, miss. The house is as sturdy as a fortress. You're quite safe here."

Evelyn hesitated, then lowered her voice. "What... what happened there?"

For the first time since their meeting, Nell's face went blank, her usual warmth replaced by a hardness that startled Evelyn. "We don't talk about that, miss," Nell said, her tone clipped.

Evelyn felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. She looked down at her hands, twisting in her lap. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry."

As quickly as it had appeared, the hardness vanished from Nell's face, replaced once more by her cheerful demeanour. "No harm done, miss. Why don't you get some rest? I'll be back with your food later."

With that, Nell slipped out of the room, leaving Evelyn alone with her thoughts and the crackling fire. There was something ghoulish about it, sitting and taking such comfort from a fire when part of her new home lay in ruins from a fire just a few steps away.

***

T he Baron sat hunched over his desk, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows across the study. His eyes strained to make out the figures in the ledger before him, the rows of numbers blurring into an indecipherable mess. He pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to ward off the headache that threatened to overtake him.

The agricultural reports were grim. The new methods he'd been pushing hadn't taken hold as quickly as he'd hoped, and now his tenants faced the very real possibility of a lean harvest. James felt the weight of their livelihoods pressing down upon his shoulders, a burden he'd never asked for but couldn't bring himself to shirk.

His mind drifted to the tense dinner he'd endured earlier. The girls had barely touched their food, their faces set in stubborn scowls that spoke volumes about their feelings towards the new governess. James had tried to engage them in conversation, but his efforts had been met with sullen silence or monosyllabic responses.

He sighed, running a hand through his unkempt hair. The arrival of Miss Bane had stirred up a hornet's nest, and he wasn't entirely sure he had the energy to deal with the fallout. Her incessant chatter during the drive from the coach station still rang in his ears, a stark contrast to the quiet solitude he'd grown accustomed to.

A sharp knock at the study door startled him from his reverie. James straightened in his chair, his shoulders tensing instinctively.

"Come in," he called, his voice rough from disuse.

The door creaked open, and James found himself hoping it wasn't Miss Bane. He wasn't prepared to face another barrage of questions or complaints about country life. Not tonight, when his patience was already worn thin.

James looked up as Nell entered the study, her familiar presence a welcome respite from his troubled thoughts. She hesitated at the threshold, her usual confidence replaced by an uncharacteristic nervousness.

"Begging your pardon, my lord. I didn't mean to disturb you," Nell said, her eyes darting to the scattered papers on his desk. "You look exhausted. Perhaps we could speak tomorrow instead?"

James waved away her concern, gesturing for her to approach. "Nonsense, Nell. You're here now. What's on your mind?"

Nell stepped closer, wringing her hands. James frowned, unaccustomed to seeing her so ill at ease. She'd been a steady presence in the household for years, her cheerful demeanour a balm to his own melancholy. To see her troubled now only added to his unease.

"Well, sir, it's about Miss Bane," Nell began, her voice lowered as if afraid the very walls might overhear. "I know she's only just arrived, and I don't want to speak out of turn..."

James leaned back in his chair, a weariness settling over him that had nothing to do with the late hour. "Go on," he prompted, bracing himself for whatever fresh complication the new governess had introduced to his already chaotic household.

Nell took a deep breath, her resolve visibly strengthening. "It's just... I'm concerned about how she'll fit in here, my lord. She seems rather... unsuited to country life."

James couldn't help but let out a dry chuckle. "That much was evident from the moment she stepped off the coach, Nell. But surely it's too soon to judge?"

"Perhaps, sir," Nell conceded, though her furrowed brow suggested she wasn't entirely convinced. "But I fear her... unfamiliarity with our ways might cause more upheaval than the girls can handle. They've been through so much already."

James felt a pang of guilt at the mention of his daughters. He'd been so consumed with the estate's troubles that he'd barely given thought to how they might be adjusting to Miss Bane's presence. He rubbed his temples, trying to ward off the headache that threatened to overwhelm him.

What exactly has Miss Bane done to worry you so, Nell?" he asked, dreading the answer.

James felt his muscles tense as he waited for Nell's response. The maid's hesitation only heightened his concern.

"Well, my lord," Nell began, her voice barely above a whisper, "I showed Miss Bane to her room earlier, and I noticed she seemed... unfamiliar with the hearth."

James leaned forward, his brow furrowing. "Unfamiliar? How so?"

Nell wrung her hands, clearly uncomfortable with what she was about to say. "She didn't seem to know how to light a fire, sir. Or how to tend one safely."

James's blood ran cold. He stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the wooden floor. The memory of flames licking at the walls of his home, the acrid smell of smoke, the screams... He shook his head, forcing the memories away.

"Are you certain, Nell?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

Nell nodded solemnly. "I am, my lord. I wouldn't have mentioned it if I wasn't sure. I know how important fire safety is to you... to all of us."

James paced behind his desk, his mind racing. The entire household knew the strict protocols in place regarding fire safety. It wasn't just a matter of practicality; it was a matter of survival. The thought of someone so careless with fire being responsible for his daughters sent a chill down his spine.

Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Nell," he said, his voice tight with suppressed emotion. "I'll speak with Miss Bane first thing in the morning. We can't afford to take any risks, not with..."

He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. Nell's eyes softened with understanding.

Of course, my lord. Is there anything else you need?"

James shook his head, suddenly feeling every bit of his thirty-five years. "No, thank you, Nell. You may go."

As the door closed behind her, James sank back into his chair, his head in his hands. The arrival of Miss Bane had already complicated matters more than he'd anticipated. Now, with this new information, he found himself questioning whether he'd made a grave mistake in bringing her to Hastings Manor.